WAF – Morogoro: The Government through the Ministry of Health under the Department of Prevention, Environmental Health Unit, Border Health Services in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has continued to strengthen protection against infectious diseases in border areas, following a detailed analysis of statistics on the movements of people crossing informal borders in Kigoma and Rukwa regions.
This was stated by the Head of Border Health Services, Dr. Remidius Kakulu during a five-day working session held in Morogoro region, he said the measure aims to control the risk of the spread of diseases that can enter the country through informal border routes.
“Disease control experts from the Ministry of Health, Muhimbili National Hospital and Ardhi University are reviewing and analyzing in detail the information collected by the Ministry of Health from various border areas to identify the movement of people, routes used frequently, areas frequently visited by foreign visitors and challenges that may increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases”, said Dr. Kakulu
Good Neighborhood Coordinator Mr. Athanas Lucas said this information is important in strengthening patient control in collaboration with our neighboring countries.
“There are also Tanzanians who visit neighboring countries for economic and social reasons. Therefore, the control of infectious diseases is not only for those within the country but also for those who travel to neighboring countries for specific reasons”, stressed Mr. Lucas
A researcher from the Medical Research, Training and Advisory Unit at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr. Sima Rugarabamu said this session has been held at a very important time for the country and the world as it will help prevent epidemics such as Mpox, influenza and cholera that continue to spread to neighboring countries.
“The work we are doing is important because it will help develop strategies for better ways to eradicate and control diseases at borders”, said Dr. Rugarabamu
Also, the Officer in Charge from the Kigoma Port-Lake Tanganyika, Mr. Theodory Rutahindurwa said this analysis will help provide information on the movement of people, their residences, where they travel and the reason for the trip, thus making it easier to expand the scope of health services beyond official borders to prevent transmission.
“The information is also expected to be used by various sectors including health, immigration, border security and local government authorities, a move that will help improve early warning systems and increase the nation’s capacity to respond to disease outbreaks in border communities”, said Mr. Rutahindurwa
