Our history
The Government of Tanzania aims to improve the health status of the people by controlling water and sanitation related diseases. A number of campaigns have been implemented to induce behavioural change at the household level since 1973. The Mtu ni Afya campaign that was implemented between 1973 and 1978 instigated remarkable improvements including increasing the coverage of basic sanitation from 20% to 80%.
The Government of Tanzania aims to improve the health status of the people by controlling water and sanitation related diseases. Several campaigns have been implemented to induce behavioural change at the household level since 1973. The Mtu ni Afya campaign that was implemented between 1973 and 1978 instigated remarkable improvements including increasing the coverage of basic sanitation from 20% to 80% in a span of five years (1973-1978).
After the Mtu ni Afya campaign, the country witnessed the implementation of the National Sanitation Campaign, Phase 1 (2012 – 2016) that was launched by the then President of the Republic of Tanzania H.E Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete on 5th June 2012 in Moshi municipality, Kilimanjaro region. Its implementation started with 42 LGAs in January 2013 raising to 112 by June 2013.
Phase 2 of the sanitation campaign (2016 – 2021) was launched by the Vice President of Tanzania Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma in 2018 with the aim of transforming communities to construct and use improved toilets rather than the traditional toilets that were built during the Mtu ni Afya Campaign. However, a survey by NBS in 2016 revealed that between 55 and 65%, were still using unimproved facilities, while 8 to 12% had no facility at all.
Currently, 66% of households use improved facilities, while 2% have no facility at all. Furthermore, the actual practice of handwashing with soap at critical times is around 44%.
In efforts to improve access to improved sanitation and ideal hygiene behavior, the Government through the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC) continues to implement the National Sanitation Campaign. Remarkable achievements have been observed in some communities that have efficiently and effectively implemented the campaign.
Both the Mtu ni Afya and the National Sanitation Campaign have been successful in raising community and household awareness and changing behaviors on sanitation and hygiene. While the Mtu ni Afya Campaign focused on promoting the construction and use of any form of latrines, the National Sanitation Campaign focused on improved toilets. Phase 2 of the NSC continues to encourage the uptake of improved toilets and handwashing with soap nationally with a focus on institutional and community behavior change.
