Tanzania’s Health Minister Jenista Mhagama has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the country, marking a resurgence of the contagious disease. One of the infected individuals is a lorry driver from a neighboring country traveling to Dar es Salaam.
According to the ministry, health officials detected the cases after monitoring individuals with symptoms such as rashes, fever, headaches, throat sores, and joint pain. Laboratory tests confirmed the Mpox diagnosis on March 9. Authorities are now investigating whether additional cases exist in affected regions.
Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has suspended 13,000 member cards and shut down 11 health facilities due to fraudulent activities, saving 22 billion Tanzanian shillings. NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka stated that stricter oversight and biometric verification have helped detect misuse, including cases where individuals illegally shared their insurance cards.
Over the past four years, NHIF conducted 259 investigations, leading to disciplinary actions against 36 employees linked to fraud. Additionally, NHIF has improved financial stability, reporting a surplus of 95 billion shillings by December 2024, compared to previous deficits.
Authorities continue to monitor the Mpox outbreak while NHIF enhances fraud prevention to strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare system.