DEPUTY Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Stanslaus Nyongo has said that due to robust efforts to improve business and investment climate, Tanzania is soaring in its ability to attract and secure potential investors in the East African region and Africa in general.

Nyongo made the statement in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Department at Shifaa Pan African Hospitals Limited (SPAH).

He highlighted that the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) has been instrumental in welcoming, promoting, and attracting investments across all sectors, including the crucial health sector.

He further encouraged both foreign investors and Tanzanians to invest in the country as it has numerous opportunities.

John Mnali, Director of Investment Promotion said that the centre will continue to invest in provision of timely quality services especially those with strategic projects.

Bashir Haroon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shifaa Pan African Hospitals Limited explained that the hospital project was initiated to reduce the high costs incurred by sending many patients abroad for treatment.

The strategic project of Shifaa Pan African Hospitals Limited was registered by TIC in 2015 and has cost $60 million to its completion.

He noted that NCDs have become a greater threat than the traditional infectious diseases, a situation which calls for experts to strengthen efforts and practice at the highest levels of the professions.

“Despite achievements recorded in the health sector, we still face a double burden of disease. To address the situation we must grow the supply of skilled health care workers, build our capacity for research and home-grown innovation, focus on public health and primary care while ensuring that advanced care is available,” he said.

Reports show that NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are leading causes of death worldwide, representing an emerging global health threat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2030, NCDs are expected to become the leading cause of death in Africa.