DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (BG) — Tanzania has launched a new initiative to improve its emergency response system as the country faces one of the highest road traffic death rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with 16 deaths per 100,000 people.
A media release from the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa on Thursday stated that many of these fatalities and disabilities could be prevented with timely emergency care.
Challenges such as a lack of coordination, the absence of formal emergency medical services, and the lack of a centralized dispatch system continue to hinder trauma care. Limited first aid training, a severe ambulance shortage, and insufficient service providers worsen the situation.
With funding from the United Nations Road Safety Fund, the WHO, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders have partnered to strengthen Tanzania’s emergency care system.
As part of the initiative, Tanzania has acquired 40 ambulances equipped with advanced medical technology to enhance emergency response and post-accident care, according to Bashiri Madhehebi, a Ministry of Home Affairs representative.
“Improving road safety requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach. And this initiative has come at an opportune time,” he said, expressing gratitude to the UN Road Safety Fund and all involved stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of WHO, Country Representative Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses highlighted the importance of emergency medical care in saving lives, supporting economic growth, and building resilient communities.
“This project is timely and aligns well with ongoing initiatives under the Fire and Rescue program, particularly efforts to improve infrastructure for the medical care of injured patients,” Madhehebi said.
Dr. Pamela Kisoka, from the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving coordination at all levels and urged more stakeholders to collaborate.
The initiative aligns with WHO’s Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to reduce global road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
