For Immediate Release
Press Release
Dar es Salaam – In response to rising cholera cases in the Mwanza and Simiyu regions, the United States is providing an additional TZS 1.18 billion (USD $500,000) in support to these regions. This initiative builds on existing U.S. government health support to communities affected by cholera outbreaks throughout Tanzania.
Through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Maji Safi (Clean Water and Sanitation) project, the United States has provided TZS 591 million (USD $250,000) each to Simiyu and Mwanza, and deployed water, sanitation, and hygiene technical teams to support their respective regional health offices. These teams, in coordination with local stakeholders, are providing life-saving water purification tablets, disinfecting water sources, and delivering community awareness programs to stop the spread of cholera.
“Our swift action reflects our commitment to saving lives and reducing the spread of cholera in Tanzania,” said Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Lentz. “The United States remains a steadfast partner in strengthening Tanzania’s health systems, which includes promoting access to clean water and sanitation—critical elements in combating this preventable disease.”
Earlier this year, the United States provided TZS 473 million (USD $200,000) in emergency funding to support cholera prevention and response efforts following outbreaks affecting 18 regions across Tanzania. Since September 2023, cholera cases have increased in Tanzania, with over 2,200 reported cases and over 40 deaths. The U.S. government, through USAID and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has continued to work closely with Tanzanian community leaders to increase access to clean water, educate community healthcare workers and residents on effective prevention measures, and support the rapid deployment of outbreak response teams. CDC is providing purification tablets to people with HIV and leading control efforts at facilities supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This additional support will strengthen coordination, mobilize resources, and empower heavily affected communities in Simiyu and Mwanza to stop the spread of cholera and save lives.
This crisis support is part of a broader TZS 118.19 billion (USD $50 million) U.S. commitment to transform water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure across Tanzania. To date, over two million additional Tanzanians now have access to safe water and improved sanitation. The United States continues its support of the expansion of access to clean water and improved sewage systems as a foundation for a healthier and more prosperous future for all Tanzanians.
For more information about this press release, please contact the USAID/Tanzania Development, Outreach and Communications Team at Dardocs@usaid.gov.