The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) have signed a Host Country Agreement, reaffirming Tanzania’s leadership in advancing malaria elimination and broader health outcomes across Africa, and its continued commitment to hosting ALMA as a key partner in this agenda.

Dodoma, Tanzania – 28 June 2025 — The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) have signed a Host Country Agreement today, formalising ALMA’s diplomatic and operational status in Tanzania. 

The Agreement reinforces Tanzania’s commitment to malaria elimination and broader health systems strengthening, while also highlighting the country’s leadership in continental health diplomacy and innovation. 

This progress has been made possible through the support of the current leadership under H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose administration continues to champion regional and global cooperation to accelerate progress in health and development. 

ALMA has had a long-standing presence in Tanzania, having operated in the country since its founding in 2009 under the leadership of former President H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, then Chair of the African Union.

Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA sign the host country agreement.

Officiating the signing, Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, committed the support of the Government of Tanzania for ALMA across all sectors. “We are fully committed to supporting ALMA as a host country and to deepening our collaboration even further,” he stated. He also emphasised the need for greater focus on climate change and related initiatives, given their far-reaching impact on health and development. In addition, he called for enhanced South-South cooperation to address emerging challenges and accelerate progress in the fight against malaria.

Over the years, ALMA has played an instrumental role in transforming how countries use data to drive action. In Tanzania, ALMA-supported scorecards have enhanced accountability and catalysed improvements in malaria, nutrition, and maternal and child health outcomes. Integration of climate data into Tanzania’s Health Management Information System (DHIS2) is also underway, promoting climate-responsive health strategies.

Speaking on behalf of Hon. Jenista Mhagama, Minister for Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, Permanent Secretary, highlighted the value of the partnership, stating, “thanks to ALMA’s support in developing scorecard tools, the Ministry of Health has been able to drive real impact – using data to guide action, improve malaria outcomes in regions like Katavi and Kagera, and strengthen maternal and neonatal health services. The Host Country Agreement paves the way for even greater collaboration and impact.”

ALMA’s work in Tanzania includes technical support to the National Malaria Control Programme, decentralised use of malaria and RMNCAH scorecards, mobilising domestic financing through End Malaria Councils and Funds, and engaging youth as champions in the fight against malaria. Under the leadership of H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, ALMA has also supported Tanzania’s push for local innovation in vector control. This includes advancing the production and regulation of new-generation mosquito nets and biolarvicides, particularly through support for the certification of the Kibaha biolarvicide product for international markets.

Furthermore, through ALMA’s support, Tanzania’s innovative use of the malaria scorecard, training Members of Parliament (MPs) on scorecard use, translating scorecard tools into Swahili, and developing a mobile application to provide MPs with real-time health data access – earned the country the prestigious Joyce Kafanabo Award at the 2023 African Union Summit.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA, expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, “this agreement is a symbol of our continued partnership to strengthen health systems, eliminate malaria, and drive forward Africa’s development agenda. I thank H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and all our partners. Together, we are reinforcing our health systems and saving lives.”

Hon. Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Ms. Joy Phumaphi, Executive Secretary of ALMA speak to journalists following the signing the host country agreement.

The Host Country Agreement strengthens Tanzania’s position as a hub for health innovation, enhancing its regional leadership and advancing the continent’s health objectives. It positions ALMA to further build on the health development gains in Tanzania and across Africa.