Tanzania wins global e-health award for innovative digital health card

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has received international acclaim after winning the 2025 WSIS Prizes Award in the e-Health category, in recognition of the Kadi ya Matibabu digital health card that is transforming healthcare access and delivery in Zanzibar.

The award was presented to PharmAccess Foundation Zanzibar and officially received by Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, Mr Nassor Mazrui, during the WSIS+20 High-Level Forum held in Geneva from July 6 to 11, 2025.

The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, also attended the award ceremony on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tanzania’s growing digital transformation, particularly in e-government services, is being recognised as a model for other developing countries. Ministries, departments, and regional authorities are now integrated through a national digital framework that facilitates real-time data sharing, coordinated decision-making, and more efficient public service delivery.

From tax systems and academic records to healthcare data, the digital infrastructure is helping to create a more transparent, accountable, and responsive government—minimising bureaucratic delays while improving access to essential services.

Accepting the award, Minister Mazrui said the recognition affirmed Zanzibar’s commitment to building a more inclusive, tech-driven healthcare system. He credited the achievement to strong leadership, strategic partnerships—particularly with PharmAccess—and the dedication of healthcare professionals across the region.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to creating a fair and resilient health system driven by digital innovation,” he said.

He noted that the success of digital governance is not limited to the health sector. Platforms such as e-Mrejesho have enabled citizens to provide feedback that reaches the appropriate government departments without the need for physical visits or paperwork. Backed by secure public servers and regulatory frameworks, such systems are reinforcing compliance, data integrity, and public trust across institutions.

The Kadi ya Matibabu system has already registered 93 percent of Zanzibar’s population, linking individuals’ unique identification numbers to their digital health records. This integration across public health facilities is reported to have significantly enhanced both the quality and efficiency of healthcare services.

In addition to the e-Health award, Tanzania also received two Champion Awards in other categories. The AI-driven e-Mrejesho platform, developed by the e-Government Authority, and the STEM 4 ALL initiative led by St Joseph University of Tanzania were both recognised for their contributions to digital innovation.

Mr Silaa received these awards on behalf of the government, further cementing Tanzania’s reputation as a regional leader in leveraging digital solutions to improve development outcomes, promote inclusion, and enhance public service delivery.