David Kafulila has underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare sector, saying quality healthcare and education remain central to the country’s ambition of building a one trillion-dollar economy by 2050.

In a message shared on his X social media platform to mark International Nurses Day, Kafulila described nurses as the backbone of healthcare systems and key contributors to economic productivity, given their frontline role in saving lives and supporting communities.

Nursing is not merely a profession, but a calling that demands compassion, patience and a deep sense of humanity. Nurses serve as the bridge between sickness and recovery,” he said.

Kafulila noted that no country can build a productive and competitive economy without investing in the health of its people, arguing that a strong healthcare system is fundamental to sustainable national development.

He said while the government has made notable progress in expanding health infrastructure, improving access to medicines and medical equipment, and increasing the number of health professionals, Tanzania like many African countries continues to grapple with a shortage of nurses.

Citing figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), Kafulila said the recommended ratio stands at 45 nurses per 10,000 people, while Africa’s average remains at 18 nurses per 10,000 people. In developed nations, the ratio has reached as high as 100 nurses per 10,000 people.

The gap, he said, highlights the urgent need for increased investment in healthcare, particularly in nursing services and training, if Tanzania is to meet its long-term development aspirations.

Kafulila stressed that achieving those goals will require stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, noting that the government alone cannot finance the country’s growing healthcare demands

He added that projections indicate the private sector will contribute about 70 percent of the financing needed for the National Development Plan between 2026/27 and 2030/31, equivalent to more than Sh334 trillion.

According to him, deeper private sector participation through PPP arrangements will not only improve healthcare delivery, but also accelerate broader socio-economic transformation.