UMOJA NEWSLETTER TANZANIA
WHO PROVIDES MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND Issue No. 90 SUPPLIES TO ZANZIBAR TO FIGHT COVID-19 May - June 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
• WHO Tanzania provides technical support to Zanzibar decentralization of COVID-19 response
• WFP, Japan Partner to fight Malnutrition in Tanzania.
• COVID-19 catalyses efforts to end child labour in Tanzania
• On World Refugee Day, The Liaison Officer for WHO, Dr. Ghirmay Andemichael hands over the everyone can make a medical supplies and equipment to the Director General of Health Services difference and every and chairperson of the COVID19 National Task Force at the Ministry of Health, action counts. Zanzibar, Dr. Jamala Taib. Photo | Agnes Kenneth/ UN Tanzania
s of 29th June 2020, medical equipment, supplies to be handed over to the ACOVID19 pandemic and full set of amenities for ministry of Health, Zanzibar. has raged the globe with a establishing Public Health These items include hospi- total 10,021,401 cases and Emergency Operations tal beds, personal protective nearly half a million (499,913) Center (PHEOC) in Zanzibar. equipment, and patient mon- deaths. The number of itoring tools among others. confirmed cases and deaths As a continuation of The total cost of the donation globally and in the African strengthening the system is 95,657,500.00 Tanzanian Region, is on increase. for critical care, improved Shilling equivalent to USD As part of strengthening Infection Prevention and 41,992.00. the International Health Control and strengthening Regulations (IHR) -Core of the surveillance system At the handing over ceremony capacities and strengthening to combat COVID19 in , the Liaison Officer for WHO, the system for critical care, the Zanzibar, WHO has commis- Dr. Ghirmay Andemichael World Health Organization sioned the procurement of thanked the Ministry of Health (WHO) Tanzania, has 36 medical equipment, sup- and the Government of provided technical experts, plies and surveillance tools Continues on page 2
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1 Continued from page 1 should not show compla- Health Services and chairper- Zanzibar for the leadership cency, as the pandemic is not son of the COVID19 National and close collaboration with showing a sign of decline and Task Force at the Ministry of WHO and the UN system in advised individuals to take Health, Zanzibar, Dr. Jamala general and reiterated that responsibility in adhering to Taib. The Director General the collaboration and support the government directions thanked WHO and the UN to build capacity to prevent, and recommended meas- system for the continued respond and control health ures to curb the spread of the collaboration and reiterated emergencies will continue. virus. Together we will defeat that the medical supplies and He reminded that the medi- this pandemic. He added that equipment procured through cal equipment and supplies the positive behaviors that we the UN in Tanzania would go is intended to strengthen acquire during this pandemic a long way towards boosting Zanzibar’s capability to cope will also have a spilling effect the Government’s efforts to with the threat of the COVID- to prevent other communica- strengthen healthcare ser- 19 pandemic, improve critical ble diseases like cholera. vices and effectively combat care and prevent health work- the pandemic. ers from acquiring infections. The donation was received He emphasized that we by the Director General of
PANDEMIC IMPACTS ON ENDING-FGM EFFORTS
nalization of the practice in Tanzania in 1998 and the gov- ernment’s commitment to deliver on the global goal of zero gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices including FGM as evidenced in the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children – 32 per cent of women and girls (aged 15 to 49) in the region have under- gone FGM.
In March 2020, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania announced the closure of all The COVID-19 crisis, and its accompanying lockdown measures, has the potential to derail progress to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Tanzania. schools kindergarten to sec- Photo| Karlien Truyens/UNFPA Tanzania ondary for 30 days to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 ith support from safe houses in Serengeti pandemic; the following day the United Nations and Butiama Districts, Mara W all universities, colleges and Population Fund (UNFPA), Region, for girls who are flee- vocational training centres ‘Hope for Girls and Women’, ing female genital mutilation also closed. a Tanzania NGO, runs two (FGM). In spite of the crimi- Continues on page 3
2 Continued from page 2 cut since March, something rently housing 187 girls at its As in other countries in the Valerian says he has never centre although numbers are region the COVID-19 crisis, seen before. decreasing since the reopen- and its accompanying lock- ing of universities,colleges down measures, has the The pandemic is also having and vocational training cen- potential to derail progress another, less reported, tres and Form 6 of secondary to eliminate FGM in Tanzania, adverse impact on ending school on 1 June. something Rhobi Samwelly, FGM efforts: already stretched founder of Hope for Girls and resources have to go fur- 2020 is the start of the Decade Women, is already witnessing. ther. Hope for Girls provides of Action, with just 10 years its residents with vocational remaining to deliver on the The cutting season the time training and also supports Sustainable Development of year when most FGM/cut- girls with fees and boarding Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 ting activities take place in costs to attend school. But Agenda - including zero GBV the region is not due to start with the closure of education and harmful practices for in Mara until December but institutions, girls have had everyone, everywhere. As we Hope for Girls has already res- to return to the safe houses, move forward, UNFPA and cued 62 girls at risk of FGM. which means there are more its partners will accelerate They were unable to reach mouths to feed and more girls and deepen efforts to ensure additional 60 girls who had to accommodate. that progress made towards already been cut by the time national and global goals support arrived. Valerian Butiama and Serengeti safe towards eliminating FGM in Mgani, Association for the houses have a combined Tanzania does not stagnate or Termination of FGM, also in capacity of 100 they are cur- at worst reverse and focus on Mara Region, tells a similar rently home to 187 girls. building back better. story – 27 girls have been ATFGM Masgana is also cur-
WFP, JAPAN PARTNER TO FIGHT MALNUTRITION IN TANZANIA
Village Community Banking Group (VICOBA) in Nduu village supported by the Boresha Lishe programme. Photo | WFP/ Mwanzo Millinga
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3 Continued from page 3 foods in Bahi and Chamwino Japan, WFP is supplying and he Japanese government Districts in Dodoma Region installing solar power kiosks Thas contributed US$1.5 and Ikungi and Singida Rural to 40 VICOBAs supported million to the United Nations Districts in Singida Region. under the project. The kiosks World Food Programme The project works to improve contain rechargeable rental (WFP) to support the imple- knowledge on nutrition, die- devices such as lanterns and mentation of the four-year tary diversity and water, are operated as a business, (2017-2021) Boresha Lishe sanitation and hygiene prac- providing income opportu- nutrition project in rural areas tices (WASH). In addition, nities for the VICOBA and of Central Tanzania. keeping small-scale livestock, community members. planting diverse crops and The European Union (EU) and mobilizing Village Community For the supply and installation Japan funded Boresha Lishe Banking Groups (VICOBA) are of solar power kiosks, WFP project aims to improve access promoted, increasing access is working with a Japanese to and use of nutritious foods to capital as well as nutritious private company, leveraging for 30,000 women and chil- foods. its expertise accumulated dren through social behaviour through their business opera- change communication, pro- Supported by the contribu- tions over the years. vision of specialized nutritious tion from the Government of
COVID-19 CATALYSES EFFORTS TO END CHILD LABOUR IN TANZANIA
with lockdowns threatening increases in child labour, child abuse and student dropouts once schooling resumes. The global theme for the 2020 World Day against Child Labour (WDACL), marked on 12 June, was “COVID-19: Protect children from child labour, now more than ever!”. The implementation of the theme is evident in Tabora region where COVID-19 is catalysing efforts to address child labour.
A dialogue meeting involving ILO, NGOs and community members at Ndevelwa, Efforts to end child labour in Tabora. Photo| ILO Tanzania Tabora are championed by the Regional Commissioner he world has made the last two decades. The joy (RC) Hon. Aggrey DJ Mwanri, Tremarkable progress of these tireless efforts has who is also the patron of child in eliminating child labour. however been halted by the protection activities in the 94 million less children are COVID-19 pandemic. Novel region. engaged in child labour over challenges emerge especially Continues on page 5
4 Continued from page 4 the region during the period Commemoration of the His office with the support when schools were closed WDACL came at an opportune of the International Labour thereby helping children to time to complement the ongo- Organisation (ILO) through continue learning during the ing initiatives. Among others, the ongoing project enti- pandemic. the ILO in collaboration with tled “Addressing Decent Work its constituents and partners, Deficits in the Tobacco sector Between March and June 2020, i.e. the Prime Minister’s Office (DWiT)” along with other child 12 ward level bylaws have (Labour, Youth, Employment labour stakeholders have been reviewed to address child and Persons With Disability), funded radio-based learn- labour. The reviews have been The Tabora Regional ing programs called Tabora informed by the community Commissioner’s Office, TUCTA Darasa Plus. These programs level awareness campaigns and ATE reminded the stake- air classroom-like sessions conducted by the Association holders and communities for pupils who are at home of Tanzania Employers (ATE) on the need to focus on and due to COVID-19 availing les- and the Trade Union Congress ensure the realization of sons from those in preschool of Tanzania (TUCTA) through Sustainable Development to form four throughout the the support of the ILO’s DWiT Goal 8 (Decent Work and week. The programs are aired project on the need for child Economic Growth), specifi- through community radios protection especially during cally target 8.7 to eliminate all and have reached approxi- the pandemic. forms of child labour by 2025. mately 50-60% of students in
EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND EVERY ACTION COUNTS
United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Zlatan Milisic addresses guests attending World Refugee Day live TV panel discussions in Dar es Salaam. Photo| UNHCR Tanzania
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5 Continued from page 5 everyone, including refugees, organizations and a refugee. n 2020, World Refugee Day can contribute to society. I(WRD) was marked against Mr. Milišić appreciated the a backdrop of dramatic social The hybrid approach to the generosity of communities change. Not only had record virtual event, which included and countries that are host- numbers of people fled their a mixture of several satel- ing refugees. “On behalf of homes to find safety but the lite activities and a social the UN family, I thank the entire world is grappling with media campaign using media Government and people of the devastation of the global personalities and local celeb- Tanzania for their generosity. COVID-19 pandemic. rities, laid the ground for In particular, communities in the main event, which was Kigoma have been hosting In Tanzania, like in most other broadcast on live television refugees for many decades countries, the traditional to millions of Tanzanians despite also facing social and in-person commemorations and international audi- economic challenges of their that would have brought ences. The United Nations own.” together large gatherings Resident Coordinator, Mr. were not possible this year due Zlatan Milišić made opening Tanzania has been a model of to COVID-19. Nonetheless, remarks, which were then fol- peace and stability in the East through a series of activi- lowed by panel discussions. and Southern African region ties and a virtual event, the Panellists included represen- and has had a long tradition United Nations, together with tatives of the Government, of welcoming and hosting the Government and other the UN Refugee Agency refugees. partners, were successful (UNHCR), academia, civil in reminding the world that society, non-governmental
Nyarugusu refugee leader Ms. Angelique Abiola leading a dialogue between refugees and humanitarian organisations on issues affecting refugees during World Refugee Day celebrations. Photo| UNHCR Tanzania
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6 Continued from page 6 awareness messages,” he courage of people who have Currently, the country hosts said. been forced to flee their home more than 283,000 refugees, country to escape conflict or mainly from the DRC and In the refugee-hosting region persecution. Burundi. of Kigoma, other satellite events were held. In Nduta Beyond the WRD, the United UNHCR Representative in Refugee camp, UNHCR and Nations and all partners Tanzania, Mr. Antonio Can- Partners organized a live- appeal to everyone to handula called on the public lihood exhibition at the help continue the global to reflect on the plight of HelpAge Office. In Nyarugusu movement of solidarity and refugees. He noted that in Camp, 26 dialogue sessions action. Everyone can make this time of COVID-19, they took place. The topics a difference, and everyone were particularly vulnerable touched on issues affecting action counts in the effort to but hailed their courage and refugees, such as the im- create a more just, inclusive, eagerness to join the war portance of family planning, and equal world. against coronavirus. how the community can fight malaria, education, environ- “I would also like to invite you ment, etc. Also, children from “On behalf of the UN family, all to a moment of reflection Nyarugusu Refugee camp I thank the Government and and recognition of the small and the host community took people of Tanzania for their acts of heroism of refugees part in an Art competition generosity. In particular, who are on the frontlines followed by a panel discus- communities in Kigoma have been hosting refugees for fighting this pandemic sion on refugee issues. many decades despite also alongside their hosts and facing social and economic alongside aid workers. Some WRD is an international day challenges of their own.” are using their tailoring designated by the United skills to make face masks for Nations to honour refugees Zlatan Milišić, UNTZ Resident their community. Others are around the globe. Each year Coordinator playing a key role in dissemi- it is marked on June 20 and nating mass information and celebrates the strength and
Participants of the of dialogue in Nyarugusu refugee camp. Photo| UNHCR Tanzania
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Livelihood exhibition by refugee women under Basket for Solution project during this year’s #WorldRefugeeDay in Nduta refugee camp. Photo| UNHCR Tanzania
ILO APPRENTICES RESUME TRAINING AFTER COVID-19 CLOSURES Training institutions in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar resume with Apprenticeship Programme in Hospitality after nation-wide COVID-19 closures.
ver 200 youth from months at hotels for practical OTanzania Mainland and The training institutions are training. Zanzibar have resumed ILO’s key partners in the with the Apprenticeship Apprenticeship programme, As the COVID-19 pandemic Programme in Hospitality which aims to provide on-the- has disrupted the current after more than two months job training and employment training programme, the ILO away due to the COVID-19 opportunities in the hospi- along with its partners, NCT pandemic. tality sector for Tanzania’s and SUZA IoT, have to come disadvantaged youth. Over up with creative solutions to The National College of 70 percent the programme give the apprentices the holis- Tourism (NCT) campuses beneficiaries secured full tic training the programme in the Mainland opened time employment at some promises. “We are not sure on 1 June 2020 while the of the country’s top hotels when the apprentices can State University of Zanzibar and resorts less than 3 return to the field as most Institute of Tourism (SUZA IoT) months after graduating. hotels and resorts are not yet opened its doors on 22 June The programme provides fully operational. So, it is our after nationwide closures of apprentices with a two-year job to ensure the returning all educational institutions on training period with 6 months apprentices receive the 15 April 2020. at training institutions and 18 Continues on page 9
8 Continued from page 8 both theoretical and the best possible practical training we can give them, “says SUZA IoT Director Dr Aley Nassor. With assistance from ILO, key industry professionals such as chefs, housekeeping managers and trainers will provide intensive practical training for the apprentices at the institutions.
The ILO plans to continue with its COVID-19 support once hotels are ready to receive the apprentices. “The ILO will incentivise part- The first day back focused training on COVID-19 preventative measures for the ner hotels to continue with apprentices. Photo| ILO Tanzania training the apprentices by covering the apprentice- still a global threat, many sec- in the hospitality. “An innova- ship allowance costs due to tors, particularly tourism and tive approach is necessary to destabilizing nature of the hospitality are under threat. help mitigate the challenges pandemic on the hospitality The ILO Skills programme is the COVID-19 pandemic sector,” the ILO Skills National working to help mitigate the poses for the programme,” Programme Officer, Comoro short and long-term effects said Mr. Mwenda. Mwenda says. of the pandemic for the The Apprenticeship With the COVID-19 pandemic Apprenticeship programme Programme is funded by the government of Norway, and is part of ILO’s Skills and Employability Branch, which aims to provide technical assistance to Tanzania’s social partners to promote skills training and access to the labour market.
“The ILO will incentivise part- ner hotels to continue with training the apprentices by covering the apprentice- ship allowance costs due to destabilizing nature of the pandemic on the hospitality sector,”
Comoro Mwenda, Apprentices are back to their training institutions for the practical training ILO Skills National normally conducted at the programme hotel partners’ facilities. Photo| ILO Tanzania Programme Officer
9 WFP, BELGIUM CONNECT TANZANIA FARMERS TO REFUGEE FOOD MARKET
WFP provides refugees with rations of cereals, pulses (including beans), vegetable oil, specialized nutritious food and salt to meet their daily minimum food requirements.
“WFP is a big buyer of food commodities produced locally in Tanzania,” says Michael Dunford, WFP Representative in Tanzania. “In collaboration with Enabel, WFP is now able to help unlock a new market for smallholder farmers in the host community that can benefit from WFP’s support to refugees. With the suc-
Clockwise from top left: Rose coco beans, red kidney beans and yellow beans — cess of this procurement, WFP buys the first two varieties which are cultivated commercially as part of the WFP will continue to expand Enabel project. Photo| WFP/Max Wohlgemuth support through more pur- chases directly from the local he United Nations World fertilizer while coaching on community.” TFood Programme (WFP) good agricultural practices and Enabel, the Belgium helps maximize the quantity With the assurance that WFP Development Agency, have and quality of their harvests. would buy their beans, farm- partnered up to unlock a ers supported by Enabel new market for farmers in About 15 kilometres from were mobilised to produce Kigoma, supporting their ref- farms supported by Enabel beans of sufficient quantity ugee neighbours. is Mtendeli Refugee Camp – and quality. This year, WFP, a historic refuge for asylum under the coordination from Enabel works with 15,000 seekers from neighbour- Enabel, purchased almost farmers throughout Kigoma ing countries. The camp 400 metric tons of beans from region under the Sustainable reopened in January 2016, Nyakitonto and Muugano Agriculture Kigoma Regional following an influx of ref- Kiziguzigu Agricultural Project. Using a ‘pro-poor’ ugees from Burundi and Marketing Co-operatives value chain development currently hosts more than (AMCOS). These AMCOS’ bean approach, farmers are sys- 30,000 refugees. Refugees aggregation efforts straddled tematically supported from in Tanzania are restricted by the four districts of Kakonko, production all the way a strict encampment policy Kibondo, Kasulu and Uvinza, through to storage and mar- with limited resilience and all in Kigoma region. keting. Access to finance helps livelihood opportunities. They farmers purchase things such are dependent on the human- as improved and marketable itarian community to provide seed varieties, pesticides and for basic needs such as food. Continues on page 11
10 Continued from page 10 Christopher. “In the past, our Jackson Christopher, a res- market interactions with refu- “Having lived with refugees ident of Kakonko district, gees has been limited, but the as neighbours for most of serves as the chairperson of collaboration with WFP has my life, it is encouraging that Muungano AMCOS. “Having put us on a different level.” WFP has given the opportu- lived with refugees as neigh- nity to support them through bours for most of my life, The beans, purchased for food supply opportunities,” it is encouraging that WFP more than US$300,000, will Jackson Christopher, has given the opportunity to be distributed in the coming a resident of Kakonko support them through food months to the 230,000 refu- district supply opportunities,” says gees hosted in Kigoma.
POVERTY AND TABOO ARE STUMBLING BLOCKS TO MENSTRUAL HEALTH FOR GIRLS IN ZANZIBAR
The most important message Afaafa was asked to remem- ber, however, even if she forgets everything else was that menstruation is shame- ful. Nobody must ever know she was menstruating, Bi. Maimuna insisted, “even your husband is not supposed to know this.” Pieces of cloth used during her menses were to be kept hidden and washed and dried away from other people’s eyes.
It is now six years since Bi. Maimuna’s initiation, but her words are still fresh in Afaafa’s mind. She is engulfed by Adolescent girls visit the youth-friendly centre before the COVID-19 outbreak in fear every time her monthly Tanzania. Photo| Gonzalo Bell/UNFPA Tanzania period draws close and one of her main worries is that she faafa* (19 years) had her cleanliness during menstrua- won’t be able to afford sani- first period almost six tion and what could be used A tary towels. She tries to save years ago. She remembers her to manage the menstrual from the Tsh. 500 (around 20 mother took her from their flow including using pieces cents) she is given to spend at home in Mwembe njugu (near of cloth, which she was told school until she has Tsh 3,500 Zanzibar Town) to Makadara, should remain white a symbol (US$1.50) enough to buy where her mother’s best friend of hygiene. She was also told them, but often she has to Bi. Maimuna lives. She stayed not to “play with boys” as she resort to using pieces of cloth. there for nine days learn- could get pregnant. ing about the importance of Continues on page 12
11 Continued from page 11 (UNFPA) Tanzania is pri- and services and talk about This causes her more distress oritizing the sexual and issues such as menstruation there are no changing rooms reproductive health needs for many of them for the first at her school; water is scarce; of women and girls as part time. and the two toilets are used of its support to national by more than 200 girls. For COVID-19 efforts, includ- The COVID-19 crisis will these reasons Afaafa says if ing by ensuring that the 10 eventually pass and during she doesn’t have any sanitary UNFPA-supported Adolescent the recovery phase, UNFPA towels, she stays at home “I and Youth-Friendly centres Tanzania will continue to don’t want to shame myself across Zanzibar remain open step up efforts in Tanzania to in front of my peers,” she qui- with physical distancing and ensure that no girl is held back etly adds. COVID-19 infection preven- from realizing her dreams, tion and control measures in aspirations and potential As Tanzania continues to place. These centres are a life- because of her period by respond to the COVID- line for girls like Afaafa safe 2030. 19 pandemic, the United spaces where they can access Nations Population Fund age-appropriate information
WHO TANZANIA PROVIDES TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO ZANZIBAR DECENTRALIZATION OF COVID-19 RESPONSE
reality of integrating COVID- 19 services at districts health facilities and continuing other essential services, thus moving from a centrally man- aged response.
Following this decentraliza- tion policy, the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar has des- ignated health facilities to manage COVID-19 cases in each district. These facilities will isolate suspect cases, col-
World Health Organization Representative to Tanzania Dr. Tigest Ketsela lect samples for testing and Mengestu handing medical supplies to Dr. Elias kwesi , the Director of the manage them appropriately. Emergency Preparedness Unit of Ministry of Health Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children in Dar es Salaam. Photo| WHO Tanzania Severe cases will be referred to central level treatment n March 2020, when less cases, hence as of mid- centers. ICOVID-19 cases were June, these restrictions are identified the government being relaxed in phases. The Ministry of Health with closed all education technical support from World institutions, suspended Given the available infor- Health Organization (WHO) sports, political rallies mation, COVID-19 is likely have developed technical and international flights. to be with us for some time. guidance in all five areas of However, since May 2020, the Therefore, the health system response, namely: country has been reporting in Tanzania is embracing the Continues on page 13
12 Continued from page 12 Centre Manager Dr. Hussein health volunteers who had coordination, surveillance, Haji. been originally trained to case management and infec- reach households to provide tion prevention and control, According to Dr. Haji desig- support for maternal and risk communication and nated COVID-19 treatment child health services have community engagement and facilities within districts have been re-trained to support logistics. been identified in Unguja contact tracing for COVID-19. and Pemba and in the former “We wish that all health clinical teams have been “WHO is ready to provide tech- facilities in Zanzibar have mentored on case detection, nical and financial assistance the capacity to identify, col- case management and IPC to strengthen the response lect samples and manage practices. The second phase to COVID-19. We are also COVID-19 cases. Cases may will be mentorship of health sharing new evidence and decline now but they may care workers at designated knowledge as it evolves. It is recur. Therefore, we need to facilities in Pemba. very important to make sure capacitate our district health that our health systems in management teams, our The new approach is expected their entirety are prepared health facilities and health to be more effective as the to deal with health emergen- volunteers to detect sus- available services in the cies,” said Dr. Tigest Ketsela pect cases, isolate them and health systems will be used to Mengestu, WHO Tanzania even take samples,” said optimize care for all patients. Country Representative. the Emergency Operations In addition, 500 community
At the height of COVID—19 alarm community members adhered to precautionary behaviors, including using hand washing facilities placed at business premises and public areas, like this one at Makunduchi commuter transport stop in Zanzibar. Photo| WHO Tanzania
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Workmen and WHO staff handling boxes of medical supplies and equipment that were procured and donated to the Government in Dar es Salaam. Photo| WHO Tanzania
CELEBRATING THE DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD (DAC) THROUGH A SPECIAL INFLUENCERS’ WEBINAR
Official poster for the Day of the African Child Webinar which was organized to understand the role that UNICEF and many of our partners are playing to support children and young people especially in the post-COVID ‘new normal’. Photo| UNICEF Tanzania
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14 Continued from page 14 of our partners are playing to the coronavirus pandemic ach year, June 16th, offers support children and young in Tanzania. He highlighted Ean opportunity to com- people especially in the post- how young people played a memorate the memory of the COVID scenario as schools key role in leveraging social thousands of young, brave and universities reopen and media and digital technol- children who marched in children return to a ‘new ogy to share information and Soweto, South Africa, in 1976 normal’. raise awareness. Mr. Given to protest apartheid and to Edward, social entrepreneur demand equal education. The The webinar featured a and digital guru, spoke about legacy of these courageous range of stakeholders from how educators can be more children, many of whom lost the technology, media and prepared and leverage tech- their lives, continues to build private sector and was mod- nology to improve learning. a better future for children erated by Mariam Mmbaga, He stressed that the cur- across Africa today. The Day a United Nations Volunteer rent crisis has made it more of the African Child holds a with UNICEF. urgent to address the digital special relevance this year divide in the country so that as the world grapples with Mr. Raphael Denis, a UNICEF many more young Tanzanians the new virus. This year, in digital storyteller and young receive equal opportunities order to observe the Day of champion advocating for the to learn and innovate. the African Child, UNICEF rights of children and young Tanzania organized a special people in Tanzania kicked off Neville Meena, Secretary webinar with many of our key the discussion by highlight- General, Tanzania Editors’ influencers to understand the ing the leadership role played Forum highlighted on the role that UNICEF and many by young people during role of the media to advance
We had six key influencers who took part in the webinar which commemorated the Day of the African Child. Photo| UNICEF Tanzania
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15 Continued from page 15 children’s rights by continu- ing to focus on development stories, Mr. Hassan Ali. Mzee, Chairman of the Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO) spoke on the role of the private sector and par- ticularly tourism partners in fulfilling their responsibilities to respect and support the rights of children.
Pamela Shao, UNICEF Chief of Mbeya, managing and lead- ing UNICEF programmatic Raphael Denis, a UNICEF digital story-teller, who spoke about the power of commitment in the Southern young people as agents of change for a greater Africa in the special webinar organized by UNICEF Tanzania. Photo| UNICEF Tanzania Highlands regions of Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe and Songwe, ing to the pandemic and how before the one-hour session provided an overview of what the organization is enabling was wrapped up. The webinar DAC means for UNICEF in children and young people to was broadcast live on social Tanzania and how historically be highly effective partners in media and received a lot of UNICEF has enabled children the taking forward the child traction with nearly 5000 and young people to stand up rights agenda in the country. people tuning in on Facebook for their rights. She also spoke to catch it live. Do watch the about UNICEF’s support to All the panelists took ques- recording here in case you the Government in respond- tions from the audience missed the live session.
GOVERNMENT & IOM CONDUCT POE PREPAREDNESS & HEALTHCARE FACILITY ASSESSMENTS
he International of Entry (POEs) and nearby and referral. This included TOrganization for health facilities in Kagera, both official and non-official Migration (IOM) – the United Kigoma, Mbeya, Mwanza and POEs into the country. The Nation Migration Agency in Songwe regions of Mainland assessment revealed that collaboration with Ministry Tanzania, Unguja and Pemba few of the POEs had a full of Health, Community in Zanzibar. set of Personal Protective Development, Gender, Elders Equipment (PPE), sufficient and Children (MHCDGEC), With the financial support of handwashing facilities, isola- the President Office Regional the Government of Japan and tion rooms or the permanent Administration and Local Department for International infrastructure for health sur- Government (PO-RALG) of the Development (DFID), the veillance, decontamination United Republic of Tanzania assessments identified facilities and biohazard waste and the Ministry of Health, capacity needs and gaps at bins both in Tanzania main- Zanzibar conducted a readi- the POEs in terms of both land and Zanzibar. ness and needs assessment personnel and equipment focusing on strategic Points needs for traveller screening Continues on page 17
16 Continued from page 16 Based on the Points of Entry assessment recommenda- tions, IOM has started to procure, deploy and donate handwashing facilities and screening equipment.
In June 2020, IOM donated handwashing facilities to 20 Points of Entry and 11 nearby healthcare facilities in the Kigoma region but also donated handwashing facili- ties to 28 Points of Entry and 5 nearby healthcare facilities An informal Point of Entry (PoE) assessment being conducted at Ngalawa fish in Unguja and Pemba islands. Market Bububu Kihinani, Unguja. Photo| IOM Tanzania/Nuwe Blick
“Thank you so much for to COVID-19 but also other auction and the other for bringing these handwashing communicable diseases.” the travelers from Mombasa facilities including buckets, said Officer Masunga Simon, Kenya to Micheweni, there- sanitizers and soaps, we will Officer in Charge at Manyovu fore the facilities will help the place them at entrance to and Point of Entry in Kigoma travelers protecting them- exit of the POE for our staff region. selves from diseases such and clients/migrants to wash COVID-19, Cholera and so their hands before entrance “Thanks, IOM, for the sup- on. ’’ said Dr. Suleiman Faki, and when leaving the POEs. port of handwashing facilities Environmental Health Officer This will not only improve to our POEs. The POE has at Kwa Mjawiri unofficial P O E our prevention measures two divisions one for the fish in Micheweni Pemba.
The assessment team at a Health Care Facility (HCF) in A Point of Entry (PoE) Isolation tent at Pemba Airport. Kizimkazi Dimbani. Photo| IOM Tanzania/Nuwe Blick Photo| IOM Tanzania/Nuwe Blick
17 UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL DAYS
July 18th - Nelson Mandela International Day
July 28th - World Hepatitis Day
July 30th – World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
August 12th - International Youth Day
August 19th - World Humanitarian Day
A STRONGER UNITED NATIONS FOR A BETTER WORLD
TANZANIA
UN Resident Coordinator’s Office +255 22 219 5021 [email protected] Website: tanzania.un.org
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