Common Diseases in Tanzania

Anaemia

Anaemia affects nearly half of Tanzania's women and children. The most common cause is iron deficiency, which is easily treated with iron tablets.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Tanzanian women. It is largely preventable with HPV vaccination and curable when caught early through screening.

Cholera

Cholera causes severe watery diarrhoea and rapid dehydration. It is a medical emergency but highly treatable with oral rehydration solution.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by SARS-CoV-2. Most people recover at home; vaccination significantly reduces risk of severe disease.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is endemic in coastal Tanzania — Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and the islands. There is no specific antiviral; supportive care and avoiding aspirin are key.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes affects approximately 1 million Tanzanians and is rapidly increasing. Left uncontrolled, it causes blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations.

Diarrhoeal Disease

Diarrhoea kills thousands of Tanzanian children each year, almost entirely from dehydration that is preventable with oral rehydration solution.

Eye Conditions & Trachoma

Tanzania has one of the world's highest trachoma burdens. Combined with cataracts, it makes eye disease a leading cause of preventable blindness in Tanzania.

Hepatitis B

An estimated 6–8% of Tanzanians carry hepatitis B. Most are undiagnosed. Chronic infection causes cirrhosis and liver cancer, but it is preventable with vaccination.

HIV/AIDS

Tanzania has approximately 1.7 million people living with HIV. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV is now a manageable chronic condition.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension affects an estimated 30% of Tanzanian adults and is a leading cause of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. Most people have no symptoms.

Malaria

Malaria is the most common cause of outpatient visits in Tanzania, spread by infected mosquito bites. It is treatable but can be fatal if delayed.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition affects 34% of Tanzanian children under 5 (stunting). It impairs brain development, weakens immunity, and increases risk of death from other diseases.

Preeclampsia & Maternal Health

Tanzania's maternal mortality rate is among the highest in Africa. Preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy) is a leading cause. Skilled birth attendance at a health facility dramatically reduces risk.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a life-threatening inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Seek emergency care immediately if suspected.

Mental Health & Depression

Mental health conditions affect millions of Tanzanians but most go undiagnosed due to stigma. Depression and anxiety are treatable — help is available at hospitals.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children under 5 in Tanzania. It requires prompt antibiotic treatment — do not delay seeking care.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

STIs including syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and herpes are common in Tanzania. Many cause no symptoms but can lead to infertility and increase HIV risk if untreated.

Sickle Cell Disease

Tanzania has one of the world's highest rates of sickle cell disease — approximately 11,000 children are born with it each year. Early newborn screening and hydroxyurea prevent serious complications.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Tanzania has one of the highest TB burdens in Africa. TB is curable with a full course of free medication available at government facilities.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water. It is common in Tanzania's urban areas and treatable with antibiotics.