By Veronica Mrema
A significant historical health conference is set to take place over two days, on October 29 and 30, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This is the 11th meeting of the Merck Foundation, a major global institution founded in Germany, with its headquarters in Dubai.
For many years, the foundation has focused on women's health, combating violence and stigma against childless individuals, and promoting girls education.
Recently, it has also expanded its scope to address non-communicable diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, which are increasingly affecting many people worldwide.
Tanzania has been chosen as the host for this year's conference, marking a significant milestone in the health sector.
Approximately 600 guests from Africa and Asia are expected to attend, including spouses of presidents from 15 African countries, health professionals, and journalists specializing in health issues.
WHY TANZANIA?
This raises the question: why was Tanzania selected as the host for this major international health conference?
According to Ambassador Mindi Kasiga, the Director of Government Communication at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, several factors were considered.
“The foundation typically evaluates how a country addresses various health challenges and the progress made in overcoming them,” she explained.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, the CEO of the Merck Foundation, highlighted Tanzania as an exemplary model due to its significant investment in the health sector.
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to grace the event as the guest of honor, with the First Lady of Zanzibar, Mama Maria Mwinyi, representing Tanzania.
Dr. Rasha emphasized, “The leadership of Dr. Samia is a role model to emulate, which is why we did not hesitate to come to Tanzania.”
The conference will include sessions where experts will discuss various health issues and share knowledge.
Ambassador Mindi pointed out that the event serves as a platform for education, with a focus on issues affecting maternal and child health.
“Participants will learn how to implement effective strategies in their respective countries based on Tanzania's experiences,” she added.
The Merck Foundation has collaborated with Tanzania for many years, particularly in funding education for health professionals.
Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, noted that,
.., ministers from health, gender, communication, education, and social welfare from the invited countries will participate in the conference.
The conference aims to pave the way for new commitments from the spouses of presidents, ministers, and the Merck Foundation team to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare solutions in Africa.
“This conference will be instrumental in addressing stigma and societal attitudes towards infertility and improving access to safe reproductive health services for women and girls,” she emphasized.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Ambassador Mindi pointed out that large conferences like this one help stimulate the economy and increase foreign revenue.
If each participant spends an average of $1,000, the estimated economic impact could reach $600,000 or more, contributing significantly to the local economy in Dar es Salaam.
MEDIA ENGAGEMENT/SWAHILI LANGUAGE
The second day of the conference will focus specifically on journalists, offering them specialized training in health reporting and Ai programs.
“This initiative aims to enhance their capacity to report effectively on health issues,” Ambassador Mindi stated.
Merck Foundation plans to introduce the Swahili language in its health communication materials, marking a first in its outreach efforts in Tanzania.
TOURISM IMPACT
The conference also presents an opportunity for medical tourism and conference tourism, expanding Tanzania's offerings in these emerging sectors.
Ambassador Mindi encourages Tanzanian ambassadors abroad to attract more international meetings and investments.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Ambassador Mindi highlighted the conference’s potential benefits for the nation, as local doctors will gain new skills and knowledge to enhance healthcare services upon their return to work.
With 15 presidential spouses already in attendance and accompanied by their health ministers, the event promises to be impactful.
Following the conference, Tanzania will conduct a thorough evaluation to assess the overall benefits gained.
Participating countries include Botswana, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, São Tomé, Cape Verde, and the Central African Republic, alongside the host, Tanzania.
Chapisha Maoni