Karachi: A high-level delegation from Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe, recently visited the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan. The visit aimed to fortify the partnership between the two entities, focusing on advancing health and education in Tanzania.
Dr. Magembe engaged in discussions with AKU President Sulaiman Shahabuddin and Zeenat Sulaiman, Regional CEO of Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa. The talks centered on enhancing health systems, expanding specialized training, and employing technology to improve healthcare access in Tanzania.
President Shahabuddin highlighted the historical ties between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and Tanzania, and expressed interest in future contributions to the country’s development across various sectors.
Dr. Magembe reiterated the Tanzanian government’s commitment to healthcare, emphasizing that technology plays a crucial role in reaching a broader population. She acknowledged AKDN’s contributions to Tanzania’s development.
The delegation included key officials such as Dr. Saitore Laizer, Director of Human Resource Development, Ms. Esther Elisamia Msechu, Senior ICT Officer, and Mr. Simon Ernest, Personal Assistant to the CMO. Representatives from AKU Tanzania, including Professor Paschal Ruggajo and Dr. Samina Somji, also participated.
Key collaborative areas identified during the visit include bolstering health-related education and training, strengthening primary healthcare given its critical role in rural Tanzania, integrating technology into health systems, and enhancing specialized healthcare training.
Both parties expressed their enthusiasm for translating these discussions into actionable plans.