By Our Reporter, Dar es Salaam.
The government of Canada said it has invested TSh543 in Tanzania health sector for a period of ten years to ensure Tanzania citizens have access to quality health services.
Head of Development at the Canadian Embassy in Tanzania Ms. Helen Fytche said at the launch of the new Makambako Polyclinic Health centre recently in Iringa that her government values the health sector and the promotion of gender equality.
Makambako health facility has been built with funds from the Canadian Aid Agency through the Canadian Embassy in Tanzania.
It aims to serve the residents of Makambako town and surrounding areas which currently has an estimated population of 116,398 of which 52% are women.
“We believe that we will be able to reach Makambako women, girls and men for education and reproductive health services including overall health, ” she said.
Speaking at the launch of the centre, Marie Stopes Tanzania Country Director Mr. Vadacanthara Chandrashekar said to ensure quality and effectiveness of the centre’s services, service providers have been specially trained to prioritize and address the needs of gender equality.
He said the move also aims to support government’s efforts to expand the scope of Reproductive Health and Health Services in general with a range of services including reproductive health services, antenatal clinics and family planning services.
“We will also provide reproductive health services to young people especially in light of their unique needs and government guidelines,” he said.
According to him, the new centre will focus on the foundation of social entrepreneurship aimed at solving the challenges facing the community by ensuring quality and easily accessible services and standards.
The construction of the center is a continuation of Marie Stopes’ efforts to provide services to the public, especially those in need of reproductive health services in various parts of the country.
It has a special room for young people and is therefore an opportunity for young people to access reproductive health services that are friendly, confidential and dignified for adolescents.
Marie Stopes Tanzania (MST) is a non-governmental organization specializing in health, especially reproductive health and general health operating in 9 regions including the Isles.
It offer various services which include cervical cancer screening, specialist care for women and children, general health care and various tests like ultrasound, hepatitis tests, childhood immunizations and hepatitis vaccine.
