Mwanza region has launched the second phase of its Universal Health Insurance implementation plan, targeting the registration of 35,642 households comprising a total of 90,981 beneficiaries. The initiative aims to increase the number of citizens accessing medical services through health insurance and reduce the financial burden of medical costs on households across the region.
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in Mwanza reported that 1,790 households have been registered under the second phase so far, representing 5 percent of the target, with 2,870 beneficiaries enrolled amounting to 3.2 percent of the established goal. The NHIF Manager for Mwanza Region, Isack Katenda, stated that these figures highlight the importance of accelerating public awareness and education efforts to help more citizens understand the benefits of health insurance and participate in the scheme. He said the NHIF will collaborate with ward and village leaders, district commissioners, council directors, health professionals, and community health workers to facilitate registration, particularly in areas where citizens have not yet received sufficient information about the scheme.
The second phase expands beyond the initial pilot phase, which focused on government-supported low-income households. In that earlier stage, Mwanza set a target to register 19,345 households, achieving 14,589 registrations representing 75.4 percent of the target. Out of 84,963 people targeted during the pilot phase, 42,315 have been registered, equivalent to 49.8 percent, enabling them to access healthcare services through government-funded health insurance.
Citizens in the second phase can contribute toward insurance costs through various packages offered by NHIF. The 'Fahari Afya' package costs 150,000 Tanzanian Shillings per year for a household of up to six people. The 'Umoja Afya' package is available for groups of 10 or more people, with an annual contribution of 60,000 Shillings per person.
Mwanza Regional Commissioner Salum Hamduni urged district and council leaders to play an active role in encouraging citizens to join the scheme, stating that good health is the foundation for both individual progress and national development. He directed councils to establish measurable goals, implementation schedules, and robust awareness strategies targeting entrepreneurs, fishing associations, savings groups, and motorcycle taxi operators. Hamduni emphasized that success should be measured not only by the number of registered individuals but also by the quality of care citizens receive, requiring healthcare facilities to be equipped with necessary staff, medicines, and systems.
A beneficiary of the scheme, Simoni Makolele, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that health insurance has protected him and his children against medical costs. He encouraged other citizens to enroll, emphasizing that illnesses can arise at any time and having insurance protects families from financial strain caused by unexpected medical expenses.