Press Release

Tanzania and the United States Join Hands to Fight Tuberculosis

September 24, 2009

Tuberculosis kills approximately 32,000 Tanzanians each year, yet laboratory tests for tuberculosis are too slow due to inadequate resources and outdated technologies. On 24 September 2009 in Dar es Salaam, the American people, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), provided critical diagnostic equipment to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to redouble its efforts to wipe out tuberculosis. The diagnostic equipment, including 40 Light Emitted Diode (LED) microscopes, 1600 slides boxes, and essential cooling supplies, will be distributed to regional and district hospitals throughout Tanzania. The American people are also supporting renovation of the Central Tuberculosis Laboratory in an effort to improve tuberculosis case findings and ensure that the patients receive the help they need when they need it.