Tanzanian President John Magufuli declared COVID-19 vaccines dangerous during a January 27, 2021, speech in Chato, northwest Tanzania, urging citizens to use steam inhalation instead.
He claimed that if Western scientists could develop effective vaccines, diseases like AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and cancer would already have solutions, offering no evidence.
With over 2.1 million global COVID-19 deaths, Magufuli’s denialism—doubting tests and promoting prayer—has drawn criticism.
Tanzania stopped publishing COVID-19 data in April 2020, reporting only 509 cases and 21 deaths, per WHO. His stance, contrasting with over 50 countries safely administering vaccines, risks public health, especially as suspected cases surge.
Public Health Experts Warn of Risks
A microbiologist, anonymously citing fear of government retaliation, told Al Jazeera that Magufuli’s remarks are “dangerous” and could undo Tanzania’s progress against preventable diseases. “Misinformation puts vulnerable citizens at risk,” they said.
On January 26, 2021, the Tanzania Catholic Church warned of a possible new wave, noting daily requiem masses in urban parishes, up from one or two weekly, per Father Charles Kitima.
Magufuli’s mixed signals—mocking masks while occasionally urging expert advice—sow confusion.
Tanzania’s Secrecy and Isolation
Magufuli’s government has resisted lockdowns and transparency, halting COVID-19 data updates since April 2020.
Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima later promoted unproven remedies like vegetable smoothies, per BBC reports from February 2021.
This contrasts with Africa’s vaccine efforts, with the AU securing 670 million doses and COVAX targeting 600 million by 2021’s end.
WHO’s Matshidiso Moeti urged Tanzania to join vaccination campaigns, citing global evidence of efficacy.
Magufuli’s debunked claims, like vaccines causing infertility, per Reuters, further isolate Tanzania from global health strategies.
Surge in Suspected Cases
The Catholic Church’s alert, backed by rising funeral services, suggests a hidden second wave.
Kitima’s statement to media highlighted the strain on urban parishes, with no official data to confirm the outbreak’s scale.
Magufuli’s promotion of steam inhalation and herbal remedies, unendorsed by WHO, risks worsening outcomes.
His death in March 2021—amid unconfirmed COVID-19 rumors—led to policy shifts under Samia Suluhu Hassan, who embraced vaccinations.
Urgent Need for Action
Magufuli’s vaccine rejection endangers Tanzanians, particularly with a suspected surge. WHO and local experts call for data transparency and proven health measures.
Opposition figures like Zitto Kabwe labeled Magufuli’s stance “conspiracy-driven”.
Tanzania must engage with COVAX, restore data reporting, and counter misinformation to protect lives.
As Africa vaccinates, Tanzania’s delay risks lives and regional stability, requiring urgent action to curb the pandemic’s toll.
