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The Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has launched a new and improved National Health Portal. Developed with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), it marked a significant leap for its public health system.
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This centralized digital platform is designed to transform how health data is accessed and used. It empowers officials and citizens alike to make faster, evidence-based decisions that improve health outcomes across the nation.
A Centralized Hub for Health Information
The upgraded portal provides a user-friendly, one-stop shop for a wide array of health data. It consolidates routine health statistics, survey results, official reports, and thematic insights into a single, accessible platform. This move is aimed squarely at strengthening the entire health system by ensuring that health professionals, policymakers, and development partners have the real-time information needed to enhance service delivery and track national progress effectively.
Leadership Commitment to Transparency and Access
Senior officials highlighted the portal’s role in fostering a more transparent and accountable health sector.
According to Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, “The National Health Portal serves as the official platform for disseminating health information and statistics.” He noted that the portal, established in 2015, has been upgraded specifically to provide “quick and easy access to data across the health sector,” with updates made quarterly from multiple reporting sources.
Dr. Fedjo Galbert, WHO Health Systems Coordinator, reaffirmed the organization’s support, stating, “WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Tanzania in strengthening health information systems and advancing data use for action. Reliable, accessible data is essential for guiding policies, improving health services, and achieving better outcomes for all.”
Empowering a Diverse Range of Users
The portal is designed to serve a broad audience, ensuring that critical health information reaches everyone who needs it. Key user groups include:
- Government agencies for policy and planning.
- Development partners for coordinated support.
- Researchers and academics for evidence-based studies.
- Civil society organizations for advocacy and monitoring.
- The general public for transparency and access to information.
From Data Collection to Life-Saving Action
The launch of the new National Health Portal marks a pivotal shift from simply collecting data to actively using it as a tool for impact. By ensuring that reliable data is readily available, the Ministry of Health, WHO, and its partners are turning information into concrete actions that save lives, optimize resources, and build a more resilient health system for all Tanzanians.
