PRIME MINISTER JOINS FORCES IN HOLELA-HOLELA ITAKUKOSTI MOVEMENT

Deputy Health office Director of the United States Agency for International Development –USAID, Dr. Jema Bisimba receives Tanzania One Health Conference Sponsorship Award from Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa during the One Health Conference which was held in Arusha. USAID has been instrumental in supporting the government of Tanzania efforts to tackle complex health challenges using the One Health Approach through the Breakthrough ACTION project which focuses on social and behaviour change interventions to address AMR and priority zoonotic diseases.

Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa reads a leaflet when he visited the USAID’s Breakthrough Action exhibition booth during the Tanzania One Health Conference in Arusha. The conference was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), reflecting the strong partnership between Tanzania and the U.S. government in tackling global health challenges under the through the “Holela - Holela Itakukosti” campaign, which focuses on engaging communities and creating dialogue about AMR and priority zoonotic diseases (PZDs) such as rabies, anthrax, and brucellosis. Looking on (with mic) is USAID Breakthrough ACTION Program Manager, Mark Lwakatare.

Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa gets a briefing from USAID Breakthrough ACTION Program Manager, Mark Lwakare when he visited their exhibition booth during the Tanzania One Health Conference held in Arusha. 

Arusha Friday 8 November 2024: Tanzania’s One Health Conference, held in Arusha, highlighted the growing national movement around the “Holela-Holela Itakukosti” campaign, a vital initiative addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and zoonotic diseases (PZDs). Led by the Government of Tanzania (GOT) in partnership with the U.S. Government (USG) through USAID’s Breakthrough Action project, this campaign has become a key pillar in advancing the One Health approach in the country. As a central figure in the movement, the Prime Minister underscored his support for the campaign and its broader goal of ensuring global health security and sustainable human development.

The “Holela-Holela Itakukosti” campaign has engaged the general public in discussions about the dangers of improper antimicrobial use and the spread of diseases between animals and humans. Throughout the three-day conference, discussions and presentation sessions focused on the critical need for integrated health solutions that link human, animal, and environmental health. USAID’s collaboration with the Tanzanian government has been instrumental in the campaign’s success, enabling the country to build more robust health systems, promote community engagement, and implement effective policy interventions.

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of addressing AMR and PZDs through a unified One Health strategy. "The Holela-Holela Itakukosti campaign slogan has been used to reach Tanzanians easily with simple and comprehensible information —it represents our commitment to protecting the health of our people and ecosystems. With the support of USAID and our partners, we are making strides toward a safer, healthier future," he stated. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for continued political will, robust international cooperation, and sustainable resource mobilization to ensure the long-term success of the One Health agenda.

The conference’s outcomes reaffirm Tanzania’s leadership in promoting the One Health approach, with USAID pledging ongoing support to strengthen health security. As the Holela-Holela Itakukosti campaign continues gaining momentum, the Tanzanian and U.S. governments are committed to tackling the health challenges of AMR and zoonotic diseases, ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for all.