JUBILEE Health Insurance, in cooperation with Medikea Clinic, has launched the Smart Health Journey (Digital Chronic Management Program & Telemedicine Initiative) — a transformative initiative aimed at improving chronic disease management and promoting active, healthy living among Tanzanians.

Launched under the theme “Empowering Health Through Action — Advancing Smart, Active, and Healthy Lives for All Tanzanians,” the program seeks to redefine how communities approach non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer through technology, lifestyle coaching, and continuous digital monitoring.

Dr. Waziri Ndonde, a Health and Exercise Specialist from the Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (TANCDA), the Smart Health Journey represents a critical shift in how the country tackles NCDs — emphasizing prevention, early detection, and long-term wellness rather than episodic hospital care.

“This program marks an evolution in our healthcare model — one that puts people at the center,” he said

He added: “It empowers individuals to become active participants in their own wellbeing through exercise, nutrition awareness, mental wellness, and digital follow-up.”

According to him, the initiative complements Tanzania’s National NCD Action Plan and Primary Health Care Strategy by integrating telemedicine and personalized coaching to support recovery beyond hospital walls — into homes, workplaces, and communities.

The Smart Health Journey encourages citizens to embrace healthy habits as part of everyday life, rather than reactive responses to illness.

 Dr. Ndonde emphasized that regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental health care remain the most powerful tools for preventing NCDs and extending quality life.

“When Tanzanians move more, eat better, and care for their mental wellbeing, we not only reduce disease but build a stronger, more productive nation,” he noted.

The launch of the Smart Health Journey positions Tanzania closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals by blending healthcare innovation, digital access, and community engagement.

Dr. Ndonde urged all stakeholders — from health professionals to families — to act collectively in building supportive environments where healthy choices become the easy choices.

“Empowering health through action means transforming knowledge into daily practice,” he concluded. “Through the Smart Health Journey, we are creating a future where every Tanzanian can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.”

Dr. Lilian Valerian (MD), Head of Wellness and Corporate Relations at Medikea Health, described the launch as the beginning of a new era in Tanzania’s healthcare landscape.

“Today is more than a product launch; it is the start of a healthcare revolution,” she said. “We are moving from a system that waits for illness to one that walks with people through every step of their health journey,” she said.

She added: “Our Telemedicine Platform eliminates barriers of distance and time,” Dr. Valerian explained. “It allows every Jubilee insured client to consult qualified doctors and specialists instantly from anywhere in the country. Telemedicine is not the future — it is the present. It is how we make quality healthcare democratic, reaching people who once felt out of reach.”

According to her, the Smart Health Journey was born out of real conversations with patients, clinicians, and care teams, focusing on adherence, emotional support, and quality of life.

“We are already seeing tangible results — better disease control, earlier detection of complications, and fewer hospital admissions. This program closes the gap between hospital care and daily living, giving patients a team, a plan, and a sense of security that their health is continuously supported,” she said.

She emphasized that the telemedicine platform is not an add-on but the “heartbeat” of this new model of care — connecting chronic disease patients with their providers, supporting proactive monitoring, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Dr. Valerian said the partnership with Jubilee Health demonstrates how technology and compassion can merge to create healthier communities, with an ambitious goal of reaching over one million subscribers for the chronic disease program by 2030.

“We envision a Tanzania where every citizen can reach a doctor at the touch of a button — where prevention, not crisis, defines healthcare,” she added. “This partnership is a statement of intent that Africa’s healthcare transformation will be led by collaboration, innovation, and care that puts people first.”

Shaban Salehe, Jubilee Health Insurance Chief Operating Officer on behalf of Dr. Harold Adamson, CEO of the organisation, said the  strategic initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes through a proactive and technology-driven approach.

The program complements the existing drug delivery service, creating a holistic health management ecosystem for clients. 

The pilot phase, running from October 2025 to January 2026, will focus on managing Hypertension and Diabetes — two of the most common chronic conditions in Tanzania. 

Through the Smart Health Journey, members will receive personalized health coaching, continuous monitoring, and convenient teleconsultations with healthcare professionals. The service will initially be available via the Medikea Clinic & Telemedicine App and later integrated into the Maisha Fiti App after the pilot phase. 

“Our goal is to transform the healthcare experience by integrating digital tools that empower our members to take charge of their health. Smart Health Journey and Telemedicine represent the future of healthcare, accessible, efficient, and people centered.”