Tanzania will reinforce its position in the global primary healthcare agenda when it hosts the Second International Primary Health Care Conference (IPHCC 2026) in Arusha from September 9 to 11, bringing together more than 2,500 delegates from around the world.
The conference is expected to attract government leaders, health experts, researchers, representatives of international organisations, academic institutions and development partners to deliberate on strategies for strengthening primary healthcare systems and accelerating the achievement of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
As the host nation, Tanzania will use the conference to showcase its achievements in primary healthcare while sharing experiences and best practices aimed at advancing sustainable, people-centred health systems across Africa and beyond.
The meeting will be held under the theme, “Towards Universal Health Coverage: Strengthening Sustainable Health Financing, Efficiency and Quality Improvement within Primary Health Care,” with discussions centred on sustainable health financing, improved efficiency and quality service delivery.
Speaking on preparations for the conference, the Director of Health, Nutrition and Social Welfare Services at the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Dr Rashid Mfaume, said the event will provide an important platform for governments, researchers and health professionals to exchange knowledge, innovations and research findings that can strengthen primary healthcare systems.
“Primary healthcare remains the cornerstone of resilient health systems, providing communities with access to preventive services, early diagnosis, basic treatment and health education,” he said.
Dr Pius Kamana said the conference programme will cover a wide range of emerging and priority health issues, including youth health, nutrition, One Health, traditional medicine, social welfare, health diplomacy and health security.
He added that more than 400 scientific papers are expected to be presented during the three-day conference, offering participants an opportunity to share research findings and practical solutions to common health challenges.
The conference comes as Tanzania continues to invest in expanding primary healthcare services through the construction of health facilities, improved availability of medicines and medical supplies, and increased investment in the health workforce.
Globally, primary healthcare is widely recognised as the foundation for achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Three, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages.
Beyond the health sector, organisers say the conference is expected to strengthen Tanzania’s health diplomacy, boost conference tourism and foster stronger partnerships among governments, development partners and global health institutions.
By hosting the international forum, Tanzania aims to contribute to shaping global policy discussions on primary healthcare while reaffirming its commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for all.
