Tanzanian health authorities have directed hospitals and health centres nationwide to intensify the surveillance of respiratory and epidemic diseases amid a rise in influenza and Covid-19 cases.

Grace Magembe, chief medical officer at the Ministry of Health, issued the directive on Wednesday in the Morogoro region while addressing medical officers from sentinel surveillance centres that monitor respiratory illnesses across the country.

“We continue to empower more centres in monitoring respiratory diseases, especially in the early collection and submission of samples to the national laboratory. This work is the country’s first line of defence against epidemics, and there is no alternative,” Magembe said.

Her remarks followed a government warning of increasing cases of influenza and Covid-19 in several regions, prompting renewed vigilance within the health sector.

Magembe also urged the public to stop the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, warning that misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance and reduces treatment effectiveness.

Vida Mmbaga, assistant director of epidemic disease surveillance at the Ministry of Health said Tanzania has strengthened its capacity to detect and respond to epidemic diseases through expanded surveillance systems and improved laboratory services.

• A Tell Media / Xinhua report