Tanzania Releases Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List – 7th Edition 2026
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Health, has released the Revised Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) and National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT) – Seventh Edition 2026.
The new edition is an important milestone in strengthening the delivery of equitable, high-quality and evidence-based healthcare services across Tanzania. It provides updated guidance for healthcare professionals on the diagnosis, treatment and referral of priority health conditions while also supporting the rational and cost-effective use of medicines.
About the 2026 Standard Treatment Guidelines and NEMLIT
The revision has been developed in line with Tanzania's commitment to improving access to essential medicines and quality healthcare. It is also aligned with international and regional commitments, including the 2014 World Health Assembly Resolution 67.22 on access to essential medicines and the 2008 African Union Resolution 141.
The Government recognises that access to safe, effective and affordable medicines, together with appropriate clinical guidelines, is fundamental to improving health outcomes and advancing Universal Health Insurance (UHI).
The 2026 edition also reflects the country's changing health needs, including evolving disease patterns, emerging scientific evidence, antimicrobial resistance and continuing health-system challenges.
What the Revised Guidelines Provide
The revised Standard Treatment Guidelines provide practical clinical pathways to assist healthcare providers in making appropriate decisions regarding:
- Diagnosis of priority health conditions
- Treatment and management of diseases
- Appropriate use of medicines
- Referral of patients when necessary
- Standardisation and improvement of quality of care
- Rational use of medicines at different levels of healthcare
The guidelines are intended to support healthcare professionals working from primary healthcare facilities through to tertiary levels.
National Essential Medicines List 2026
The accompanying National Essential Medicines List identifies medicines and interventions that are considered essential for addressing Tanzania's health priorities.
The selection of medicines has been informed by scientific evidence, local and regional epidemiological data, pharmacoeconomic considerations and the 24th World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines.
The aim is to ensure that medicines used within the health system are scientifically justified, cost-effective and appropriate to the country's available resources and disease burden.
Importance for Healthcare Facilities and Professionals
The STG/NEMLIT 2026 will play an important role throughout Tanzania's healthcare system. Among other uses, the document will guide:
- Procurement and supply of medicines through the Medical Stores Department (MSD)
- Prescribing and dispensing of medicines in public health facilities
- Appropriate and rational use of medicines
- Standardisation of clinical management
- Reimbursement of medicines through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
- Clinical decision-making by healthcare providers
- Improvement of patient outcomes and quality of healthcare services
The guidelines are therefore an important reference for healthcare professionals involved in clinical practice, pharmacy, medicine supply and health-service management.
A Collaborative Review Process
According to the Ministry of Health, the 2026 revision was undertaken through an inclusive, consultative and transparent process.
The review involved stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and its institutions, the Prime Minister's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government authorities, healthcare workers from primary to tertiary facilities, both public and private healthcare providers, professional associations, academic institutions and implementing partners.
This broad participation was intended to ensure that the revised guidelines reflect the realities and priorities of Tanzania's healthcare system.
Why Regular Updates Are Important
Medical knowledge, disease patterns and treatment recommendations continue to change. For this reason, regularly reviewing treatment guidelines and essential medicines lists is important.
The 2026 revision is intended to:
- Promote rational use of medicines
- Improve the quality and standardisation of healthcare
- Ensure treatment recommendations reflect current scientific evidence
- Address emerging and re-emerging health threats
- Respond to antimicrobial resistance
- Improve cost-effectiveness
- Align treatment practices with national health priorities
- Support changing health needs of the Tanzanian population
Implementation Will Be Key
The Ministry of Health emphasises that the successful implementation of STG/NEMLIT will depend on the collective efforts of stakeholders across the health sector.
Important areas will include mentorship, supervision, medicine supply-chain management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as adoption of the guidelines by healthcare professionals.
Healthcare workers and policymakers are therefore encouraged to use the revised guidelines within their respective areas of responsibility and to promote the rational use of medicines.
Officially Endorsed for Public Use
The Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List – 7th Edition 2026 have been officially endorsed for public use by the Minister for Health, Hon. Mohamed O. Mchengerwa (MP), exercising powers conferred through Government Notice No. 686 of 19 December 2025.
The Ministry states that this seventh edition is expected to guide clinical practice for the next three years.
Download the STG/NEMLIT 2026
The Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List – Seventh Edition 2026 is an important reference document for healthcare professionals, health facilities, students and other stakeholders involved in healthcare delivery in Tanzania.
The full PDF document contains detailed treatment recommendations and the National Essential Medicines List for use within Tanzania Mainland.
Document: Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List for Tanzania Mainland
Edition: Seventh Edition, 2026
Issued by: Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania
Status: Officially endorsed for public use
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to obtain and use the latest edition as the current reference for clinical practice and medicine use, in accordance with their professional scope and applicable regulations.