Tanzania has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States that clinches an American investment of more than $1.3bn in the country’s health sector over the next five years, the latest in a series of deals that have caused controversy in some African countries, reports Reuters.
The agreement is similar to those signed with countries including Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.
The pact says that in return for more than $1.3bn in investment, Tanzania has committed to investing $1.8bn in its health sector over the same period, according to a statement from the US embassy in Tanzania.
“This joint investment reflects both countries’ commitment to preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to finance, manage, and self-sustain essential health services,” it said.
Some countries have resisted the pacts over concerns about conditions like allowing access to minerals and sharing personal health data and bio materials.
Zambia has rejected demands that such a deal be tied to US access to Zambian minerals while in Kenya, a court in December suspended part of its deal until it hears a data privacy case filed by a consumer protection group.
Tanzanian Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said the agreement did not include the sharing of laboratory samples with the US.
“We did not enter into a specimen-sharing agreement,” he noted during the signing ceremony
“Tanzania’s specimens, including those of outbreak, epidemic and pandemic potential, will be tested, stored and governed here in Tanzania,” he added.
Reuters article – US to give Tanzania $1.3 billion under five-year health pact (Open access)
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