Public Health Insurance Support in Tanzania

The government of Tanzania, including both mainland and Zanzibar, is working towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by establishing Universal Health Insurance (UHI) to ensure all citizens can access quality health services without financial burden. The German government, through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has allocated 2 million EUR to assist the Tanzanian governments in implementing UHI, in addition to the 10 million EUR already designated for the Improving Health Care Programme (IHCP). The Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) is also contributing 2.1 million EUR to co-finance this initiative. The main goal of UHI is to enhance the health insurance system's capacity to extend coverage to the Tanzanian population, particularly mothers and newborns. Key objectives include developing and implementing a UHI policy and regulatory framework, improving the financial sustainability of UHI institutions, and increasing the acceptance of UHI among informal sector workers. The project will be monitored through various indicators, including the integration of best practices into UHI regulations and improved cost control in health insurance operations. Key partners include the Ministries of Health and Finance in both regions, the National Health Insurance Fund, and the Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority. The implementation will focus on capacity development through expert support, technical advice, and training for staff at essential institutions. Main activities include advising on reform roadmaps, developing communication strategies, and enhancing the claims management system for insurance providers.