Proposed Presidential Initiative on Malaria

UNCLAS DAR ES SALAAM 001257

SIPDIS

AID/W FOR R. Greene; NSC FOR J.Meline; AF/EPS FOR S. Driano


E. O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TBIO EAID TZ
SUBJECT: Proposed Presidential Initiative on Malaria

Ref: State 117492


1. Summary: Post utilized reftel talking points to
initiate discussion with Permanent Secretaries in the
Ministry of Health and Finance to ascertain interest in
proposed initiative. Both Permanent Secretaries expressed
strong interest in the initiative and confirmed the full
support of the Government of Tanzania which has already
invested significant resources for malaria control. Both
Permanent Secretaries also highlighted some initial interest
areas. End Summary.


2. On June 24, USAID Mission Director Pamela White met
with the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health,
Miriam Mwaffisi. The two discussed the opportunities which
could come to Tanzania including the benefits and additional
resources which would likely be associated with such an
initiative. The Permanent Secretary highlighted four
areas where she believed the initiative should focus: a.
Prevention; b. Treatment; c. Gender considerations
particularly for women and girls; and d. Research. Mwaffisi
noted that this is an appropriate time to focus on malaria
given all the resources flowing into HIV/AIDS and the
potential to draw off attention from this equally important
cause of morbidity and mortality. The Permanent Secretary
pledged her strong personal support as well as the support
of the Ministry and the Government of Tanzania.


3. Charge on June 27 met with Gray Mgonja, Permanent
Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, to deliver the same

SIPDIS
message. Mgonja was also enthusiastic about the proposed
initiative, and said the GOT would be fully supportive of
such a program. Mgonja noted that malaria in fact kills
more Tanzanians that does HIV/AIDS, and fighting malaria was
one of the GOT's top priorities.

Owen