CHAIRPERSON STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF VACCINATION, GOVERNMENT STEPS UP HEALTH SERVICES
By Joseph Ngilisho | PWANI
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS Affairs, Dr. Johannes Lukumay, has emphasized the importance of vaccination as a key pillar in protecting public health and reducing preventable deaths, particularly among children under the age of five.
Speaking with emphasis during the 2026 International Health Week celebrations held in Kibiti, Pwani Region, Dr. Lukumay, who is also the Member of Parliament for Arumeru West, said the Government has intensified efforts in the delivery of vaccination services to ensure that all citizens are protected against dangerous diseases.
He explained that vaccination is not only a health service but also a crucial investment in national development, as it helps reduce the burden of disease, lowers treatment costs, and improves the productivity of the population.
“Vaccination is a fundamental right for every child, and it is the responsibility of every parent to ensure that their child receives all required vaccinations on time. The Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” he stressed.
Dr. Lukumay noted that the Government continues to strengthen the delivery of various vaccines, including the hepatitis vaccine, alongside routine immunization services to reach children who missed vaccinations at the appropriate time.
He added that efforts to reach citizens in rural and hard-to-reach areas have been increased through outreach services and special awareness campaigns, aimed at ensuring equity in access to health services.
Furthermore, he stressed that free vaccination services will remain a government priority, noting that this has significantly contributed to the reduction of under-five child mortality in the country.
“These measures are part of a broader government strategy to strengthen the health sector and ensure that every Tanzanian receives quality and safe health services,” he said.
In another development, he urged parents and guardians to ignore misleading information about vaccines and instead rely on guidance from health professionals in order to protect the lives of children and the community at large.
The 2026 International Health Week celebrations have become an important platform for raising awareness on disease prevention, with health stakeholders emphasizing collective efforts in achieving universal health coverage and better health outcomes for all.
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