Ministry forms an agency to track disease origin, spread

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INNOCENT-THE BLOGGER-BOY
 

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Dr Seif Rashid

 The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has formed an agency responsible to investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans.

 

The agency is dubbed, Tanzania Field and Laboratory Epidemiologists Association (Tanflea) and is made up of public health professionals.

 

“It is aimed at reducing risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and advocacy for favourable health policies,” explained Quality Assurance Director from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mohamed Ali.

 

He was speaking during the launch of the agency over the weekend in Bagamoyo where he said establishment of Tanflea will serve to support the ministry address public health threats timely and effectively.

 

“This is an association of Epidemiologists who have joined forces and skills to ensure public health threats, epidemics and emerging diseases are addressed,” he went on to say.  “Today, we are witnessing the initial milestones of Tanflea establishment and we urge its members to make sure that this organisation achieves its desired goals,” he urged.

 

He urged professionalism, integrity and commitment as the basis to good governance, leadership, accountability and transparency.

 

Dr Ali also emphasised the need   to network with other professional bodies with similar interests and objective. He also urged innovation to control/contain public health threats in the context of the country.

 

TANFLEA Executive Director and Epidemiology Deputy Director, Dr Janet Mgamba said the agency will be of much assistance to the ministry.

 

“It will enable the ministry identify epidemiology diseases such as rift valley fever, cholera and Ebola,” she said.

 

Objectives of Tanflea include working with the government and its partners to prevent and respond to public health threats in Tanzania and beyond as well as to share and exchange professional experiences, information and skills among members.

 

Others are, promoting professional development of members through training and exposure, access to field and laboratory epidemiologists, assist capacity building in epidemiology, laboratory management and public health.