Editorial: Fifty years of health services in Tanzania: What next?

Abstract

Before independence in 1961, Tanzania was a Germany colony (1889-1916) and later British Protectorate (1916-1961). During the 72 year period, the western medical services targeted foreigners working for the colonial governments. After independence, the government has expanded the health services with a vision to improve the health and well being of all Tanzanians with a focus on those most at risk, and to encourage the health system to be more responsive to the needs of the people. The policy mission is to facilitate the provision of equitable, quality and affordable basic health services, which are gender sensitive and sustainable, delivered for the achievement of improved health status. This issue of the Tanzania Journal of Health Research is dedicated for the 50^th Anniversary of the Tanzania independence. It includes a number of reviews focussed on different aspects of health, both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The reviews focus on a number of health problems that faced Tanzania during the past fifty years. Challenges to meet the national and global development goals are discussed in line with the changing epidemiological patterns for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.