United Nations Day National Commemorations in Dodoma

On October 24th the United Nations and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania commemorated the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. This year’s theme for UN day was ‘Building Back with Better Health Systems’ highlighting the need to build more sustainable health systems as the country recovers from the public health and socio-economic impact that COVID-19 has had.

Hon. Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, the Minister of Defence and National Service graced the national commemorations which were held at Nyerere Square in Dodoma where the UN flag was raised symbolizing the Tanzania’s commitment to continue working with the United Nations and to uphold the values embodied in the United Nations Charter. The ceremony was attended by government officials from mainland and Zanzibar, the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Youth representatives, UN heads of agencies and staff, member of the Tanzanian Defence Forces and Dodoma residents who were in the premises of the square.

Dr. Tax made assurances that the Government is determined to play its role in combating COVID-19 highlighting that, “Tanzania continues to support world efforts to counter COVID 19 by ensuring all precaution measures including those recommended by WHO are followed. It is self-evident that the UN continues to be a leader when dealing with challenges that cross boarders such as COVI 19. Congratulations for this.” Dr. Tax also commended the UN’s support to vaccination efforts. “Allow me to congratulate UN Tanzania for their contribution on ensuring that Tanzania receives COVID 19 vaccines and for taking necessary measures to make the vaccine available to its staff in the country. Let me assure you that the government values your contribution,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the UN system, Mr. Zlatan Milisic, the UN Resident Coordinator in Tanzania, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting the government and people of Tanzania to achieve their national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mr. Milisic highlighted how COVID-19 has overwhelmed health systems all over the world and pointed out that, “There is a clear need to create more resilient health systems that will ensure our communities and people are healthy, have access to basic health services and able to better withstand health crises such as COVID-19.” He added that,

“It is only by working together and having all hands-on deck, that we will be able to achieve the SDGs and create more sustainable health and other systems, as we build back better from the pandemic.”