Dodoma: The U.S. collaboration with Tanzania to secure a $25 million grant from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund underscores a significant commitment to enhancing global pandemic preparedness. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities in 40 countries across various regions worldwide.
According to U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, Alongside assisting Tanzania in obtaining the grant, the United States, through USAID and the CDC, is contributing $3.2 million towards the $13.7 million in matching funds required for Tanzania. These matching funds are crucial to the Pandemic Fund’s strategy, which aims to mobilize resources from participating countries and donor partners. Additionally, the U.S. is offering technical support to Tanzania's Ministry of Health to bolster public health preparedness.
U.S. Ambassador Michael Battle emphasized that this collaboration aligns with President Biden’s Global Health Security Strategy, focusing on enhancing public health systems to guard against future pandemics. He noted that by integrating U.S. investments, the support provided to Tanzania becomes more impactful in safeguarding its population from disease outbreaks.
As the leading government donor to pandemic preparedness, the U.S. solidifies its commitment to working with Tanzania and the international donor community to fortify the nation’s defenses against health crises. The Pandemic Fund, initiated in 2022, marks the first global, multilateral financial initiative aimed at empowering low- and middle-income countries to improve their pandemic readiness. The U.S.’s pledge of up to $667 million to the Pandemic Fund by July 2024 highlights its role as a major contributor and leader in global health security.