DUCE and other ten (10) non-state actors signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve Health Services in Tanzania. The event took place on 8^th May 2024 at the United Nations Premises in Dar es Salaam. From DUCE, the event was attended by the College Principal, Prof. Stephen Maluka, the Deputy Principal (Academic, Research and Consultancy), Dr. Christina Raphael and the Corporate Counsel and the Secretary to the Governing Board, Adv. Fortunatus P. Swai.

The WHO country representative, Dr. Charles Sagoe-Moses, emphasized the significance of the MoUs, highlighting the commitment to collaborative efforts in advancing public health. He emphasized leveraging the expertise, resources, and networks of partner organizations to address health challenges. This encompasses disease prevention, health promotion, education, research and innovation, ultimately strengthening health systems in Tanzania.

Prof. Maluka, said that Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Health has set priorities, including maternal and child health services, access to medicine and medical equipment, addressing non-communicable diseases, promoting nutrition, improving health services for workers, and enhancing community services. As such, the partnership with WHO will facilitate DUCE and other the institutions involved in implementing these government priorities, ultimately aiming to enhance the health of Tanzanians. He added, this partnership targets all groups, including women, children, elderly, and youth, all of whom play crucial roles in project implementation.

Alongside the DUCE representatives, the signing event involved members from various NGOs and institutions including the Catholic Relief Services, Doctors with Africa-CUAMM, Sikika, and Mzumbe University. Also, other participants were the Tanzania Health Summit, African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), International Health Institute (IHI), Raising-Up Friendship Foundation (RUFFO), and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).

The signing of the MoUs marks a shared commitment to enhancing health services, workforce development, and innovative healthcare technologies, which are a crucial step towards improving overall health services in Tanzania.