Latest news with #GovernmentofTanzania
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Tortured' Ugandan activist dumped at border following arrest in Tanzania
A Ugandan human rights activist, arrested in Tanzania after travelling to the country to support an opposition politician at a trial for treason, has been tortured and dumped at the border, according to an NGO. Ugandan rights group Agora Discourse said on Friday that activist and journalist Agather Atuhaire had been 'abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities' and showed signs of torture. The statement echoes reports regarding a Kenyan activist detained at the same time and released a day earlier, and supports complaints of a crackdown on democracy across East Africa. Atuhaire had travelled to Tanzania alongside Kenyan anticorruption campaigner Boniface Mwangi to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who appeared in court on Monday. Both were arrested shortly after the hearing and held incommunicado. Tanzanian police had initially told local rights groups that the pair would be deported by air. However, Mwangi was discovered on Thursday on a roadside in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border. Agora Discourse said it was 'relieved to inform the public that Agather has been found'. However, the rights group's cofounder Jim Spire Ssentongo confirmed to the AFP news agency on Friday that there were 'indications of torture'. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been accused of increasing authoritarianism, amid rising concerns regarding democracy across East Africa. Activists travelling to Lissu's trail accused Tanzania of 'collaborating' with Kenya and Uganda in their 'total erosion of democratic principles'. Several high-profile political arrests have highlighted the rights record of Hassan, who plans to seek re-election in October. The Tanzanian leader has said that her government is committed to respecting human rights. However, she warned earlier this week that foreign activists would not be tolerated in the country as Lissu appeared in court. 'Do not allow ill-mannered individuals from other countries to cross the line here,' Hassan instructed security services. Several activists from Kenya, including a former justice minister, said they were denied entry to Tanzania as they tried to travel to attend the trial. Following his return to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, Mwangi said that he and Atuhaire had suffered a brutal experience. 'We were both treated worse than dogs, chained, blindfolded and underwent a very gruesome torture,' he told reporters. 'The Government of Tanzania cannot hide behind national sovereignty to justify committing serious crimes and human rights violations against its own citizens and other East Africans,' the International Commission of Jurists in Kenya said in a statement.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
United States (U.S.) Government Commits nearly $1 Million to Strengthen Mpox Response in Tanzania
The U.S. government through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announces nearly $1 million in assistance to strengthen surveillance and control of the spread of mpox in Tanzania. These funds will support the Ministries of Health for both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar in their surveillance, detection and infection control efforts. This funding, provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will focus on the following critical areas: Strengthening surveillance to detect emerging infection clusters Expanding infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities Enhancing capacity at points of entry to prevent the spread of mpox Supplying essential laboratory materials Supporting Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) to improve data analysis and communication, including preparing comprehensive situation reports (SitReps) that provide demographic insights and regional case data Boosting public communication and awareness initiatives 'Through these investments, the U.S. Government reaffirms its ongoing commitment to work alongside the Government of Tanzania to strengthen Tanzania's resilience against disease outbreaks,' said Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Andrew Lentz, 'The U.S. Government is proud to contribute its technical expertise, investments, and on-the-ground support to protect the health and safety of the American and Tanzanian people.' Mpox causes symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. While most individuals recover without complications, some may experience severe illness. The United States is proud to collaborate with the Government of Tanzania to enhance Tanzania's response efforts and safeguard the health and well-being of Tanzanians and Americans in the global fight against mpox. By supporting global health initiatives, we are making the United States safer and stronger in the face of emerging health threats. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.
Zawya
11-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
World Health Organization (WHO) Donates Essential Medical Equipment to Combat Marburg Outbreak in Tanzania
In the face of the ongoing Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Kagera, Tanzania, frontline health workers and local communities have received vital support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners through the provision of over 3 tons of essential medical supplies, including Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) kits, ultrasound machines, blood pressure cuffs, pulse oximeters, and equipment worth 30,000USD to help care for ill patients. The kits, containing essential medical supplies, are part of an effort to bolster the response efforts of frontline healthcare workers. Each kit includes vital items to protect health workers and effectively treat those affected by the disease. For Dr Noel Saitoti, the team lead for frontline health workers at the treatment centre, the donation is seen as a crucial step in managing the crisis. "This equipment will significantly improve our ability to care for the critically ill," Dr. Saitoti said. "The support from WHO and partners has been invaluable in ensuring that we have the tools and resources necessary to save lives and protect our healthcare teams." In addition to the donated supplies, WHO and partners have been providing ongoing technical, logistical, and operational assistance. This includes case management expertise, setting up treatment and isolation centres, intensive surveillance, coordination, and Risk Communication and community engagement. WHO has also provided trainings for healthcare and Community health workers, to ensure the outbreak is contained and the health system remains resilient. Dr Charles Sagoe Moses, WHO's Representative to Tanzania, commended the collective efforts in tackling the outbreak. He stated, 'Since the declaration of this outbreak by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and WHO's Director General Dr. Tedros, we have seen exceptional collaboration and coordination across all sectors to fight this deadly virus,"said Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses. We believe that with these resources, alongside your leadership and the tireless efforts of healthcare workers, we can strengthen our response capacity and ultimately save more lives." Similarly, Dr. Godwin Mollel, the Deputy Minister of Health, who received the medical items, expressed gratitude to WHO and partners for the ongoing support to curb the spread of the virus and end it in an opportune time. He encouraged, "Collaboration, coordination, and community engagement are essential to curtailing the spread of MVD and ensuring long-term health security". The collaboration between the Government of Tanzania, WHO, and other partners continues to be pivotal in the response to the Marburg outbreak. As the situation evolves, the commitment to effective case management, collaborative surveillance, coordination, and community engagement remains key to curbing the spread of MVD and ensuring the long-term health security of Tanzania's citizens. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - United Republic of Tanzania.
