Health Ministers from the East African Community (EAC) Partner States have endorsed the establishment of two Regional Centres of Excellence in Tanzania as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s specialized healthcare systems.
The decision was made during the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health in Arusha.
The centres, proposed by the United Republic of Tanzania, will include the Centre of Excellence in Oral Health Sciences at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and the Centre of Excellence in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematological Sciences at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma.
Speaking during the official opening of the Ministerial session, Dr. Godwin Mollel, Deputy Minister for Health and head of Tanzania’s delegation, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening healthcare delivery.
"Tanzania remains committed to the EAC health agenda through strengthening health systems, investing in human capital, and expanding infrastructure," said Dr. Mollel. "The launch of these Centres of Excellence is a strategic step towards improving access to specialized medical care in the region."
He also called for collective action in addressing emerging health threats such as Mpox, urging Partner States to enhance disease surveillance and laboratory capacity.
"We must scale up disease monitoring systems, reinforce laboratory networks, and intensify cross-border collaboration to ensure timely response to outbreaks," he said.
Dr. Mollel stressed the importance of accurate health communication and public engagement in fighting disease-related stigma and misinformation.
"Community involvement and proper communication are critical tools in combating stigma and misinformation around health issues," he noted.
He further reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening medical education across the region.
"We are determined to advance regional health education initiatives, including harmonizing medical training curricula across EAC Partner States," he added.
The Centres of Excellence are expected to serve as hubs for advanced training, research, and service provision, aligning with the EAC’s vision of a healthy, integrated region that meets the health needs of its people.
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