The Ifakara Health Institute presented findings of the review of Tanzania’s Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) at the 24th Joint Annual Health Sector Technical Review Meeting (JAHSTRM) held on 25th-26th February 2025 at the Dodoma City Council Hall. 

The theme for this year’s meeting was "Towards Sustainable Health Financing in Tanzania: Maximizing the Potential of Universal Health Insurance to Attain Health for All by 2030."

From August to October 2024, Ifakara provided technical expertise to support the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the HSSP V. Commissioned by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), the MTR aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the implementation progress of HSSP V.

During the meeting, Ifakara’s Head of Health Systems, Interventions, Impact Evaluation and Policy Department, Dr. Sally Mtenga, and Research Scientist, Dr. Francis Levira, presented the findings, engaging in critical discussions around governance, leadership, service delivery, and community engagement. 

Dr. Angel Dilip from Apotheker Health Consulting also contributed to the presentations, ensuring comprehensive dialogue on the future of health sector reforms. “I am happy that some key findings from the HSSP-V MTR have been put into consideration by the health sector technical committee. This is a milestone for the institute and one way to foster policy translation for efficient health care system,” Dr. Sally said.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Health on behalf of the Technical Committee of the Health Sector Approach (SWAp), brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, development partners, non-state actors, President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government Tanzania (PO-RALG), private sector associations, Christian social security, and the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA).

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, officiated the meeting, with the Chief Medical Officer Grace Magembe in attendance, highlighting its role in shaping national health priorities. 

Key discussions covered the 2023 Health Sector Performance Profile, the HSSP V Mid-Term Review, Universal Health Insurance updates, and 2025/26 sector priorities—all critical steps toward achieving Health for All by 2030.