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Who We Are – Our Story, Our Approach, Our Impact

Locally led, evidence-based, health systems strengthening for Tanzania. With main focus of bringing quality health services to all.

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Who We Are

Prime Health Initiative Tanzania (PHIT), pronounced "FIT", is a locally led, non-governmental organization established in March 2021 under the Tanzania Non-Governmental Organizations Act No. 24 of 2002.

We are driven by a bold vision: to strengthen Tanzania's health systems through locally grounded, evidence-based solutions that expand access to high-quality healthcare — especially for vulnerable and underserved communities.

PHIT was founded on the belief that sustainable health transformation must be locally owned, scientifically driven, and system focused.

What We Do

We design, implement, and evaluate innovative public health interventions that strengthen routine health systems. Our work focuses on:

 

Maternal & Newborn Health

Strengthening care for mothers and newborns through evidence-based interventions.

 

Digital Health & AI

Leveraging technology and AI to improve health service delivery.

 

Health Systems Strengthening

Building resilient health systems through governance and workforce development.

 

Capacity Building

Training frontline providers to deliver quality care with confidence.

 

Implementation Research

Generating evidence to inform policy and practice.

 

Partnership & Integration

Working hand-in-hand with the Ministry of Health and local authorities.

We work in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, regional and district authorities, and local health facilities to ensure integration within government systems rather than creating parallel structures.

Our Journey

2021 – Founding

PHIT established under the Tanzania NGO Act, with a vision for locally owned health transformation.

Early Growth

Prioritized building institutional systems – governance, finance, HR, M&E – for long-term sustainability.

Organizational Capacity Assessment

Supported by Jhpiego (Johns Hopkins affiliate), guiding strategic planning and staff training.

Today

Managing large-scale, high-impact programs with international partners, always integrating within government systems.

Our Approach

 

Local Ownership

Sustainable change must be led locally.

 

Evidence-Based Action

Data and science guide every decision.

 

System Integration

We strengthen public systems, not create parallel ones.

 

Strategic Partnerships

Collaboration with government, academia, and global partners.

 

Equity & Inclusion

Prioritizing underserved populations to leave no one behind.

Vision

To lead locally driven public health innovation and expand access to high-quality healthcare services that leave no one behind.

Mission

To design and implement effective, evidence-based, and client-centred public health interventions that strengthen health systems in Tanzania and beyond.

Board of Directors

Prof. Willy Urassa

Prof. Willy Urassa

Chairman of the Board

Prof. Willy Urassa is a distinguished Tanzanian medical academic and public health leader. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Prime Health Initiative Tanzania (PHIT).

 

Professional Background

Academic Leadership: Professor at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). He has held significant leadership roles within the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Research Expertise: Extensively cited in global health, focusing on HIV/AIDS diagnostics, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases. He has been a key contributor to numerous studies on HIV testing protocols and reproductive health clinics in Tanzania.
Global Health Impact: Collaborates with international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), specifically within the Department of Essential Medicines and Health Products.
 

Key Contributions

Public Health Advocacy: As Chairman of PHIT, he leads efforts to improve health outcomes through public‑private partnerships and community‑based health interventions.
Mentorship: Widely recognized for training the next generation of Tanzanian medical professionals and researchers at MUHAS.
Dr. Bennett Fimbo

Dr. Bennett Fimbo

Board Member

Dr. Bennett Fimbo is a prominent Tanzanian public health specialist and researcher, currently serving as a board member at Prime Health Initiatives Tanzania (PHIT). His career is characterized by over 30 years of experience in the healthcare sector, with a primary focus on HIV/AIDS programs and health quality assurance.

 

Professional Roles & Career Highlights

National AIDS Control Programme (NACP): Previously served as Head of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) within the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC).
Health Quality Assurance: Held the position of Director of Health Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Health, overseeing standards and safety of clinical services, medicines, and medical equipment across Tanzania.
International Collaboration: Worked as an HIV/AIDS Program Officer and collaborated with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and USAID on large‑scale health initiatives.
 

Research and Contributions

Published Researcher: Specializes in infectious diseases and healthcare delivery systems.
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC): Co‑authored several peer‑reviewed studies evaluating the quality and scale‑up of VMMC services in Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Healthcare Provider Attitudes: Researched burnout and job fulfillment among healthcare providers in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Gaudiosa Tibaijuka

Gaudiosa Tibaijuka

Board Member

Gaudiosa Tibaijuka is a prominent Tanzanian public health professional and academic, currently serving as a Board Member of the Prime Health Initiative Tanzania (PHIT). She is widely recognized for her extensive work in maternal and newborn health, particularly through her long‑term affiliation with Johns Hopkins University (JHU).

 

Professional Profile

Role at JHU: Served as Technical Director for university‑affiliated projects in Tanzania, focusing on improving obstetric and intrapartum care to reduce neonatal mortality.
Specialization: Expertise in healthcare workforce capacity building, essential newborn care, and strengthening health facility readiness across Sub‑Saharan Africa.
Education & Research: Educator in health professions and contributor to significant cross‑sectional research on newborn care services in Tanzania and other African nations.
 

Contribution to PHIT

In her capacity at Prime Health Initiative Tanzania, she leverages her clinical and technical background to provide strategic oversight for programs aimed at improving community health outcomes and sustainable healthcare delivery in the country.
Edwin Ernest

Edwin Ernest

Board Member

Edwin Ernest is a seasoned public health professional in Tanzania, specializing in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and health systems strengthening. He currently serves as an M&E Specialist with Jhpiego, an international non‑profit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, focusing on improving healthcare delivery through data‑driven insights in surgical safety and maternal health.

 

Key Roles and Expertise

Jhpiego Tanzania: Instrumental in coordinating M&E frameworks for large‑scale health initiatives, including programs on safe surgery and implementation of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist across Tanzanian health facilities.
Governance: Member of the Board of Directors for PHIT, providing strategic oversight and technical guidance to support the organization's mission of improving community health outcomes.
Technical Contributions: Bridges clinical practice and digital health transformation, ensuring health interventions are measurable, sustainable, and aligned with National Health Sector Strategic Plans.
Emma Sabaya

Emma Sabaya

Board Member

Emma Sabaya is a Tanzanian finance professional and corporate leader known for her expertise in financial management and strategic oversight. In her role as a Member of the Board of Directors at Prime Health Initiative Tanzania (PHIT), she provides critical guidance on the organization’s financial sustainability and governance.

 

Professional Profile

Financial Expertise: Strong background in financial reporting, auditing, and strategic planning within the Tanzanian fiscal landscape.
Governance & Leadership: As a board member for PHIT, plays a key role in overseeing public health initiatives, ensuring the organization meets its mission through sound financial practices.
Sector Impact: Bridges structured finance and non‑profit management, focusing on accountability and efficient resource allocation for community health programs.

Our Partners

Ministry of Health
BMGF
Jhpiego