Health Diplomacy in Action

Dr. Walensky Visits Tanzania

Dr. Rochelle Walensky visited CDC programs in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar on her first trip abroad as CDC Director in late July. During her visit, she met with government leadership, program beneficiaries, and implementing partners to observe the impact and successes of CDC programs in Tanzania. On the Tanzanian mainland, Director Walensky and U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Donald J. Wright met with Prime Minister (PM) Kassim Majaliwa and Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu to reaffirm and build upon the strong bilateral partnership. They discussed health priorities, current interventions, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration. PM Majaliwa mentioned that CDC’s support to build critical health systems across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar has helped mitigate COVID-19, Polio, and the Leptospirosis outbreak in Lindi.

In Zanzibar, Dr. Walensky and Ambassador Wright met with President Hussein Mwinyi of Zanzibar and Minister of Health Nassor Mazrui to discuss CDC’s programs and commitment to improving health systems in the isles. President Mwinyi noted his commitment to expand the health infrastructure and requested support to help further develop the health workforce in Zanzibar. Dr. Walensky’s visit reinforces U.S. presence and partnership in the country and highlights the importance of CDC’s global work and transforming the health and lives of Tanzanians.