African Development Bank has approved $50.7 million to Tanzania in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In an effort to firm up the economy, the Tanzania government is particularly focused on local businesses and the country’s overall health system.
The bank’s board of directors approved its loan to Tanzania, media reports said. Prime Minister and CCM Central Committee member Kassim Majaliwa seeks to improve healthcare provisions in the country, especially with the protracted coronavirus pandemic.
Kassim Majaliwa told the media, “With CHF, members are free to decide on the amount that they will be contributing for themselves and their dependents. Initially, CHF members were only receiving treatment in their respective districts but now they are allowed to access free medical services within their region.”
The Tanzania government has established the National Health Insurance Fund which is a social health insurance institution with an intent to increase access to healthcare services to the people. It is reported that the fund largely covers councilors, private companies, education institutions, private individuals and children.
It seems that the containment measures introduced to cope with the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. Also, the medium and long-term impacts of the pandemic are yet to be fully assessed for implementing further measures.
Nnenna Nwabufo, the Acting Director-General of the AfDB ’s East Africa regional office, told the media, “The African Development Bank Group is stepping up its coordination with governments, as well as with other development partners to adapt and strengthen its monitoring and response to the pandemic.”