ARUSHA, Jan. 28 -- THE launch of a new toll free digital platform by the Ministry of Health marks a significant shift in how health services are governed and delivered in Tanzania, placing citizens at the centre of accountability, feedback and decision-making.

Unveiled in Arusha by the Minister for Health, Mr Mohammed Mchengerwa, the platform “Speak with the Minister of Health: We Listen, We Respond, We Act” provides a direct communication channel between citizens and the countrys top health leadership through a 24-hour toll-free number 199, as well as WhatsApp, SMS and social media platforms.

At its core, the initiative addresses one of the longstanding challenges in the health sector: The gap between service users and poli...