Tanzania — humanitarian situation

Tanzania currently hosts 146,755 refugees and asylum seekers as of 31 May 2026, primarily from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (87,141) and Burundi (58,911), with most residing in Nyarugusu Camp in Kigoma, Katavi, and Tabora regions (UNHCR). In May 2026, 57 new arrivals were received, continuing a pattern of individuals fleeing violent clashes in eastern DRC. The closure of Nduta refugee camp in Kibondo district has concluded after operating since 2015, when thousands arrived from Burundi; Médecins Sans Frontières ended more than a decade of medical support to both refugee and host community populations in June 2026 (MSF). The regional Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, poses a significant preparedness concern for Tanzania. The outbreak has spread across 25 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces, with 808 confirmed cases including 192 deaths as of mid-May (UNHCR). WFP has strengthened national preparedness efforts by supporting coordination within the UN system alongside RCO, UNICEF, and WHO, and facilitated an Anticipatory Action learning mission to Mozambique in late May involving senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office Disaster Management Department and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (WFP). Africa CDC and WHO launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan seeking $518 million to support African countries against this outbreak (Africa CDC, WHO). In Zanzibar, cholera prevention efforts continue under the Government-led Zanzibar Comprehensive Cholera Elimination Plan 2018–2027, which prioritizes surveillance, water and sanitation improvements, risk communication, and community engagement. The Ministry of Health Zanzibar, in collaboration with WHO and with financial support from the Embassy of Ireland, is applying behavioral insights to strengthen cholera prevention measures (WHO). Agricultural production prospects following the March–May rainy season show uneven rainfall performance across bimodal regions of East Africa, with regional crop production likely near average overall despite local variations (FEWS NET).