DAR ES SALAAM: The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Tanzania’s growing investment in specialised cardiac care, citing the country’s expanding treatment capacity as an important step toward strengthening healthcare systems in Africa.
The organisation highlighted progress made at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), which has emerged as one of East Africa’s leading centres for cardiovascular treatment and advanced heart surgery.
Speaking during the opening of the Heart Team CardioTan Imaging 2026 International Scientific Conference in Dar es Salaam, WHO Programme Management Officer Dr Sisay Tegegne said Tanzania’s investments in specialised healthcare infrastructure are helping build a more resilient health system capable of addressing the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases.
“The investments made are essential for building a resilient healthcare system capable of effectively responding to the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
Dr Tegegne, representing WHO Regional Director for Africa Prof Mohamed Janabi, said cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries carrying a disproportionate share of the burden.
According to WHO estimates, cardiovascular diseases cause around 19.8 million deaths globally each year, accounting for approximately 32% of all deaths worldwide.
“These realities underscore the urgent need to strengthen prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment,” he added.
JKCI has continued expanding its medical infrastructure and specialist services in recent years, including the installation of two catheterisation laboratory machines and four operating theatres.
The institute has so far carried out 6,596 open-heart surgeries, significantly improving access to specialised cardiac treatment for patients in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.
JKCI Executive Director Dr Peter Kisenge said the institute has evolved into a regional centre of excellence in cardiovascular care, helping reduce dependence on overseas referrals for highly specialised treatment.
He said the institute has also expanded outreach programmes and established additional service centres across Tanzania to improve access to cardiac care closer to communities.
According to Dr Kisenge, JKCI has invested heavily in training cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses and other specialists as part of efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s long-term healthcare capacity.
He added that the institute is now exploring expansion beyond Tanzania as demand for specialised cardiac services continues to grow across Africa.
Dr Kisenge revealed that JKCI is conducting a feasibility study on opening a branch in another African country, with potential locations including the Union of Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic.
The planned expansion is expected to improve access to advanced cardiac treatment in underserved regions while reinforcing Tanzania’s position as an emerging hub for specialised healthcare and medical innovation in Africa.
The three-day conference brought together cardiologists, researchers and healthcare professionals from several countries to discuss advances in cardiovascular medicine and explore new approaches to improving heart disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
