The US embassy in Dar-es-Salaam says that it has given $2.4 million (KSh254 million) to Tanzania to help in the healthcare sector. The aid channeled through USAID will strengthen laboratory capacity for optimal diagnostics, improve water and sanitation, and prevent and control infectious diseases.
In a statement on its website, the embassy says that the latest support complements the $1 million (KSh106 million) issued in April in form of COVID19 relief funds.
President Pombe Magufuli of Tanzania has taken an unconventional approach to the covid19 pandemic. The President dismissed the number of COVID19 cases saying that they were inflated. He accused the national laboratory of sabotage. The government has threatened media and healthcare officials against sharing information on COVID19 cases with the public.
The country plans to reopen schools, universities, and reinstate sports fixtures in the coming weeks.
US RESPONSE
These actions prompted the US to issue a health alert for American citizens working and living in Dar es Salaam. The blame fell on Tanzania’s government’s reluctance to release any COVID-19 related data since April 29. The public is at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 in Dar-es-salaam and other locations in Tanzania.
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