EECC Highlighted at Tanzania’s National Medical Congress
Dr Isaac Maro, a member of the POETICTz team was among the speakers at this year’s National Medical Congress, held from June 18th–20th at the Arusha International Conference Centre. His keynote presentation focused on a subject of urgent importance: how to strengthen health systems by prioritising simple, life-saving care for critically ill patients.
The Congress, which marked 60 years of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), brought together doctors and health professionals from across the country to reflect on the past, assess the present, and plan for the future of healthcare in Tanzania. This year’s theme—“Quality Healthcare in Tanzania: Accessibility, Affordability, and Sustainability”—was a fitting backdrop for a presentation that called attention to how essential emergency and critical care (EECC) can help achieve these goals.
What is EECC?
EECC stands for Essential Emergency and Critical Care. It focuses on providing the simple but vital care that all critically ill patients need, no matter what the underlying illness or injury is. This includes monitoring vital signs, giving oxygen, administering IV fluids, managing airways, and training health workers to act quickly when a patient shows signs of deterioration.
These are not high-tech or expensive interventions. But they are proven to save lives—and they are too often missing in health systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Addressing Gaps with ACIOS Evidence
In his presentation titled “Responding to the realities of critical care: prioritizing the essentials for resilient health systems”, Dr Maro presented findings from the African Critical Illness Outcomes Study (ACIOS). This landmark research documented the reality of hospital-based critical illness care across several African countries—including Tanzania.
ACIOS revealed a clear picture: many hospitals are not providing even the most essential life-saving care. Patients are dying from critical illness simply because the tools and training to deliver foundational care are not consistently available.
But the findings also pointed to hope.
Dr Maro explained how the same research showed that EECC interventions—when available—can make a significant difference. With relatively little investment, health facilities can start saving more lives by making sure essential care is available to every critically ill patient, every day.
Dr Maro delivering his presentation
Building Resilient Health Systems
Dr Maro’s presentation connected directly with the Congress’s broader theme. As Tanzania looks to improve access, affordability, and sustainability in healthcare, EECC offers a practical way forward. It’s not about building new intensive care units or buying expensive equipment. It’s about making sure every hospital ward has the tools and know-how to spot and treat critical illness early.
The message resonated with many in the audience: if we want resilient health systems that can respond to everyday emergencies as well as future shocks, we must start by prioritising the essentials.
Looking Ahead
Dr Maro’s appearance at the National Medical Congress helped raise awareness of EECC among a broad audience of medical professionals. It also reinforced the growing recognition that evidence-based, cost-effective interventions like EECC have a vital role to play in Tanzania’s healthcare future.
As the country marks 60 years of medical progress, it’s clear that the next steps must include strengthening care for those who are most at risk. And that means putting essential emergency and critical care at the heart of the conversation.