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Issue No. 61 Jul-Aug 2015
UMOJA - ONE
UN in Tanzania
Word from the Government
“…Climate Change is now considered as one of the most serious global threats to sustainable
development and human-kind, with adverse impacts already vivid on the environment, human health,
food security, human settlements, economic activities, natural resources and physical infrastructure.
In Tanzania, the impacts of global warming are already evident in almost of all sectors of the economy and throughout the
country. The government of Tanzania is committed to ensure every Tanzanian, is living in a conducive environment that will
enable them to engage in productive activities that improve their wellbeing…” Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania,
His Excellency Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal, on August 19 at Maruwa Village in Kilimanjaro Region during tree planting exercise.
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 1
D ar es Salaam, 14
July, 2015 - The
Norwegian Embassy
continues to show their
support for UN Tanzania
with the partnership being
further strengthened when
the Norwegian Embassy
signed an agreement to
provide USD 3.1 million
(approximately 6.9 billion
Tshs). The signing
ceremony was held at the
UN offices between the
Ambassador of Norway
H.E Hanne-Marie Kaarstad
and the UN Resident
Coordinator and UNDP
Resident Representative,
Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez. The
contribution will focus on
providing support to the
UN’s refugee response and
governance initiatives as
well as UN partnership
building in Zanzibar and on
human rights. The UN
Resident Coordinator, Mr.
Alvaro Rodriguez, stated at
the signing ceremony that
Norway has been a
supportive and constructive
partner of the One UN and
Tanzania for decades. “The
contribution of 3.1 Million
USD will be used to
strengthen advocacy and
communications on joint
UN work, enhance
democratic governance
interventions by UN
agencies and provide
urgent relief to Burundian
refugees in Tanzania”. He
added that One UN looks
forward to a continued
collaboration with Norway
in the years to come.
Plight of refugees,
governance and
human rights among
key areas of support
Continued on page 3
Highlights
- UN supports health services in Zanzibar
- UN wins at Sabasaba Fair 2015
- Media commits to impartial coverage during the General Election
Norwegian Embassy supports One UN Tanzania
The Ambassador of Norway, H.E Hanne-Marie Kaarstad, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, at the signing ceremony held at the UN offices in Dar
es Salaam PHOTO | Zoe Glorious-UN Tanzania
T he Kivunge Cottage Hospital is a
Primary Health Care Centre
(PHCC) and the only referral point for the
North Region of Unguja Island, serving a
population of 208,000 in the two poorest
districts of the island (North A and North
B).
Despite staff efforts at the centre, child
morbidity and mortality data from
Kivunge are very poor. The overall
maternal mortality rate continues to be
high in Zanzibar, at 310 per 100,000 live
births. Many deaths occur due to late
referral to the only specialized hospital in
Zanzibar, Mnazi Mmoja.
To date, the UN system in Tanzania has
been supporting efforts to improve
maternal and child health in Zanzibar.
Policy level support has been provided to
the Ministry of Health to assist in
reinforcing the health system to deliver
quality maternal and child care services.
UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO have also
supported capacity building of health
workers to improve knowledge and skills
to deliver MNCH services,
comprehensive Emergency Obstetric
and Neonatal Care, Essential New-born
Care, family planning, and postnatal
care.
As part of these efforts, Kivunge has
been provided with the necessary
equipment to facilitate the delivery of
services. Major achievement observed
have been improvements in the delivery
of quality maternal health services, with
assisted deliveries increasing from 1,756
in 2013 to 2,468 in 2014.
Efforts are also underway to improve
delivery of child health services through
improved supervision by the District
Health Management Teams as well as
interventions initiated to address
malnutrition among children.
Saving lives in Zanzibar: The United Nations support to maternal, new-born, and child health care
Continued from page 1
Emphasizing on the Embassy’s
support to the One UN,
Ambassador of Norway H.E
Hanne-Marie Kaarstad stated
that Tanzania has set a good
example of UN Agencies
working together with
coherence, efficiency and
effectiveness. She added; “The
UN is a vital and highly valued
partner for Norway and has
been so during its 70 year
existence.”
Norway has been a major
supporter of the UN reform
agenda and the formulation of
the upcoming Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) and
with other development
partners, is committed to the
development vision of the
government and people of
Tanzania.
“The contribution
of 3.1 Million USD
will be used to
strengthen
advocacy and
communications
on joint UN work,
enhance
democratic
governance
interventions by
UN agencies and
provide urgent
relief to Burundian
refugees in
Tanzania”
Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez,
UN Resident
Coordinator in Tanzania Top Right: Kivunge Hospital view from outside. Bottom: A laboratory technician at
work. PHOTOS | UN SUB-OFFICE -ZANZIBAR
T he 39th Dar es Salaam
International Trade Fair (DITF)
took place mid-year and the UN was
an active participant. The show began
on the 28th of June and ended on 8th
July. The event attracted more than
4,000 local and foreign exhibitors.
United Nations Tanzania was among
the exhibitors. Over 1 million people
learnt about the UN via different
media as the exhibit received wide
coverage. For four years in a row, the
United Nations Tanzania has won
awards related to mass
communications and information
sharing. This year specifically, UN
Tanzania won the First Prize in the
category of Information, Publishing,
Printing and Stationeries Exhibitors.
This year’s UN exhibition was
exceptional, with visitors requested to
fill a Survey about their knowledge of
the UN and its programs. The survey
was completed by 1200 people, most
of them youth.
The survey also aimed at gauging the
channels used by people to access
information about UN work. It was
administered in both English and
Kiswahili languages via mobile
phones and computers.
The Survey findings, among other
issues, shows that people are keen to
receive UN messages/information
largely through SMS, WhatsApp,
Email and Radio, in that order of
preference. Proposed areas for UN
according to the respondents include;
Education, Employment and
Agriculture respectively. All the top
three areas suggested by the
respondents are part of the UNDAP II
proposed Programme.
United Nations participates and wins at 2015 Sabasaba Trade Fair
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 3
The President of Tanzania, H.E Jakaya Kikwete presenting the award and
certificate to the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Alvaro Rodriguez.
PHOTOS | UN TANZANIA
The Survey Results Proposed UN focus areas
Preferred channels for UN information dissemination Survey completion
Mr. Rodriguez meets with visitors at the UN pavilion at Sabasaba Fair.
I t has been two years since Tata
Madiba was laid to rest and his
legacy lives on, not only in South
Africa, but also in Tanzania and the
rest of the world.
This year, UN Tanzania together with
the South African High Commission,
commemorated the Nelson Mandela
Day at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic
Institute children’s ward through a 67
minute community service activity that
attracted members of the diplomatic
corps, UN officials, the South African
Diaspora and business community,
youths and the media.
The event was organized by the
South African High Commission in
partnership with the UN Information
Centre (UNIC) and is an annual call to
action for people around the world to
make a difference in the communities,
by taking time to serve others.
This year, children with
hydrocephalus, a condition where
fluid accumulates in the brain causing
enlargement of the head, were visited
and participants at the event spent
time with them.
Donations from the UN, The South
African High Commission and the
South African diaspora were handed
out. The event was commemorated
on the 24th of July, 2015 instead of
the usual 18th of July because of Eid
El Fitr celebrations.
The South African High
Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Thami
Mseleku together with the UN
Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alvaro
Rodriguez and the Head of the
Hospital, Dr. Othman Kiloloma,
addressed the crowd before the
commencement of the 67 minute
community service work in respect of
Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
In his brief remarks, the UN Resident
Coordinator stated, “Nelson Mandela
was a leader who acted with a
steadfast belief in justice and human
equality. Let us all continue, each
day, to draw inspiration from Nelson
Mandela’s life-long example and his
call to never cease working to build a
better world for all.”
Earlier, The Nelson Mandela
Foundation, a UN partner, marked
this day through the Trek
4MandelaKilimanjaro Executive
Challenge. More than 36 South
African Chief Executive Officers
climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Shortly
before the South African CEO’s
summit climb, the Trek4Mandela
caring for Girls Programme was
initiated in Tanzania with about 300
girls at the Darajani Secondary school
assisted with materials needed for
their daily life in school.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, together with the South African High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Thami Mseleku, hand donations to
Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute officials. Photo | Rehema Pascal-UN Tanzania
Nelson Mandela legacy lives on: Dar es Salaam events
Participants commemorate the Nelson Mandela International Day by cleaning the environment around the Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es
Salaam
PHOTO | PASCHAL-UN TZ
SPECIAL REPORT Serving the people: UN Tanzania kicks off commemorations to mark
UN@70 anniversary
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 5
A s 2015 marks 70 years since the
establishment of the United
Nations on 24th October, 1945, the
UN Tanzania team has started a
series of activities to mark this
important milestone aimed at raising
awareness of key issues that the
organization is addressing today.
The curtain raiser was the country’s
biggest trade exhibition, Dar es
Salaam International Trade Fair-
Sabasaba, that took place between
28 June and 8th July, 2015. Under
the theme Strong UN Better World,
the UN pavilion showcased the work
of the UN both in Tanzania and
globally to raise public awareness.
Those who visited the UN stand had
a unique opportunity to ask questions
to the Resident Coordinator on the
UN work in Tanzania and others
participated in the random survey that
was being conducted at the stand
aimed at obtaining information on
their understanding about UN
activities in the country, proposed
priorities for UN work and their
preferred channel for receiving
information from the UN agencies.
Over 1,200 people aged between 15
and 40 years of age participated in
the survey.
As count down to the climax day is
gaining momentum, the month of
August was dedicated to activities
related to environment conservation
and protection. Under the theme;
“One World, 7 Billion people:
Environment Protection is our
Responsibility” the UN in Tanzania
organized four key activities in
Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam
regions, to raise awareness on
climate change and environment
protection issues.
On 19th August, UN Staff led by the
UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP
Resident Representative, Mr Alvaro
Rodriguez, UNFPA Representative
Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNESCO Country
Representative, Ms. Zulmira
Rodrigues, the then Acting Country
Director UNDP, Mr. Titus Osundina,
together with Government officials,
Development Partners, and the
community around Kilimanjaro
participated in a tree
Continued on page 6
The Minister of State (Environment),
Hon. Bilinith Mahenge (Third left)
cuts the ribbon to launch the site
where 70 trees were planted. Second
left is the UNRC, Mr Alvaro
Rodriguez. Left is UNESCO
Representative to Tanzania,Ms
Zulmira Rodrigues. Others after Hon.
Mahenge are theDRC Ambassador
to Tanzania, Mr Juma Halfan
Mpango, Irish Envoy, Ms. Fionnuala
Gilsenan, EU Envoy, Mr. Filiberto
Sebregondi, Moshi District
Commissioner, Mr. Novatus
Makunga, head of Multilateral
Cooperation – Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Ambassador Celestine Mushy
and Regional Commissioner’s Office-
Principal Administrative Officer, Mr.
Omari Msuya.
SPECIAL REPORT PHOTOS |
ZAINUL MZIGE, ZOE GLORIOUS
AND MANDELA GREGOIRE
planting ceremony at Maruwa Village
on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro in
an effort to protect the mountain that
has been heavily affected by climate
change.
Scientific studies shows that the snows
of Mount Kilimanjaro may soon be
falling on bare ground as the mountain
ice cap is melting at a faster pace than
at any time over the past 100 years,
due largely to climate change.
At the ceremony that was graced by
minister of State, Vice President’s
Office (environment), Mr. Binilith
Mahenge who represented the Vice
President, Dr Gharib Bilal, over 2000
trees were planted, sending an
important message to the community
around the mountain on the
importance of reforestation.
“Climate Change is real! So far UN
Tanzania has contributed to reducing
risks of, and improving society’s
resilience to, climate change, through
its support to the development,
launching and implementation of the
national Climate Change strategy,
including support towards mitigation
strategies”, said UN Resident
Coordinator Rodriguez at the
ceremony.
He further reiterated that the theme
focuses on our key responsibilities for
the planet and to protect the
environment for future generations
within the framework of the SDGs. “We
are trying to focus our attention on
what should be done after the end of
Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs), and we are currently
identifying priorities under the
Sustainable Development Goals and
the post -2015 development agenda
for Tanzania” Mr. Rodriguez added.
On his side, Minister Mahenge,
commended the UN for choosing
environment as a key theme saying
climate change effects are real in
Tanzania as is the case in other parts
of the world. He added that the Climate
Summit schedule for December this
year in Paris will be an important
milestone if a binding agreement will
be signed on how countries will work
together to mitigate climate change
issues.
On his side, the European Union
Ambassador representing
Development Partners stated that,
"Planting trees on the slopes of Mount
Kilimanjaro on the 70th anniversary of
the UN is highly symbolic on many
accounts. It translates our common
engagement to protect the
environment, to promote the
sustainable management of natural
resources by the local communities,
and to minimize the effects of climate
change in Africa, starting from its
marvelous top mountain. The
European Union, the UN and other
Development Partners support the
efforts of the government of Tanzania
to overcome the challenges of climate
change and to lift people out of
poverty.
After tree planting, minister Mahenge
led the UN, Government officials and
development partners to visit a UNDP
funded biogas project at St. James
Seminary School. The Biogas project
started in October 2007. All the daily
meals for over 290 people are cooked
with biogas and the budget that was
used for fuel wood is now used for
other development activities.
Another activity conducted in
Kilimanjaro region was the building of
18 latrines at Kiboriloni primary school
in Moshi. The school is one among ten
that will be supported by UNDP to
build latrines to solve the shortage that
students and teachers are currently
facing in those schools.
Continued on page 7
Minister of State (Environment), Hon.
Bilinith Mahenge (Front Centre), Amb
of the EU to Tanzania, Filiberto
Sebregondi (Second right), other
dignitaries, UN Representatives,
Government officials and the people
of Maruwa Village in Kilimanjaro
Region plant trees to mark 70 years
since the establishment of the UN.
Conservation of the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 7
The latest environment-related activity
was conducted on 28th August at
Temeke Stereo Market, the largest
market in Temeke district in Dar es
Salaam. The UN Resident Coordinator
together with United Nations Staff, was
joined by the Director of Multilateral
Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation,
Ambassador Celestine Mushy,
Temeke District, Hon. Sophia Mjema,
representing Dar es Salaam’s
Regional Commissioner, and other
government officials and residents of
Temeke District in cleaning the
market.
Officiating at the event, District
Commissioner, Hon. Sophia Mjema
congratulated the UN for marking 70
years and for choosing Temeke as
one area to commemorate the
anniversary. Reiterating on the
importance of environmental
sustainability, hygiene and cleanliness,
she said everyone has a role to play in
ensuring our environment is clean and
safe for everyone.
On his side, Mr. Rodriguez, said the
UN has made climate change action a
priority and has identified it as the
main threat to sustainable
development. At the same time,
environmental hygiene is important as
well. He called upon the community to
prioritize the cleaning of their
environment and personal hygiene in
light of the Cholera outbreak in
Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam.
Continued on page 8
Engaging pupils Kiborloni Primary
School after laying the foundation
stone for a new structure at the
establishment.
From left: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Head of Multilateral Cooperation,
Ambassador Celestine Mushy, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr.
Alvaro Rodriguez, and Kilimanjaro Regional Administration staff, Ms. Martha
Ufunguo, participate in mixing cement at Kiboriloni Primary School.
“The cleanliness of this market is
essential for your health. Good health
enables us to partake in our day to day
activities and contribute to economic
growth. Look around you, it has taken
us just a few hours to clean Temeke
Market and doesn’t it make a
difference? I urge the residents and
workers of the Temeke market to make
this a common practice as their life,
health and the economy depends on
it.”
After the cleaning, the UN donated
cleaning equipment worth over TZ
Shillings 10 million to the Temeke
Market management.
“We leave with you cleaning tools to
support the regular cleaning of Temeke
Market. It is my hope that this tools will
be used to protect the environment and
to keep the surroundings clean for
yourselves.
Today’s cleaning is symbolic and a call
to all the communities around Tanzania
to emulate this activity in their homes
and public areas” Mr. Rodriguez
stated.
The UN@70 Flag Raising ceremony in
Tanzania will be held on 13th October
in Mainland and 15th October in
Zanzibar.
Dignitaries and officials admire the UN@70 plaque erected at the slopes of the Kilimanjaro mountain to celebrate the
70th anniversary of the United Nations.
Students of St James Seminary in
Kilimanjaro Region carry Tanzania and
UN flags. The UNDP supported the
school’s biogas project.
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 9
Zanzibar celebrates
Youth Skills Day
Z anzibar, 15 July 2015 - For the
first time ever, the world
celebrated Youth Skills Day as a new
UN Day of Observance.
It was established by the UN General
Assembly on the 11th of November
2014 with the aim of bringing to the
forefront the growing global need to
invest in youth skills to allow youth to
reach their full potential and become
productive members of society.
UNFPA, in collaboration with
UNICEF, UN Women and UNIC,
commemorated the day through a
consultative workshop with members
of YUNA School Clubs and other
youth organizations, along with a
representative of the Ministry of
Empowerment, Social Welfare, Youth,
Women and Children.
Dr. Ghirmay Andemichael (WHO) as
Officer in charge of the UN Sub-Office
in Zanzibar stated, “The world has
never been younger. Today’s
generation of young people aged 10-
24 is the largest ever at 1.8 billion.
Over 70 million of the world’s young
people are dealing with
unemployment and an uncertain
future.
In a population of significant youth
proportions, there is an opportunity to
reap the economic benefits of this
large working age population if they
are invested in – this is called the
demographic dividend.
Young people need quality education
and suitable training that will not only
help them fulfill their potential but also
allow them to be productive members
of the society and generators of
wealth that benefits all.”
In a group discussion on Life Skills,
one UN School Club Member noted,
“Self-awareness is one of the most
important life skills.”
Having the courage and strength to
resist peer-pressure and avoid
vulnerabilities through self-awareness
was described by the participants as
vital.
UNICEF and UNFPA have been
working with the Zanzibar Aids
Commission to roll out the teaching of
life skills to out-of-school youth.
David D’Arcy of UN Women, speaking
to the group on the need for young to
advocate for youth skills investment,
said that in order to be heard, youth
need to fully use their democratic
voice.
He added that Zanzibar has a young
population but representation of
people between the ages of 25 and
35 within the political system remains
very low. He encouraged youth to
engage in politics for the benefit of all
citizens in the country.
Youth discuss the most important skills for young people and the obstacles that are in their way to achieving their
ambitions. PHOTO | David D'Arcy (UN Women)
M edia interviews can make all of
us nervous; even journalists
get nervous if someone asks to
interview them.
However, that is no longer the case
for 40 UN Spokespeople who
recently received media training in
Dar es Salaam (May 21 and 24th
August) and Zanzibar (August 4), by
members of the UN Communications
Group.
The media trainings were provided to
Heads of Agencies and senior
programme officers. It was an
opportunity to provide an insight into
how journalists think and work, as
well as offer basic tips that will give
the spokespeople the confidence to
treat a media interview as an
opportunity to highlight the good work
of the UN as well as challenges
encountered.
The training included both theory and
practical exercises to enable the
spokespeople to engage with the
media with confidence. At the end of
the training, participants were able to
more effectively tell UN success
stories for enhanced media
coverage; give quality interviews on
radio, TV and print, had a better
understanding of the media
environment in Tanzania and the
needs and challenges surrounding
media practitioners, and they were
able to better respond to a media
crisis and negative coverage
involving the UN and/or specific
projects; as well as react positively to
media pressure in emergencies –
such as the current situation in
Kigoma Region with Burundi
refugees. Based on the positive
feedback from participants, more
trainings will be offered to other staff
in the near future.
UN carries out spokesperson media training in Zanzibar and mainland
Journalists commit to
impartial coverage of
Tanzanian elections
B agamoyo. Impartiality and non-
partisanship – two crucial
principals for journalists to observe -
were among the key messages that
reporters discussed at an intensive
seminar for media practitioners
organized by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) in
the context of the forthcoming polls.
Held in Bagamoyo in late July, the
seminar brought together 60
practitioners from the print and
electronic press and aimed at
equipping journalists with the basic
knowledge and professional skills that
would enable them to cover the
election in a fair, balanced and non-
partisan way. The overall aims is to
enable citizens to become well-
informed about the elections taking
place in October. In his opening, Mr.
Alvaro Rodriguez, UN Resident
Coordinator and UNDP Resident
Representative, underlined the
importance of the seminar saying it
came at an important juncture, during
which the media’s capacity to deliver
a clear and balanced picture of
developments related to the general
elections to the public could face a
serious test.
He further welcomed the emphasis of
the seminar on the need to foster a
healthy relationship of respect and
understanding between the media
and Election Management Bodies
(EMBs) in ensuring that the voting
public has the level of information
required to make informed choices.
“The capacity of the media to
scrutinize and inform on policies and
actions of government and political
parties enables the population not
only to participate, but also to make
informed decisions and choices
during elections. However, because
the political stakes in an election are
so high, tensions can often result.
This makes it very important that the
media has a good understanding of
democratic processes, rules and
regulations and reports on them fairly,
objectively and responsibly” Mr.
Rodriguez stated.
“Without free and fair exchange of
ideas and information – the lifeblood
of democracy – citizens may not have
the information to make informed
choices at the ballot box. This means
conflict-sensitive, gender-sensitive
and also socially inclusive media
coverage of elections is a critical
component of transparent, credible
and peaceful elections,” he said.
During the seminar, various topics
such as UN support to the electoral
process in Tanzania, media ethics,
journalists safety, conflict-sensitive
reporting and elections reporting from
a gender and social inclusion
perspective were discussed.
The event was organized under the
aegis of the three-year electoral cycle
Democratic Empowerment Project,
which is managed by UNDP through
a multi-donor basket fund supported
by Canada, DFID, Denmark,
European Union, Finland, reland,
Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the
UN (One Fund).
Participants of the seminar in a group photo with UN Resident Coordinator,
Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez. PHOTO | Nicodemus Marcus-UNDP
This newsletter is published by the UN Communication Group in Tanzania. To subscribe and provide any feed-back, please contact us at: [email protected]. Website: http://tz.one.un.org Tel: (+255) 22-260-2884 11
T he ILO in collaboration with the President Office,
Public Service Management, Tanzania Commission
for AIDS (TACAIDS) and other partners, have embarked
on a programme to raise awareness on HIV testing in
Ministries. This is aimed at curbing stigma and
discrimination at the workplace which continues to violate
human rights including rights at work and access to care
and treatment services.
The VCT@WORK Initiative was launched by the ILO and
UNAIDS in 2013, with a target of reaching around 350,000
workers in Tanzania by December 2015. The initiative
builds upon the Getting to Zero at Work campaign which
aims to reduce stigma and discrimination at the workplace.
The previous phase of the initiative, April – December
2014, was implemented in five Regions; Dar es Salaam,
Coast, Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya. About 10,743 workers
and the surrounding communities were able to access
Voluntary Counselling and Training (VCT) services.
Over 400 being referred for care and treatment. Globally,
the Initiative will contribute to 5 million women and men
workers to undertake VCT by end of 2015.
VCT@WORK: 350,000 workers to address stigma at the workplace
One of the volunteers undergoing health testing at the
launch in Dar es Salaam recently. PHOTO | ILO
‘Ebola’ scare proves
to be false alarm
B lood samples of a deceased Bu-
rundian refugee suspected to
have contracted the Ebola virus in Kig-
oma region have tested negative for
Ebola. Sample results of his family
members including his 14 year old
daughter who had a nose bleeding
episode also ruled out the virus.
Taqman Array Card (TAC) Acute Fe-
brile Illness (AFI) multi-pathogen de-
tection testing was conducted on the
specimens at the National Laboratory
in the country and as well at Kenya
Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/
Centre for Disease Control and Pre-
vention (CDC) in Nairobi. All tests
were negative for Ebola.
The death of a 39 year old refugee at
Kigoma’s Maweni Regional Hospital
had prompted caution amongst resi-
dents in the region, including the refu-
gee community and the Tanzanian
public at large after the deceased was
sent to the health facility with bleeding
gums, bloody diarrhea and redness of
eyes on 9th August 2015. He had no
fever when he passed away the follow-
ing day (10th August 2015). The dis-
posal of his remains raised concern
due to the close supervision of regional
medical authorities dressed in personal
protective equipment (PPE), reminis-
cent of those clad by health officers
treating Ebola in West African coun-
tries affected by the scourge, i.e. Libe-
ria, Sierra Leone and
Guinea.
In a rejoinder to the
‘Ebola’ scare in Kigo-
ma and following the
release of results at
the National Labora-
tory, the Deputy Min-
ister of Health and
Social Welfare, Dr.
Stephen Kebwe on
14th August 2015
visited Nyarugusu
Camp to dismiss
rumours of suspect-
ed Ebola and urge
calm amongst the
refugee community.
His visit echoed the
joint UN press re-
lease in which a calm
approach to the situ-
ation was advised by
UNHCR and WHO.
The deceased had resided in Nyaru-
gusu Camp for three years and was
among refugees who were in the Re-
settlement program to the United
States of America. The actual cause of
death is still under investigation.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr.
Stephen Kebwe is received in Nyarugusu Camp by
UNHCR Head of Field Office Kasulu, Ms. Amah
Assiama-Hillgartner, August 2015
PHOTO | UNHCR
A Stronger United Nations for a Better World !
UN reform at a glance
Tanzania is among eight countries to pilot
the Delivering as One reform initiative at
country level. Albania, Cape Verde,
Mozambique, Pakistan, Rwanda, Uruguay
and Viet Nam are the others. For more
information on UN reform and coherence
please visit www.undg.org
UN Resident Coordinator’s Office
Communications Specialist
Phone: (+255) 22-260-2884
Visit http://tz.one.un.org for more information
International Youth
Day celebrated in
Dar es Salaam
T he International Youth Day (IYD)
was observed on 12 August with
pomp and fun fair. The global theme
was “Youth Civic Engagement”, while
the local one was “Maamuzi Yetu ni
Hatima Yetu: Tujiongeze”.
The IYD presented a great
opportunity to utilize talent, creativity
and energy of 1.8 billion youth who
are eager to shape the present and
future of our world.
The commemoration was presided by
a youth forum a day before with
discussions around Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), the
coming general elections and youths
participation in different development
forums. “The engagement and
participation of youth is essential to
achieve sustainable human
development,” commented UNFPA
Country Representative, Dr. Natalia
Kanem. “Yet often the opportunities
for youth to engage politically,
economically and socially are low or
non-existent,“ added Dr. Kanem.
The climax of the event was marked
by a march from Jangwani girls
secondary school to Mnazi Mmoja
grounds. Hundreds of marching
young people from several schools
and youth organizations led by a
brass band and acrobatic cyclists;
was received by the Deputy
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry
of Information, Youth Culture and
Sports, Prof. Elisante Ole Gabriel who
was also the guest of honour.
Addressing the young people, Prof.
Gabriel said, “You will be
remembered and respected by your
valuable contribution you made in
your society when you were young.
Correct decisions you make now will
impact the positive changes you want
in your society.” Other activities
during the commemoration included
exhibition led by UNFPA, ILO, the
Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports,
SIYB, Marie Stopes and Restless
Development and Project Inspire who
conducted Afya check during the
youth forum and on the climax day at
Mnazi Mmoja grounds.
Upcoming UN Days 15 September – International Day
of Democracy 15 – 28 September – 70th Session
of the UN General Assembly 26 September – International Day
for the Total Elimination of Nu-clear Weapons
1 October – International Day of Older Persons
5 October– World Habitat Day 11 October– International Day of
the Girl Child 16 October- World Food Day 17 October- International Day for
the Eradication of Poverty 24 October – UN DAY 13 October 2015 – UN Day
(Mainland) 15 October 2015 – UN Day
(Zanzibar) 31 October- World Cities Day
Top: Talented entertainers at work.
Below: Participants to the event
follow the proceedings.
PHOTOS | Rehema Pascal-UN
Tanzania