Overview

The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) is a public organization under South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. It was founded in 2006 to promote international cooperation in health, reduce health disparities, and strengthen healthcare systems in partner countries through technical assistance, training, and development projects.

KOFIH’s Presence in Tanzania

KOFIH began its collaboration with Tanzania around 2009 and later established a local office in Dar es Salaam. This office oversees project planning and implementation, coordinates with Tanzanian government ministries, supports healthcare training programs, and manages monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Key Focus Areas
1. Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH)

KOFIH has implemented several initiatives focused on improving maternal and child health in Tanzania, especially in the Pwani region. These projects strengthen healthcare services, upgrade facilities, train health workers, and enhance systems for monitoring and data management. The initiatives have led to improvements in areas such as antenatal care coverage and emergency obstetric services.

2. Dr. LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Program

This flagship program provides training opportunities for Tanzanian health professionals in Korea. It focuses on building capacity in leadership, clinical practice, and public health management. Participants report improved professional skills and better institutional performance upon returning to Tanzania, although long-term sustainability and follow-up support remain areas for improvement.

3. Hospital and Technical Support

KOFIH supports hospital management and technical development, including assistance to major facilities such as the Muhimbili National Hospital. It also strengthens biomedical engineering capacity through training and equipment maintenance programs, ensuring medical devices are effectively managed and utilized.

4. Public Health Laboratory and Disease Control

The organization collaborates with national laboratories to improve diagnostic capabilities and disease surveillance. These efforts help enhance Tanzania’s readiness and response to infectious disease threats.

5. Health Systems and Governance

Beyond direct healthcare delivery, KOFIH contributes to system-wide improvements—supporting health policy development, monitoring and evaluation systems, data-driven decision-making, and training programs for local administrators. It aligns its work with Tanzania’s health strategies and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Achievements and Impact

Improved maternal and child health indicators in partner regions, including higher antenatal visit rates and better access to skilled delivery services.

Enhanced capacity among healthcare professionals through training and mentorship programs.

Strengthened hospital operations, equipment management, and laboratory capabilities.

Greater institutional collaboration between Korea and Tanzania’s health authorities.

Challenges

Ensuring sustainability and consistent follow-up for trained professionals.

Expanding successful programs beyond initial target regions due to resource limitations.

Integrating projects with other bilateral and local initiatives for better coordination.

Adapting training and project models to fit Tanzania’s local healthcare context.

Partnerships

KOFIH works in close partnership with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and other national agencies, regional hospitals, and local health administrations. It also cooperates with other Korean organizations, such as KOICA, as part of South Korea’s broader development assistance framework.

Contact

KOFIH Tanzania Office
P.O. Box 10383
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

KOFIH also shares updates and project highlights through its official social media pages under “KOFIH Tanzania.”