By Business Insider Reporter, Dodoma
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has stepped up its environmental and community outreach efforts as part of activities leading to International Women’s Day, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility.
In line with guidance from the government and environmental directives championed by Samia Suluhu Hassan, NHIF staff planted trees across Dodoma Region to promote environmental conservation and climate resilience.
On February 28, 2026, female NHIF employees gathered at the Fund’s headquarters in Dodoma to launch a tree-planting campaign in various locations, including Mtumba Government City, Uhuru Hospital in Chamwino District, and the NHIF head offices.
In the first phase alone, more than 500 tree seedlings were planted, marking the beginning of what the Fund says will be a nationwide initiative across its offices.
Speaking ahead of the exercise, NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka said the initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals and Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025, which emphasises environmental protection, water source preservation and climate change mitigation.
“Today, as women employees of NHIF, we are planting more than 500 seedlings. This is only the beginning. Similar activities will be carried out regularly across all our offices nationwide so that every staff member contributes to environmental conservation,” she said.
Beyond environmental action, NHIF staff also visited Isanga Prison in Dodoma, where they extended humanitarian support to inmates. Donations included nutritional flour, toothpaste, body lotions, sanitary towels, children’s clothing and religious books. Staff members also held discussions with inmates and joined them in prayer.
Dr. Isaka noted that such outreach reflects NHIF’s broader corporate social responsibility agenda, alongside its core mandate of expanding access to healthcare through insurance coverage.
She commended NHIF employees for their professionalism and dedication, particularly during the ongoing nationwide registration of vulnerable households under the Universal Health Insurance scheme.
She also expressed appreciation to President Samia for advancing reforms aimed at ensuring health insurance coverage reaches all Tanzanians.
In addition, she acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health leadership, including Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa, Deputy Minister Dr. Florence Samizi, Permanent Secretary Dr. Seif Shekalage, Deputy Permanent Secretary Eng Ismail Rumatila and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Maghembe, for their continued collaboration with the Fund. As Tanzania prepares to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, NHIF’s activities underscore the growing intersection between gender empowerment, environmental stewardship and inclusive healthcare reform.
