Dr. Omary Chillo, a physiologist, has been instrumental in establishing the Tanzania Health Summit (THS), which has grown to host over 1,500 health stakeholders annually. The summit aims to inspire young healthcare problem-solvers, facilitate dialogue between policymakers and the private sector, and inform national health policy. Despite challenges like limited resources and infrastructure, Dr. Chillo's visionary approach has positioned THS as a leading platform for public health engagement in Tanzania. The summit's success has led to international recognition, including hosting the 2028 Priorities Conference and participation in the World Health Summit. Dr. Chillo emphasizes the importance of quality content, sustainability, and innovation in health conferencing, while also highlighting the positive impact of hosting events in Zanzibar.

Tanzania's recent HPV vaccination campaign successfully targeted 5 million girls aged 9-14, achieving a 97% reach within a week. The campaign, supported by Gavi, UNICEF, and WHO, marked a shift to a single-dose regimen, reducing logistical challenges and costs. The initiative was driven by local research and aimed to protect against cervical cancer, a significant health issue in Tanzania. Community health workers played a crucial role in dispelling myths and encouraging participation, leading to a positive shift in public attitudes towards vaccination.

Tanzania has made significant progress in its vaccination catch-up strategy, addressing the decline in routine immunizations exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The country's proactive approach, supported by Gavi and other organizations, has successfully reached over half of the previously unvaccinated children, with plans to continue these efforts into 2024. The strategy's success is attributed to integrated vaccination campaigns, effective microplanning, and community outreach, providing a model for other nations facing similar challenges.

Dr. Basiliana Emidi, a Principal Research Officer at the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania, is making significant strides in mosquito behavior research, focusing on resistance to insecticides and mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Inspired by the late Dr. Mwele Malecela, she is part of the WHO's mentorship program for women in neglected tropical diseases. Her leadership and determination are evident in her career growth and her efforts to empower women in vector control, which have led to community-driven health improvements. Dr. Basiliana's work is recognized at international forums, and she continues to advocate for gender equality and women's leadership in science.

In Tanzania, a significant portion of the population, including individuals like Reuben Thomas, faces economic hardships and lacks access to health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to high medical costs. The Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute frequently treats uninsured patients from motorcycle accidents, highlighting the urgent need for a universal health insurance law to improve healthcare access and financial security for Tanzanians.

A study conducted in India and Tanzania, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with local collaborators, has found that a single 500mg calcium pill daily is as effective as the standard three-pill regimen in preventing preeclampsia and preterm birth among pregnant women. The World Health Organization currently recommends 1500 to 2000 milligrams daily in three doses. The study's findings, which could simplify and reduce the cost of supplementation, were presented at the 5th ARISE Network Annual Scientific Symposium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Further research is needed to confirm these results in different populations and assess long-term effects.

Tanzanian scientists, led by Sang'udi Sang'udi, are developing Saratani AI, an AI tool for early cancer detection, amidst a significant challenge of local data scarcity. This issue, common across Africa, affects the tool's accuracy due to reliance on datasets from the Global North, which may not reflect local disease patterns. Experts like Deogratius Mzurikwao warn of the risks of bias and the legal implications of using AI trained on non-local data. Efforts are underway to collaborate with institutions for more representative data, and projects like Jabhera Matogoro's AI Mental Health Project in Dodoma aim to integrate locally relevant data. However, the lack of a comprehensive AI policy in Tanzania raises concerns about data protection and regulatory oversight. Advocates like Maxence Melo stress the need for dedicated regulations to ensure ethical AI development, while government officials like Deputy Minister Andrea Kundo highlight the broader vision for emerging technologies. The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive AI governance.

Gavi has committed over US$1.8 billion to support vaccine production in Africa, with US$1 billion allocated through the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) to bolster the continent's biotechnology sector. The initiative aims to address vaccine inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and support African manufacturers in delivering over 800 million doses in the next decade. The funding also includes a US$500 million First Response Fund for future pandemics and routine immunisation gaps. Key stakeholders, including Africa CDC and the African Union, view this as a significant step towards vaccine self-reliance, though further domestic funding is needed for sustainable implementation.

Zanzibar has made significant strides towards eliminating cholera, with no outbreaks reported in the last five years. The success is attributed to a comprehensive plan involving improved water and sanitation infrastructure, preventive vaccination, and community mobilization. Key organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health for Tanzania and Zanzibar have played crucial roles. The plan aims to eliminate cholera by 2027, but sustained efforts in hygiene and health education are essential to maintain these gains.

Africa has introduced a new public health order, developed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to enhance health security and sustainable development. This roadmap emphasizes local ownership, equity, sustainable investment, innovation, and self-reliance. It aims to strengthen public health institutions, expand vaccine and therapeutic manufacturing, invest in the public health workforce, and foster partnerships. The initiative addresses the continent's high disease burden and inadequate health funding, aiming to prevent future health crises and improve overall health outcomes. The success of this order depends on the full support and implementation by African governments and institutions.