CCM puts healthcare at heart of 2025–2030 Manifesto, stakeholders react

The blueprint spans infrastructure, human resources, medicines, medical equipment, financing, and technology to deliver quality services to all Tanzanians, on both the Mainland and Zanzibar.

From 2020 to 2024, maternal and child health indicators improved markedly.

Maternal mortality dropped from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births, an over 80 percent decline.

Neonatal deaths fell from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births.

These gains stemmed from improved antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care, plus wider access to immunisation and preventive services.

Still, CCM concedes the journey is unfinished.

International best practice has yet to be achieved, prompting new strategies to accelerate progress.

Bringing services closer

In four years, 1,288 health facilities have been built, including 947 dispensaries, 277 health centres, 57 district hospitals, four regional hospitals, and three zonal hospitals.

The goal is to cut travel distances, especially in rural areas where residents once walked kilometres to reach care.

Zanzibar has upgraded Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital, built new regional hospitals, improved public health laboratories, and established a psychiatric hospital in Pemba.

Medicines and medical equipment

Availability of essential medicines rose from 75.6 percent in 2020 to 89.3 percent in 2024, meaning nearly nine in ten required drugs are now available.

The government has strengthened the Medical Stores Department and encouraged private investment in local health-product manufacturing, reducing import dependence.

Malaria fight

Malaria remains a major threat, with about eight percent of Tanzanians infected annually, 10 percent in rural areas, and one percent in urban centres.

The country accounts for 4.4 percent of global malaria deaths.

CCM’s plan involves eradicating mosquito breeding sites, boosting production at the Kibaha pharmaceutical plant, and requiring each local authority to allocate malaria-control budget.

Universal Health Insurance

The Universal Health Insurance Act aims to protect all Tanzanians from catastrophic medical costs.

The Health Services Fund will expand registration to achieve universal coverage, reducing poverty from unforeseen health expenses in Zanzibar.

Human resources

A shortage of health professionals, particularly specialists, remains a challenge.

CCM plans to increase numbers and improve the doctor–patient ratio from 1:6,272 to 1:3,100.

It also aims to strengthen mental health services, psychological support, and traditional medicine, including cultivating medicinal plants.

Digital and AI systems

Digital systems and artificial intelligence will be deployed for diagnosis and treatment, improving accuracy and speed, according to the CCM document.

Health workers will reach remote communities, ensuring no one is excluded due to geography or transport.

Nutrition and community health

CCM has launched nutrition programmes for pre-primary and primary pupils, alongside enhanced immunisation and preventive services.

In Zanzibar, the goal is to cut stillbirths and first-month deaths to 26 per 1,000 live births.

Sports and cultural activities are also promoted to improve community health through greater public participation.

Challenges and implementation

Key obstacles include financial constraints, infrastructure gaps, and workforce shortages.

Despite plans for new and renovated facilities, unpredictable budgets could hamper progress.

Many projects rely on government funding, which is vulnerable to economic shifts and shifting priorities.

Running costs, covering staff salaries, medicines, and equipment, may slow momentum if resources are insufficient.

Without improved recruitment, training, and working conditions, the targeted doctor–patient ratio could stall.

Similarly, inadequate staff and infrastructure could hinder mental health and traditional medicine initiatives.

Stakeholder views

Health expert Aminieli Swai warns that investment in digital systems and AI may fail without sufficient training, professional oversight, and robust ICT infrastructure.

He stresses that tackling malaria and achieving universal insurance require cooperation among the private sector, civil society, and citizens.

“Without such collaboration, and without reducing import dependence, the manifesto’s goals risk remaining on paper,” he says.

The manifesto is aspirational, but sustained implementation will be the real test.

Pharmacist Angela Bwaya says stable funding, close supervision, and public–private partnerships are essential.

She adds that CCM must closely track its targets to drive real change; otherwise, they may remain unfulfilled by the end of its five-year term.