THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT

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CHAPTER 99
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title. 2. Application. 3. Interpretation. part ii
ADMINISTRATION
4. Duties of Minister. 5. Duties and functions of Authorities. 6. Authorities to make by-laws. 7. Functions of authorised officer. 8. Notice to cleanse and disinfect premises. part iii
NOTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS OR COMMUNICABLE AND
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES
(a) Notification of Infectious or Communicable and Non-Communicable
Diseases and Isolation of Infected Persons
9. Notification of infectious diseases. 10. Duty to notify notifiable infectious diseases and communicable diseases. 11. Powers of entry. 12. Isolation of infected persons. 13. Disease to be notified to Chief Medical Officer. (b) Prevention and Control of the Spread of Infectious or Communicable Diseases
14. Advice and directives of Chief Medical Officer. 15. Prevention of spread of diseases. 16. Offences and penalties relating to notifiable diseases. 17.

Advice and directives of Chief Medical Officer. 15. Prevention of spread of diseases. 16. Offences and penalties relating to notifiable diseases. 17.

Diseases to be notified in Gazette. 18. Rabid animals.

Diseases to be notified in Gazette. 18. Rabid animals.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) Vaccination Against Childhood and Other Communicable Diseases
19. Immunization of children and pregnant women. 20. Orders. 21. Vaccination of person entering or living in Mainland Tanzania. 22. Exemption for payment of immunization or vaccination fees. 23. Immunization card for school children. 24. Emergency of infectious disease and vaccination for risk population. (d) Control of Epidemic, Endemic and Pandemic Diseases
25. Epidemic, endemic and pandemic diseases. 26. Duties of Authorised officer to publish orders for control of diseases. 27. Powers of entry. 28. Notification of sickness or mortality in animals. 29. Duty of Regional Medical Officer to report notification of epidemic diseases. (e) Control of Mosquitoes, Other Diseases Vectors, Vermins
and Any Other Disease Causative Agent
30. Duties of occupiers and owners to keep premises free from
breeding sites of mosquitoes. 31. Duties of occupiers and owners to keep vessels intended for
storage of water fitted with sufficiency cover. 32.

from
breeding sites of mosquitoes. 31. Duties of occupiers and owners to keep vessels intended for
storage of water fitted with sufficiency cover. 32.

Duty of protecting drainage systems for occupiers and owners of premises. 33. Destruction of mosquito larvae. 34. Penalty for refusal to carry out order or obstruction. (f) Port Health Services
35. Powers of port health officer. 36. Health requirement. 37. Prohibition to pollute body of water. 38. Prohibition to dump waste. 39. Powers of port health officer to interfere with any port. 40. Inspection of vessels. 41. Inspection of aircrafts. 42. Inspection fee. 43. Prohibition of communication between vessels and shore prior to
granting of certificate for free pratique. 44. Offences and penalties. 45. Powers of port health officer in respect of medical surveillance. 46. Measures for vessels, vehicles, trains, aircrafts, etc. from infected area. 47. Medical surveillance. 48. Outward vessels, vehicles, aircrafts, trains, etc. from infected area. 49. Powers of port health officer when Mainland Tanzania is declared infected area.

ard vessels, vehicles, aircrafts, trains, etc. from infected area. 49. Powers of port health officer when Mainland Tanzania is declared infected area.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
50. Powers to inspect passengers traveling by land. 51. Inspection of imported used clothes or foot wears. part iv
SANITATION, HOUSING AND HYGIENE
(a) Nuisance
52. Author of nuisance. 53. Contents of nuisance. 54. Prohibition of nuisance. 55. Duty of Authority to maintain cleanliness and prevent nuisances. 56. Examination of building or premises. 57. Notice to abatement of nuisance. 58. Service of notices, orders and other documents. 59. Power of closure. 60. Failure to comply with requirements of notice. 61. Penalties relating to nuisance. 62. Court order for execution of works in certain cases. 63. Overcrowding of lodging house, room, dwelling house, etc.,. 64. Powers of Authority to sell property. 65. Demolition of dangerous, dilapidated building or premises. (b) Housing and Human Settlement
66. Prior approval of new buildings or premises. 67. Grounds for disapproval of plans. 68. Dangerous or dilapidated building or premises. 69. Penalty for contravention of sections 66 and 68. 70.

ses. 67. Grounds for disapproval of plans. 68. Dangerous or dilapidated building or premises. 69. Penalty for contravention of sections 66 and 68. 70.

Application to rescind or vary notice. 71. Clearance of slum areas and re-housing of inhabitants. 72. Powers of Minister to make regulations relating to environmental health. (c) Solid and Liquid Waste Management
73. Duty of Authority to perform and undertake services. 74. Keeping and maintenance of dumping sites. 75. Management of solid and liquid wastes. 76. Duty of Authority to undertake studies. 77. Collection of solid and liquid waste. 78. Designation of transfer stations. 79. Factors for choice of methods of solid wastes disposal. 80. Guidelines on disposal of solid and liquid waste. 81. Transportation and disposal of liquid waste.

for choice of methods of solid wastes disposal. 80. Guidelines on disposal of solid and liquid waste. 81. Transportation and disposal of liquid waste.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(d) Gaseous waste management
82. Gaseous waste. 83. Gaseous waste from dwelling houses. 84. Control of industrial gaseous waste and waste from vehicles. (e) Excreta Waste Management
85. Excreta waste. 86. Excreta waste management by Authority. (f) Hazardous and Health Care Waste Management
87. Hazardous and health care wastes. 88. Importation of hazardous wastes. 89. Management of health care wastes. 90. Management of hazardous wastes. 91. Environmental Health Impact Assessment for hazardous wastes. 92. Handling and disposal of health care wastes and other wastes . (g) Sewerage and Drainage
93. Construction of public sewers. 94. Drain or private sewer to be connected with pubic sewer. 95. Disapplication of construction of public sewer and drain. 96. Construction and maintenance of public sewer. 97. Vesting of public sewers. 98. Rights of owners of premises. 99. Size of public sewers. 100. Prohibition to interfere with any sewer or drain. 101. Drain or private sewer to be connected with public sewer. 102.

99. Size of public sewers. 100. Prohibition to interfere with any sewer or drain. 101. Drain or private sewer to be connected with public sewer. 102.

Rights of owners of premises and owners of public sewers. 103. Communication with public sewer. 104. Notice for lateral drainage into public sewer. 105. Drainage provisions in building and extension plan. 106. Provision of latrines in building or premises plans. 107. Violation of building rules. 108. Powers of Authority to issue notices in respect of existing building or premises. 109. Notice to provide latrine and additional latrine. 110. Ineffective latrines, septic tanks, etc. 111. Violation of building latrines. 112. Drainage in combination. 113. Appeals. 114. Effects of failure to execute works in time. 115. Recovery of incurred expenses.

f building latrines. 112. Drainage in combination. 113. Appeals. 114. Effects of failure to execute works in time. 115. Recovery of incurred expenses.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
116. Recovery of additional expenses. 117. Manners of recovering expenses. 118. Powers of entry and inspection. 119. Notices and documents. 120. Powers of Minister to make regulations. 121. Supply of safe water. 122. Powers of Authority to issue order. 123. Offences and penalties. 124. Tampering with soak pits, etc.. 125. Interference with waste water treatment area. (h) Cemeteries and Crematoria
126. Powers of Authority to designate burial sites. 127. Notification of closure of burial grounds. 128. Reimbursement of expenses to Authority. (i) Funeral Home, Mortuaries and Coffins Business
129. Licensing of funeral undertakers. 130. Power of Authority to permit establishment of mortuaries,
coffin selling centres and funeral homes. 131. Location of mortuaries and funeral homes. 132. Regulations in respect of funeral homes. 133. Powers of Authority to make by-laws. part v
FOOD, FOOD HYGIENE, NUTRITION AND MARKET PLACES
(a) Food and Food Hygiene
134. Treatment and disposal of unfit food. 135.

rity to make by-laws. part v
FOOD, FOOD HYGIENE, NUTRITION AND MARKET PLACES
(a) Food and Food Hygiene
134. Treatment and disposal of unfit food. 135.

Approval of slaughter facility. 136. Records. 137. Inspection of meat and poultry. 138. Registration of food manufacturers. 139. Register of food manufactures. 140. Place of manufacturing of food. 141. Maintenance and adherence to public health standards by food manufacturers. 142. Labeling and importation of food additives. 143. By-laws. (b) Shops, Supermarkets and Market Places
144. Establishment of markets, supermarkets and shops. 145. Markets, shops, etc. not to be established without permission from Authority.

arket Places
144. Establishment of markets, supermarkets and shops. 145. Markets, shops, etc. not to be established without permission from Authority.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
146. Penalty. 147. Conditions for issuance of permit or licence. 148. Closure of shops, supermarkets and markets and withdrawal
of licences and permits. 149. Powers of Authority to make by-laws. part vi
INSTITUTIONS GENERALLY
(a) Lodgings, Hotels and Guest Houses
150. Lodging, hotels or guest houses. (b) Hair Dressing Salons, Beauty Salons, Barbershops and the Like
151. Hair dressing salons, beauty salons, barbershops and like. 152. Sanitary measures. 153. Inspection of hair dressing salons, beauty salons, barbershops and like. 154. Offences and penalty. 155. Powers of Minister to make regulations in respect of salons. (c) Swimming Pool, Public Bath and Massage Parlours
156. Application for establishment of public baths, swimming
pools, saunas, massage parlours and bathing places. 157. Closure of public bathes, swimming pools, saunas, massage parlours etc. 158. Existing swimming pools, public bathes, saunas, massage parlours, etc. 159. Powers of Authority to make by-laws. 160.

unas, massage parlours etc. 158. Existing swimming pools, public bathes, saunas, massage parlours, etc. 159. Powers of Authority to make by-laws. 160.

Conditions for establishment of bathing places and swimming pools etc. 161. Closure of bathing places, swimming pools or massage parlours
during outbreaks of infectious disease. (d) Schools and Training Institutions
162. Operation of schools. 163. Public health requirements for operating school, etc. 164. Health inspection of schools. part vii
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
165. Protection against legal proceedings. 166. Indemnity to authorised officers. 167. Contravention by corporate entity, director, etc. 168. Welfare health of workers. 169. Worker’s health surveillance. 170. Management of bars, restaurants, public baths, swimming pools, saunas etc.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
171. Regulations.
172. Reporting of maternal death.
173. Prohibition of advertisement on matters or issues related to public health.
174. Prohibition of natural call in area other than toilets.
175. Amendment of Schedule.
176. General penalty.
177. Repeals and savings.
SCHEDULES

th.
174. Prohibition of natural call in area other than toilets.
175. Amendment of Schedule.
176. General penalty.
177. Repeals and savings.
SCHEDULES

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1.–(1) This Act may be cited as the Public Health Act. (2) [Omitted.]
2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania. 3.

0
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1.–(1) This Act may be cited as the Public Health Act. (2) [Omitted.]
2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania. 3.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“adult” means a person who is of or above the age of eighteen
years;
“Authority” means a district authority or an urban authority;
“authorised officer”-
(a) in relation to the Authority, means a medical officer of
health, district medical officer, environmental health
practitioner or any appointed public officer; and
(b) in relation to the Ministry, means a medical officer of
health, district medical officer, regional medical officer,
environmental health practitioner or any public officer
appointed by the Minister;
“basement” means any room which exceeds one-third of
a standard height measured from the level of the floor
Short title
Application
Interpretation
CHAPTER 99
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT
An Act to provide for the promotion, preservation and maintenance of
public health with a view to ensuring the provisions of comprehensive,
functional and sustainable public health services to the general public
and to provide for other related matters. [1st July, 2009]
[GN. No. 243 of 2009]
Act No. 1 of 2009

inable public health services to the general public
and to provide for other related matters. [1st July, 2009]
[GN. No. 243 of 2009]
Act No. 1 of 2009

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.221
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
below the surface of any ground within three meters of
the wall of such room;
“building” or “premises” means any structure or erection
and any part of any structure or erection of any kind
whatsoever whether permanent, temporary or movable,
and whether completed or uncompleted;
“burial” means burial in earth, interment, any other form of
sepulchre, the cremation or any other mode of disposal of
a dead body;
“breeding sites” means breeding sites of mosquitoes and
other vermins, bottles, vessel, timber, cask or other
articles, whole or broken, whether fixed on walls or not,
tins, boxes, calabashes, earth ware vessels, shell or any
other article and tree standing or fallen, which are kept
so as to retain water or carry out any activities which may
lead to the breeding of mosquito and includes-
(a) any collection of water, sewage, waste or other
conditions which permit or facilitate the breeding or
multiplication of mosquitoes, tsetse flies, rats, simulium,
black fly, ticks, lice, snails or parasites of human beings
or animals which may cause the infection of human
beings or domestic animals;
(b) any collection of water in any well, pool, gutter, channel,
depression, excavation, barrel, tub, bucket or any other
article, found to contain any of the immature stages of
the mosquito or other vermins; and
(c) any cesspit, latrine, urinal, dung-pit or ash-pit found
to contain immature stages of the mosquito or other
disease causing agents or vermins;
“carrier” means a person harboring disease agents without
symptoms or signs of the disease;
“cellar” means any room of the floor; other than basement of
the floor lower than a ground within three meters of that
room and includes any vault or underground room;
“cesspool” includes a settlement tank or any other tank for
the reception or disposal of foul matter from a building
or premises;

or underground room;
“cesspool” includes a settlement tank or any other tank for
the reception or disposal of foul matter from a building
or premises;

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
“child” means a person under the age of eighteen years;
“communicable or infectious disease” means an illness
caused by an infectious agent or its toxic products, which
is transmitted directly or indirectly from an infected
person or animal or through the agency of a mediate
environment;
“contact” in relation to communicable disease means a
person who has been in contact with a case or suspected
case of communicable disease within the recognised
incubation period of that disease;
“concurrent disinfection” means the disinfection of infected
articles used by the patient during the time of that
patient’s illness;
“court” means the High Court and the courts subordinate
thereto;
“day” means an interval of twenty four hours;
“dairy farm” includes any farm-house, cowshed, milk-shop
or other place from which milk is supplied or in which
milk is kept or used for purposes of sale or used for the
manufacturing of butter, ghee, dried milk or condensed
milk or any other milk products;
“dairy farmer” includes any cow-keeper, purveyor of milk
or occupier of a dairy farm, and in case where a dairy is
owned by a corporation or company, farm manager or
other person managing such dairy;
“deratting” means the procedure whereby health measures
are taken to control or kill rodent vectors of human
diseases present in baggage, cargo, containers, conveyance,
facilities, goods and postal parcels at the point of entry;
“disease causative agent” means a biological pathogen that
causes a disease;
“disinfection” means the procedure whereby heath measures
are taken to control or kill infections agents on a human
or animal body surface or on baggage, cargo containers
conveyances, goods and postal parcels by direct exposure
to chemical or physical agents;

human
or animal body surface or on baggage, cargo containers
conveyances, goods and postal parcels by direct exposure
to chemical or physical agents;

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.223
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
“earth-closet” means a pit latrine, privy or a closet having a
movable receptacle for the reception of faecal matter;
“Environmental Health Practitioner” means any officer
duly qualified in environmental health sciences and
registered under the Environmental Health Practitioners
(Registration) Act;
“free pratique” means permission for a ship or an aircraft
to enter a port, embark or disembark, discharge or load
cargo or stores;
“food” shall have a meaning ascribed to it under the
Standards Act;
“garbage” means non-liquid materials arising from
construction and demolition activities, garden trimmings,
mining operations, dead animals, abandoned car, scraps
and swill;
“health care facility” includes a hospital, health centre,
dispensary, clinic, nursing home and health post;
“health personnel” means any person who has undergone
training and qualified in health sciences and who is
registered by the professional body concerned;
“infected person” means a person suffering from or in the
incubation stage or contaminated with the agent of any
infectious disease or a carrier;
“infectious agent” means a disease organism causing
infection;
“inspection chamber” means a chamber constructed on a
drain to allow access for its inspection and cleansing;
“institution” means higher learning institution, office,
hospital, police or army barrack, prison, religious
building, camp, convent and includes any other
organisation or entity which the Minister may declare it
to be an institution for the purposes of this Act;
“isolation” means a separation of ill or contaminated persons
or affected baggages, containers, conveyances, goods or
postal parcels from others in such a manner as to prevent
the spread of infections or contaminations;
Cap.

baggages, containers, conveyances, goods or
postal parcels from others in such a manner as to prevent
the spread of infections or contaminations;
Cap.

428
Cap. 130

428
Cap. 130

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.224
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
“lateral drain” means a portion of a system of drain or private
sewer, which in relation to-
(a) soil and waste water, lies between the intercepting
chamber and the public sewer, including the
intercepting trap and sewer connection; or
(b) storm water, lies between the last inspection chamber
and the public sewer or where there is no inspection
chamber, between the curtilage of the premises and the
public sewer;
“market” means a premises or place for buying or selling of
fruits, vegetables or any food, animal or materials;
“man hole” means a hole used with accessories by sewer
men when there is a need to descend and climb into for
examination purposes;
“maternal death” means a death of a woman while pregnant
or within forty two days of delivery, miscarriage or
termination of pregnancy from any cause related to or
aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not
from accidental or incidental causes;
“meat inspector” means a person appointed by the Authority
for purposes of conducting meat inspection;
“medical observation” means the isolation or detention of
persons for the purpose of medical examination;
“medical officer” means a Government medical officer
and includes any registered medical practitioner duly
authorised to carry out the duty of the Government in
accordance with this Act;
“medical officer of health” means-
(a) the Chief Medical Officer or any duly qualified
medical practitioner in the service of the Government
authorised by the Minister to act as a medical officer of
health; and
(b) in any City, Municipality or other area of the Authority,
any duly qualified medical practitioner appointed to be
a medical officer of health by the district council, city
council, municipal council or other authority where-

ed medical practitioner appointed to be
a medical officer of health by the district council, city
council, municipal council or other authority where-

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.225
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
(i) that appointment was made with prior approval
of the Minister; or
(ii) the appointment was made without prior approval
of the Minister, the medical practitioner has been
authorised by the chief medical officer to exercise
the powers conferred upon a medical officer of
health;
“medical practitioner” has the meaning ascribed to it under
the Medical, Dental and Allied Health Professionals Act;
“medical surveillance” means the keeping of a person under
medical supervision;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for health;
“Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for health;
“notifiable disease” and “notifiable condition of ill health”
means those diseases, injuries or other conditions of ill
health designated as such under section 13 of this Act;
“nuisance” means anything which is in such a condition,
used, disposed of, situated, constructed or is unclean as
to be-
(a) dangerous to human life and limb;
(b) injurious to human health or animal;
(c) offensive;
(d) likely to give rise to or facilitate the spread of diseases;
(e) likely to harbour mosquitoes, flies, rats or vermins of
any kind;
(f) likely to be injurious or to affect food and water supply
of any area; or
(g) injurious to environment;
“occupier” means a person in actual occupation of land or
premises irrespective of the nature of the title under which
that person occupies, and in case of premises subdivided
and let to lodgers or various tenants, and it includes the
persons receiving rent payable by the lodgers or tenants
whether in that person’s own account or as an agent for
any person actually occupying that land or premises;
Cap.

nt payable by the lodgers or tenants
whether in that person’s own account or as an agent for
any person actually occupying that land or premises;
Cap.

152

152

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
“owner” in relation to any premises, means the person
holding or who is deemed by any written law to be
holding such premises under a right of occupancy, and
includes any person claiming or holding himself out as
being the owner and entitled to a right of occupancy in
respect of the premises, or in the case where the owner
of such premises cannot be found, the person in actual
occupation of such premises;
“pandemic disease” means a widely spread deadly disease
resulting in the death of many people and so named by
recognised authority;
“parent” includes the father or mother of a child, and a
person having the care or custody of a child;
“place of entertainment” means theatre, cinema, club,
restaurant, casino or any other place which in accordance
to this Act may be used for recreational activities;
“port” shall have a meaning ascribed to it under the Ports
Act;
“port health officer” means any environmental health
practitioner registered under the Environmental Health
Practitioners (Registration) Act;
“premises” means land, buildings, structures, basements
and vessels, and includes any cartilage, forecourt, yard
or place of storage used in connection with building or
part of that building and in relation to vessels, includes
aircrafts, a carriage or receptacle of any kind, whether
open or closed;
“public health” means a national health, community health
and individual health which is primarily aimed at
increasing the well-being of the population by providing
essential public health services to all citizens of Mainland
Tanzania;
“public latrine” means any latrine to which the public is
permitted to use upon payment of a user fee or otherwise;
Cap.

itizens of Mainland
Tanzania;
“public latrine” means any latrine to which the public is
permitted to use upon payment of a user fee or otherwise;
Cap.

166
Cap. 428

166
Cap. 428

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.227
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
“public sewer” means any sewer vested in or constructed by
or on behalf of or under the control of the Authority;
“recreational ground” means a piece of land set aside for
public recreation;
“salon” includes a barber shop, hair dressing salon, beauty
salon and any other premises used for the related or like
purposes;
“sanitary accommodation” includes water closets, urinals
and latrines;
“scavenger” means a person who sorts articles for use from
refuse or waste bins, heaps, bays and dumps;
“stray animal” means an animal which has no identified
owner;
“septic tank” means a masonry structure for the reception
and biological treatment of sewage;
“slop-hopper” means any fitting intended for the reception
of soil water;
“soakage pit” means a pit constructed purposely to receive
and allow water to soak away efficiently from septic tank
or storm water;
“soil water” means any discharge from water-closets, slop-
hoppers, urinals and water containing any excremental
liquid or substances;
“storm water” means surface or rain water;
“vector” means an insect or other animal which transports
an infectious agent that constitutes a public health risk;
“vermin” includes rodents, rats, mice, squirrels, molls and
any other pests associated with carrying of diseases;
“vessel” means a ship, tug, lighter, boat, barge, canoe,
schooner or dhow; and
“water-closet” means latrine used, adapted, designed or
intended to be used in connection with a water carriage
system and comprising of a provision for the flushing of
the receptacle by means of an approved water supply.

used in connection with a water carriage
system and comprising of a provision for the flushing of
the receptacle by means of an approved water supply.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
PART II
ADMINISTRATION
4.–(1) The Minister shall promote, preserve and maintain
a comprehensive, functional and sustainable public health
system in Mainland Tanzania for the purpose of-
(a) securing improvement in the health habits and lifestyles
of people living in Tanzania;
(b) securing environmental sanitation and hygiene;
(c) preventing and controlling living infectious or
communicable and other diseases; and
(d) providing guidance to the Authority and other
authorities in regard to matters affecting public health. (2) The International Health Regulations, 2005 adopted
by the World Health Assembly shall apply in tandem with the
provisions of this Act. 5.

health. (2) The International Health Regulations, 2005 adopted
by the World Health Assembly shall apply in tandem with the
provisions of this Act. 5.

The Authority shall-
(a) take lawful, necessary and reasonable measures to
prevent the occurrence of or deal with any out-break
or prevalence of any infectious or communicable and
non-communicable disease;
(b) cause an appropriate Environmental Health Impact
Assessment study to be conducted for all activities
as may be provided for under the Environmental
Management Act;
(c) safeguard and promote the public health standards;
(d) issue notices for rectification of any breach of public
health standards;
(e) implement and enforce public health standards through
by-laws;
(f) promote public health standards in its area through
creation of awareness and educational campaigns;
(g) carry out inspections; and
(h) exercise the powers or perform duties in respect of the
public health in accordance with this Act or any other
written law. Duties of Minister
Duties and
functions of
Authorities
Cap. 191

in respect of the
public health in accordance with this Act or any other
written law. Duties of Minister
Duties and
functions of
Authorities
Cap. 191

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
6. The Authority may, in consultation with the Minister, make
by-laws in order to facilitate the effective operation of public
health services in connection with any public health matter. 7. The functions of the authorised officer shall be to-
(a) carry out inspections;
(b) serve notices;
(c) institute legal proceedings;
(d) take samples;
(e) conduct environmental health research;
(f) conduct public health education;
(g) plan and implement various programmes, relating to
malaria, HIV and AIDS, vaccinations and any other
disease preventive programs; and
(h) perform other duties as may be assigned by Authority. 8.

ing to
malaria, HIV and AIDS, vaccinations and any other
disease preventive programs; and
(h) perform other duties as may be assigned by Authority. 8.

Where an Environmental Health Practitioner or authorised
officer is of the opinion that, the cleansing and disinfection
of any premises, building or its part or of any article is likely
to retain infection, shall give notice in writing to the owner
or occupier of such premises, building or its part or article,
specifying the steps to be taken to clean and disinfect the
building or part of it within a specified time. PART III
NOTIFICATION AND CONTROL OF
INFECTIOUS OR COMMUNICABLE
AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
AND CONTROL OF MOSQUITOES
(a) Notification of Infectious or Communicable and
Non-Communicable Diseases and Isolation of Infected Persons
9.–(1) The Minister, in consultation with the authorised
officer, shall notify the public by a publication in the local
newspaper circulating in the area, notice boards on the area
or any other method which may be considered fit on the
Authorities to
make by-laws
Functions of
authorised officer
Notice to cleanse
and disinfect
premises
Notification
of infectious
diseases

ed fit on the
Authorities to
make by-laws
Functions of
authorised officer
Notice to cleanse
and disinfect
premises
Notification
of infectious
diseases

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.230
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
occurrence, existence of any infectious, communicable and
non-communicable disease prescribed in the First Schedule to
this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1),
in controlling the spread of any disease, the medical officer of
health may, by the notice of the Minister, prohibit or restrict
the free movement of people from visiting the infected area. 10.–(1) A person suffering from any notifiable infectious
disease, the occupier, any person or relative residing in that
premises shall inform-
(a) a nearest authority; or
(b) the authorised officer or medical officer in-charge of
any health care facility or medical practitioner in that
locality.

a nearest authority; or
(b) the authorised officer or medical officer in-charge of
any health care facility or medical practitioner in that
locality.

(2) A medical practitioner or authorised officer attending
on or called in to visit the patient shall, on becoming aware that
the patient is suffering from any notifiable infectious disease,
submit to the nearest medical officer of health, a certificate
stating the name of the patient, the location of the premises
and the nature of the notifiable infectious disease from which
the patient is suffering from. (3) The medical practitioner or authorised officer shall
inform the head of the household or the occupier of the
premises or any person in attendance of that patient of -
(a) the nature of the infectious disease; and
(b) the precautionary measures to be taken to prevent its
spread. (4) Where a medical practitioner or authorised officer has
been called in, the obligation to notify an infectious disease
shall lie on that medical practitioner or other authorised officer.

horised officer has
been called in, the obligation to notify an infectious disease
shall lie on that medical practitioner or other authorised officer.

(5) The medical practitioner or medical officer of health
who becomes aware through the conduct of post-mortem
examination or otherwise that a person has died of a notifiable
or infectious disease, shall immediately furnish a written
certificate to the nearest authorised officer, and inform the
Duty to notify
notifiable
infectious
diseases and
communicable
diseases

urnish a written
certificate to the nearest authorised officer, and inform the
Duty to notify
notifiable
infectious
diseases and
communicable
diseases

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.231
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
head of the household or the occupier of the premises or any
person who has been attending that deceased person of-
(a) the infectious nature of the disease; or
(b) the precautions to be taken to prevent its spread. (6) Where the deceased person is from foreign land,
notification shall be made to the Chief Medical Officer. (7) Where a private health facility receives a patient
suffering from infectious or communicable diseases, it shall
report the matter immediately to the medical officer of health
or authorised officer in the area, who shall publish a notice
of the occurrence of the infectious or communicable disease
in the local newspaper widely circulating in that area or post
notice in public place.

ice
of the occurrence of the infectious or communicable disease
in the local newspaper widely circulating in that area or post
notice in public place.

11.–(1) An authorised officer may, in collaboration with the
Authority or the officer from the nearest Authority any time
between the hours of seven in the morning and six in the
evening or during which the business is in progress-
(a) enter any premises or any carriage or other conveyance
for the purpose of carrying out his duties or any lawful
order;
(b) inspect any premises which he has reasons to believe
that any person suffering or who has recently suffered
from any infectious disease is or has recently been
present or any inmate who has recently been exposed
to the infection of any notifiable infectious disease
present or has recently been present; and
(c) examine any person in that premises for the purpose
of ascertaining whether that person is suffering or has
recently suffered from or is a carrier of any of such
disease. (2) The authorised officer may cause a post-mortem
examination to be made on any corpse for the purpose of
ascertaining whether the death has been caused by an infectious
disease or a notifiable disease. Powers of entry

made on any corpse for the purpose of
ascertaining whether the death has been caused by an infectious
disease or a notifiable disease. Powers of entry

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.232
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
12.–(1) A patient suffering from a notifiable or infectious
disease shall be isolated from other persons. (2) Where a medical practitioner or an authorised officer
confirms the diagnosis or has reasonable grounds to believe
that a person is suffering from a notifiable or infectious disease,
shall order the infected person to be isolated, moved into a
hospital or treatment centre and be quarantined. (3) Where a person notifying a notifiable or infectious
disease is not a medical practitioner, shall seek the opinion of
the medical officer of health, except that where he fails to do so
he may himself order the patient to be moved to a hospital or
a place of isolation.

the medical officer of health, except that where he fails to do so
he may himself order the patient to be moved to a hospital or
a place of isolation.

13.–(1) Where the medical officer of health or district medical
officer has received a notification under section 9, that a
person is suffering from one of the diseases set out in the First
Schedule to this Act, shall, within six hours of receipt of that
notice, notify the regional medical officer who shall notify the
Chief Medical Officer by the most expeditious means available. (2) Notification of the infectious diseases under this Act
shall be made on the prescribed Form set out in the Second
Schedule to this Act. (b) Prevention and Control of the Spread of
Infectious or Communicable Diseases
14. Upon receiving notification of infectious or
communicable disease under this Act, the Chief Medical
Officer may advice and issue directives to the regional
medical officer or medical officer of health, district medical
officer or authorised officer to take appropriate measures of
preventing the spread of the disease including management
of the outbreaks.

rict medical
officer or authorised officer to take appropriate measures of
preventing the spread of the disease including management
of the outbreaks.

15.–(1) Where a portion or the whole of a district has an
outbreak of one or more of the diseases listed in the First
Isolation of
infected persons
Disease to be
notified to Chief
Medical Officer
Advice and
directives of Chief
Medical Officer
Prevention of
spread of diseases

on of
infected persons
Disease to be
notified to Chief
Medical Officer
Advice and
directives of Chief
Medical Officer
Prevention of
spread of diseases

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.233
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
Schedule to this Act, the medical officer of health or district
medical officer may-
(a) by an order published in the Gazette, and widely
circulating news papers, specify quarantine measures
that will facilitate the scaling down of the outbreak;
(b) order vaccination or immunization of any contacts of
the case using the appropriate vaccine; or
(c) carry out such concurrent or terminal disinfections
and disinfestations as may deem necessary. (2) The quarantine measures may include-
(a) banning of certain activities or businesses that
perpetuate the spreading of the infection;
(b) restriction of entry into households or premises with
infected persons, treatment centers or crossing of
borders;
(c) creation of sites for temporary treatment centers; or
(d) taking any other appropriate management measure to
prevent the outbreaks. (3) The medical officer of health or district medical officer
may lift the quarantine and restrictions when considers it
medically fit and safe to do so. 16.

medical officer of health or district medical officer
may lift the quarantine and restrictions when considers it
medically fit and safe to do so. 16.

A person who-
(a) knows or has reasons to think that he is suffering
from a notifiable or infectious disease likely to expose
other persons to the risk of infection by his presence
or conduct in any street, public place, public transport,
vehicle, place of entertainment, assembly, club, hotel,
restaurant, shop, premises or any other place;
(b) is taking care of a person whom he believes is suffering
from a notifiable or infectious disease, causes or
permits that person to expose other persons to the risk
of infection by his presence or conduct in any of the
places;
(c) gives, lends, sends, transmits or exposes without
previous disinfection or disinfestation, any clothing
Offences and
penalties relating
to notifiable
diseases

ends, sends, transmits or exposes without
previous disinfection or disinfestation, any clothing
Offences and
penalties relating
to notifiable
diseases

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.234
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
or beddings which is known to have been exposed
to infection from a notifiable or infectious disease or
any article which he knows to have been exposed and
which may carry such infection;
(d) rents, hires or lends any premises where there has been
a case of infectious or notifiable disease prior to the
terminal disinfection being carried out or where there
is a patient suffering from a notifiable disease,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding twelve months or to both. 17. Where there is occurrence of a disease not listed in the
First Schedule to this Act, the Minister shall, by a notice in the
Gazette and in any local widely circulating newspaper, declare
such occurrence as a disease under that Schedule.

he Minister shall, by a notice in the
Gazette and in any local widely circulating newspaper, declare
such occurrence as a disease under that Schedule.

18.–(l) Where a person has been bitten by a rabid animal or
a suspected rabid animal, efforts shall be made to trace that
animal and the patient shall be diagnosed and vaccinated or
dealt with in accordance with the prevailing medical practice. (2) Where the diagnosis made under subsection (1) is
positive, the animal shall be destroyed immediately. (c) Vaccination Against Childhood and
Other Communicable Diseases
19.–(1) A parent or guardian of a child born in Mainland
Tanzania shall, within twelve months from birth, cause that
child to be immunized against polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria,
pertussis, tetanus, measles, hepatitis “B” and any other
immunizable diseases which may be prescribed by the Minister
in the Gazette. (2) The parent or guardian of the immunized child shall
obtain an immunization card as prescribed in the Third
Schedule to this Act. Diseases to
be notified in
Gazette
Rabid animals
Immunization
of children and
pregnant women

ion card as prescribed in the Third
Schedule to this Act. Diseases to
be notified in
Gazette
Rabid animals
Immunization
of children and
pregnant women

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.235
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) A pregnant woman shall, throughout her pregnancy,
ensure that, she undertakes immunization against tetanus and
any other infectious immunizable diseases as the Minister may
prescribe in the Gazette. 20. The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette,
declare-
(a) any area to be a compulsory vaccination area against
diseases and shall specify a period within which the
vaccination against those diseases shall be carried out;
(b) that a disease of an infectious or contagious nature, not
mentioned in this Act is an infectious disease; and
(c) any matter which is necessary or convenient to be
prescribed under this Act. 21.–(1) A person entering Mainland Tanzania shall be
required to produce a yellow fever certificate of vaccination
or prophylaxis as prescribed in the Fourth Schedule, provided
that the person is not a resident of Tanzania Zanzibar.

fever certificate of vaccination
or prophylaxis as prescribed in the Fourth Schedule, provided
that the person is not a resident of Tanzania Zanzibar.

(2) A person referred to under subsection (l) who does not
carry the certificate shall be required to be vaccinated at a fee
in a designated place at a port of entry. 22. A fee shall not be charged to any child or pregnant woman
who is a citizen of Tanzania for any certification granted,
immunization or vaccination done in Mainland Tanzania. 23.–(1) A child shall not be admitted or allowed to attend any
primary school until there has been produced to the person
in charge of that school an immunization card with respect to
that child. (2) Where the child fails to meet such condition, a parent or
guardian of the child or the officer in charge of the school shall
arrange for immediate immunization. 24.–(1) The Authority or any authorised officer may, in any
occurrence of infectious diseases in any area-
Orders
Vaccination of
person entering
or living in
Mainland
Tanzania
Exemption for
payment of
immunization or
vaccination fees
Immunization
card for school
children
Emergency
of infectious
disease and
vaccination for
risk population

payment of
immunization or
vaccination fees
Immunization
card for school
children
Emergency
of infectious
disease and
vaccination for
risk population

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.236
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(a) require any person within that area, who has or is
suspected to have been exposed to infectious diseases,
to attend at health care facilities and undergo medical
examination, vaccination or re-vaccination as
circumstances may require;
(b) by a notice in respect of infectious diseases, publish in
the local newspaper widely circulating in such area or
posted in public places or as may be deemed proper; or
(c) require any person in that area to furnish satisfactory
proof, including the exhibition of vaccination scars or
certificate of vaccination, that he has been successfully
vaccinated within the specified period immediately
preceding the date of that requirement.

r
certificate of vaccination, that he has been successfully
vaccinated within the specified period immediately
preceding the date of that requirement.

(2) A person who fails to comply with the provisions of
subsection (1) in regard of furnishing of proof for himself or
any child whom is the parent or guardian or refuses to allow
himself or that child to be vaccinated, commits an offence
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one
hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term of
three months or to both. (d) Control of Epidemic, Endemic and Pandemic Diseases
25. The provisions of this Part shall apply to plague, cholera,
celebral-spinal meningitis, malaria, schistosomiasis,
tuberculosis, dysentery, typhoid, viral hemorrhagic-fevers and
any other disease which the Minister may, by notice in the
Gazette, declare that disease to be an epidemic, endemic or
pandemic disease for the purpose of this Act. 26.–(1) Where any part of Mainland Tanzania appears to be
threatened by any disease under section 25, an authorised
officer shall report to the Chief Medical Officer and the
Authority. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the authorised officer may
issue a notice to the public through a daily widely circulating
local newspaper to declare that part as an infected area.

, the authorised officer may
issue a notice to the public through a daily widely circulating
local newspaper to declare that part as an infected area.

Epidemic,
endemic and
pandemic
diseases
Duties of
Authorised officer
to publish orders
for control of
diseases

Epidemic,
endemic and
pandemic
diseases
Duties of
Authorised officer
to publish orders
for control of
diseases

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
27. An authorised officer may enter into any premises, aircraft,
vehicle or vessel for the purpose of inspecting, executing or
superintending the performance of functions or the exercise
of powers under this Act. 28.–(1) A person who becomes aware of any unusual sickness
or mortality among rats, mice, cats, dogs or other animals
susceptible to plague or other epidemic, endemic or pandemic
diseases not caused by poison or other obvious cause, shall
immediately report the case to authorities specified under
subsection (1) of section 10. (2) A person who fails to report the case under subsection
(1) commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term of two months or to both. 29.

and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term of two months or to both. 29.

A Regional Medical Officer shall, within six hours after
receiving the information, report to the Chief Medical Officer
by the most expeditious means-
(a) the particulars of every notification received by that
authority of a case or suspected case of any epidemic
disease;
(b) unusual sickness;
(c) death of human beings; or
(d) mortality in animals. (e) Control of Mosquitoes, Other Diseases Vectors,
Vermins and Any Other Disease Causative Agent
30.–(1) An occupier or owner of any premises shall keep the
premises free from breeding sites of mosquitoes, other disease
vectors, vermins and other diseases causative agents. (2) The occupier or owner of any premises who contravenes
the provisions of this section commits an offence and on
conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred
thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term of six months
or to both. Powers of entry
Notification
of sickness or
mortality in
animals
Duty of Regional
Medical Officer
to report
notification of
epidemic diseases
Duties of
occupiers and
owners to
keep premises
free from
breeding sites of
mosquitoes

nal
Medical Officer
to report
notification of
epidemic diseases
Duties of
occupiers and
owners to
keep premises
free from
breeding sites of
mosquitoes

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
31.–(1) A person who keeps or allows any collection of water
to be kept in any well, barrel, tub, bucket, tank or other vessel,
shall ensure that, the same is fitted with sufficient cover. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1), commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding two months or both. 32.–(1) The occupier or owner of any premises shall cause any
drainage system to be properly protected or inspected to the
satisfaction of an authorised officer in order to prevent the
ingress of mosquitoes, other disease vectors, vermins or other
disease causative agents. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings.

ntravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings.

33.–(1) Where a mosquito larvae is found in any breeding site
on any premises or land, the environmental health practitioner,
medical officer or a person duly appointed or authorised in
writing by that environmental health practitioner or medical
officer may take immediate steps to destroy such mosquito
larvae. (2) The Authority shall take such necessary actions to
prevent the recurrence of the breeding site on the premises or
land which may render the pools or collections of water unfit
for health reasons. (3) The environmental health practitioner may order the
owner or occupier of the premises to take the necessary action
to prevent settling of water on the premises in order to prevent
mosquitoes breeding. 34. A person who-
(a) refuses to carry out an order made under section 33; or
(b) obstructs an authorised officer empowered to carry out
the provisions of this Act,
Duties of
occupiers and
owners to keep
vessels intended
for storage of
water fitted with
sufficiency cover
Duty of
protecting
drainage systems
for occupiers
and owners of
premises
Destruction of
mosquito larvae
Penalty for refusal
to carry out order
or obstruction

protecting
drainage systems
for occupiers
and owners of
premises
Destruction of
mosquito larvae
Penalty for refusal
to carry out order
or obstruction

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
commits an offence and on summary conviction shall be
liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or
to both. (f) Port Health Services
35.–(1) For the purposes of preventing the entry of infection
communicable diseases into Mainland Tanzania, the port
health officer shall have the powers to-
(a) restrict or prohibit the entry into Mainland Tanzania,
a person other than a citizen of the United Republic
coming from any infected country;
(b) restrict or prohibit the entry into Mainland Tanzania
of any animal, vessel, aircraft, vehicle, article, food or
thing;
(c) require a person to undergo medical examination,
detection, quarantine, disinfection, vaccination,
isolation, medical surveillance or the examination,
detection or disinfection of persons, articles or things
entering into the country; or
(d) in consultation with a veterinary officer at the port
of entry deal with the animal as he may consider
appropriate.

entering into the country; or
(d) in consultation with a veterinary officer at the port
of entry deal with the animal as he may consider
appropriate.

(2) Where there is a suspected case of communicable or
infectious disease on any aircraft or vessel or where a person
has been in contact with a case of communicable or infectious
disease, the port health officer may-
(a) detain that person for medical examination;
(b) require clothes, article or anything of that person to be
disinfected;
(c) prevent that person from leaving the aircraft or vessel;
(d) require the captain of the aircraft or vessel to take
precautionary steps to prevent the spread of that
communicable or infectious disease; or
Powers of port
health officer

the aircraft or vessel to take
precautionary steps to prevent the spread of that
communicable or infectious disease; or
Powers of port
health officer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.240
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(e) examine appropriate International Health Certificate, if
any, and vaccinate that person where the International
Health Certificate is not available. (3) A person entering Mainland Tanzania while suffering
from infectious or communicable disease or have failed to
prove that he had undergone vaccination shall be vaccinated
after the payment of a prescribed fee. (4) Where a person entering Mainland Tanzania is found
with communicable or infectious disease refuses to comply
with the requirements of subsection (1), he shall be repatriated
to his country of origin at his own costs. (5) A person who contravenes the preceding provisions of
this section commits an offence and upon conviction, shall
be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to
imprisonment to a term not exceeding twelve months or to
both. 36.

on conviction, shall
be liable to a fine not exceeding five million shillings or to
imprisonment to a term not exceeding twelve months or to
both. 36.

A port manager or any person acting on his behalf shall
ensure there is availability of-
(a) sufficient supply of potable water;
(b) means of disposal of waste;
(c) storage facilities specifically for perishable goods;
(d) sufficient toilets for male and female;
(e) sufficient methods for the control of disease vectors
and vermins infestation; and
(f) provision of health care facilities. 37.–(1) A person shall not discharge into waters of the
seaport, lakeport or river port, any oil, grease, ballast, waste,
sewage or any other substance likely to pollute the water or
the coastline which may be detrimental to navigation or cause
any inconvenience to the shipping industry, aquatic life and
recreational activities which may create any health hazard to
the public. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1) commits an offence and, on conviction, shall be liable to a
Health
requirement
Prohibition to
pollute body of
water

s the provisions of subsection
(1) commits an offence and, on conviction, shall be liable to a
Health
requirement
Prohibition to
pollute body of
water

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.241
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
fine of not less than one million shillings or imprisonment for
a term not exceeding one year or to both. 38.–(1) A person shall not dump or discharge or cause to be
dumped or discharged any waste, either solid or liquid or any
other substance which may cause or likely to cause pollution
into the land within the defined port area. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1) commits an offence and upon conviction, shall be liable to
a fine of not less than one million shillings or imprisonment
for a term not exceeding one year or to both. 39. Where there is a danger to public health, the port health
officer may, in consultation with other related authorities,
order the detention of passengers, animals, cargo, storage,
goods, maintenance or cessation of other operations at any
port or section.

d authorities,
order the detention of passengers, animals, cargo, storage,
goods, maintenance or cessation of other operations at any
port or section.

40.–(1) The port health officer may, at any time-
(a) board any vessel and inspect any part or anything in
that vessel;
(b) medically examine any person and any animal on
board; and
(c) require any person to respond to any question for the
purposes of ascertaining whether or not infection
exists or has recently existed on the vessel. (2) The master of an incoming ship shall-
(a) fly or show appropriate signals as laid down in the
International Code of Signals;
(b) continue to fly or show appropriate signals until the
ship has been cleared by the port health officer;
(c) complete the Maritime Declaration of Health Form set
out in the Fifth Schedule to this Act;
(d) report any case of an infectious or communicable
disease where the ship is in port and the master shall
complete the Maritime Declaration of Health Form
Prohibition to
dump waste
Powers of port
health officer to
interfere with any
port
Inspection of
vessels

plete the Maritime Declaration of Health Form
Prohibition to
dump waste
Powers of port
health officer to
interfere with any
port
Inspection of
vessels

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.242
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
except where sickness occurs within four weeks of that
declaration;
(e) prohibit anyone from leaving the ship until it has been
cleared by a port health officer;
(f) produce a valid Ship Sanitation Control Exemption
Certificate or Ship Sanitation Control Certificate in the
prescribed form as set out in the Sixth Schedule to this
Act;
(g) where a Ship Sanitation Control Certificate has expired
or there is evidence of presence of rats on-board,
arrange for its renewal after deratting measures have
been carried out to the satisfaction of the port health
officer.

e of presence of rats on-board,
arrange for its renewal after deratting measures have
been carried out to the satisfaction of the port health
officer.

(3) Where the port health officer is satisfied that-
(a) a communicable or infectious disease is not on board;
(b) the responses on the Maritime Declaration of Health
Form are negative;
(c) the Ship Sanitation Control Certificate or Ship
Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate is valid; and
(d) there is no other reason for the ship to be further
inspected,
he shall grant certificate for free pratique and allow the ship
to enter the port as prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to this
Act. (4) The master under subsection (2) shall be required to
complete the Ship Cargo Manifest Form set out in the Eighth
Schedule to this Act. 41.–(1) The port health officer may, at any time-
(a) board any aircraft and inspect any part or anything in
that aircraft;
(b) medically examine any person on-board; and
(c) require any person present in that aircraft to respond to
any question for the purposes of ascertaining whether
Inspection of
aircrafts

board; and
(c) require any person present in that aircraft to respond to
any question for the purposes of ascertaining whether
Inspection of
aircrafts

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.243
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
or not infection exists or has recently existed on such
aircraft. (2) The captain of any aircraft shall be required to complete
the Aircraft Passenger Manifest Form or Aircraft Cargo
Manifest Form set out in the Nineth and Tenth Schedule to
this Act respectively. 42. The owner of the vessel or aircraft or his agent shall be
required to pay an inspection fee or other fees as may be
prescribed by the Minister. 43. Except in the case of danger, the master of a vessel arriving
at any port or place in the country and a person on board the
vessel, shall not communicate or attempt to communicate
with the shore or any other vessel, other than by signal, until
a certificate for free pratique has been granted to that vessel
in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any other
relevant laws. 44.

, until
a certificate for free pratique has been granted to that vessel
in accordance with the provisions of this Act and any other
relevant laws. 44.

Subject to sections 40, 41 and 43, a person who-
(a) refuses to allow a port health officer to board any vessel
for purposes of performing inspection or medical
examination;
(b) obstructs or hinders a port health officer in the
execution of his duty; or
(c) fails or refuses to give any information which he may
have or gives that port health officer information
knowing it to be false or misleading,
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding ten million shillings. 45. Where a person is arriving from an infected area of
internationally notifiable disease, the port health officer may-
(a) place that person under medical surveillance; and
(b) transfer that infected person to a hospital or centre and
detain him for treatment. Inspection fee
Prohibition of
communication
between vessels
and shore prior
to granting of
certificate for free
pratique
Offences and
penalties
Powers of port
health officer in
respect of medical
surveillance

s
and shore prior
to granting of
certificate for free
pratique
Offences and
penalties
Powers of port
health officer in
respect of medical
surveillance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.244
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
46. The port health officer may, upon arrival of-
(a) any vessel, train, aircraft, vehicle or any other article or
thing from infected area or suspected to be from that
infected area; or
(b) any vessel, aircraft, vehicle, train or any other article or
thing which has during the voyage been in transit in an
infected area with plague, cholera, yellow fever or any
other communicable or infectious disease,
order the implementation of the measures to deal with that
vessel, vehicle, train, aircraft or any other article or thing in
accordance with the provisions of this Act.

tation of the measures to deal with that
vessel, vehicle, train, aircraft or any other article or thing in
accordance with the provisions of this Act.

47.–(1) Where a person on board of any vessel, train, vehicle,
aircraft or any other article or thing is believed to have been
recently exposed to any infection and may be in the incubation
stage of any notifiable infectious disease, the port health officer
may require that person to-
(a) remain on board of that vessel, aircraft, vehicle, any
other article or thing alternatively; or
(b) land and proceed direct to his place of destination and
report him to the medical officer of health or district
medical officer for medical surveillance by that medical
officer of health or district medical officer until that
person is considered free from infection. (2) Where a person is placed under surveillance for plague
or cholera, the period shall start from the date of his leaving
the infected area. (3) A person from an infected area and who is unable to
produce a valid certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
or any other infectious or communicable disease shall be
isolated until his certificate becomes valid or until a period of
not more than six days has elapsed.

ther infectious or communicable disease shall be
isolated until his certificate becomes valid or until a period of
not more than six days has elapsed.

(4) A person placed under surveillance shall-
(a) be subjected to a medical examination as may be
required by the medical officer of health or district
medical officer; and
(b) co-operate with the medical officer of health or district
medical officer. Measures for
vessels, vehicles
trains, aircrafts,
etc. from infected
area
Medical
surveillance

medical officer of health or district
medical officer. Measures for
vessels, vehicles
trains, aircrafts,
etc. from infected
area
Medical
surveillance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.245
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(5) Where a person under surveillance moves to an
address different from the address given when placed under
surveillance, shall inform the medical officer of health or
district medical officer of his new address. 48.–(1) Subject to the International Health Regulations, 2005,
a Port health officer may examine all persons embarking on an
outward aircraft, vessel, vehicle, train and any other article or
thing if he suspects any person· to be suffering from a disease
and may prohibit that person, article or thing from getting out
of the aircraft, vessel, vehicle, train or any other article or thing. (2) A person who is already under surveillance may be
allowed to proceed with the journey after the examination has
been carried out. 49.

le or thing. (2) A person who is already under surveillance may be
allowed to proceed with the journey after the examination has
been carried out. 49.

Where any area of the Mainland Tanzania is declared to be
an infected area, the port health officer shall-
(a) demand a valid International Vaccination Certificate
against specified disease from embarking passengers
or crew against specified disease;
(b) examine embarking passengers or crew;
(c) may demand for the disinfection of a vessel, train,
vehicle, aircraft or other article, thing or any of its
part;
(d) inspect beddings, clothing or any other article or thing,
where plague is suspected and order for the disinfection
and disinfestations; and
(e) prohibit a suspected article or thing to be taken on
board to prevent further infection. 50. The port health officer shall have powers in respect of
passengers travelling on land to-
(a) inspect any passenger, train or vehicle or any other
article or thing;
(b) examine suspected cases of communicable or infectious
diseases;
Outward vessels,
vehicles, aircrafts,
trains, etc. from
infected area
Powers of port
health officer
when Mainland
Tanzania is
declared infected
area
Powers to inspect
passengers
traveling by land

etc. from
infected area
Powers of port
health officer
when Mainland
Tanzania is
declared infected
area
Powers to inspect
passengers
traveling by land

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.246
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) detain cases or suspected cases of communicable or
infections disease for further examination, and may
order for the disinfection or disinfestations of clothes,
baggages, vehicles and any article or thing;
(d) require the person in-charge of a vehicle or train to
give that port health officer every assistance, and shall
require that person to take all necessary steps to prevent
the spread of infectious or communicable diseases;
(e) where upon arrival of a vehicle or train from outside
Mainland Tanzania on which a death has taken place
other than by an accident or the vehicle or train has
come from an infected area, detain the vehicle or train
and passengers for further examination;
(f) where a vehicle, train or passenger has arrived from
an infected area, place that vehicle, train or passenger
under surveillance; and
(g) where a vehicle, train or passenger travelled from an
infected area, ensure sanitary measures are carried
out in accordance with the International Health
Regulations, 2005.

or passenger travelled from an
infected area, ensure sanitary measures are carried
out in accordance with the International Health
Regulations, 2005.

51.–(1) The used clothes or foot wears shall be subjected to an
inspection and upon compliance with the required standards, be
granted a Health Certificate for Imported Used Clothes or Foot
Wears as set out or foot in the Eleventh Schedule to this Act. (2) The Minister may make regulations prescribing
importation of used clothes, foot wear and the like. PART IV
SANITATION, HOUSING AND HYGIENE
(a) Nuisance
52. For the purposes of this Part, the expression “author of
nuisance” means a person by whose act, default or suffering
causes nuisance to exist or continue to exist whether as the
owner, occupier or as any other person. Inspection of
imported used
clothes or foot
wears
Author of
nuisance

exist or continue to exist whether as the
owner, occupier or as any other person. Inspection of
imported used
clothes or foot
wears
Author of
nuisance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.247
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
53.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.247
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
53.

For the purposes of this Part, “nuisance” includes the
following:
(a) any vehicle which is in such a state or condition to be
injurious, hazardous or dangerous to health;
(b) any building or premises or its part which is under
construction or in a dirtiness state, verminous or damp
as likely to be injurious, hazardous or dangerous to
health or which is liable to favour the spread of any
infectious disease;
(c) any street, road or part, stream, pool, ditch, gutter,
water course, sink, water tank, cistern, water closet,
earth closet, privy, urinal, cesspool, soak away pit,
septic tank, cesspit, soil pipe, water pipe, drain, sewer,
garbage receptacle, dustbin, dung pit, refuse pit, latrine,
slop tank, ash-pit or manure heap, so foul or in a state,
situated or constructed as to be offensive or likely to be
injurious or dangerous to health;
(d) any growth of weeds, long grass, trees, under growth,
hedge, bush or vegetation of any kind which is injurious,
hazardous or dangerous to health and any vegetable
that is in itself is dangerous to children or others either
by its sewage effluent or through its leaves, seeds, fruits
or any of the eaten part;
(e) any well, other source of water supply, any cistern
or other receptacle for water, whether public or
private, the water used or likely to be used for human
consumption or in connection with any dairy or milk
products shop or manufacturing or preparation of any
article of food intended for human consumption which
is in a condition liable to render such water injurious,
hazardous or dangerous to health;
(f) any noxious matter or waste water flowing or discharged
from any premises, wherever situated, into any public
street, gutter, side channel of any street, any gulley,
swamp, watercourse, irrigation channel or its bed not
approved for reception of such discharge;
Contents of
nuisance

hannel of any street, any gulley,
swamp, watercourse, irrigation channel or its bed not
approved for reception of such discharge;
Contents of
nuisance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.248
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.248
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
(g) any collection of water, sewage, rubbish, refuse or other
fluid or solid substances which permit or facilitate the
breeding or multiplication of animal or vegetative
parasites of human being or domestic animals or of
insects or other agents, which are known to carry such
parasites or which may otherwise cause or facilitate the
infection to domestic animals;
(h) any collection of water of any well, pool, gutter, channel,
depression, excavation, barrel, tub, bucket or any other
article found to contain any mosquitoes larvae;
(i) any cesspit, latrine, urinal, dung-pit found to contain
any mosquitoes larvae;
(j) any stable, cow shed or other building or premises used
for keeping of animals or birds which is constructed,
situated, used or kept as to be offensive or which is
injurious, hazardous or dangerous to health;
(k) any stray dog, cat or any other animal so kept as to be
offensive, injurious or dangerous to health;
(l) any accumulation or deposit of refuse, offal, manure or
other matter whatsoever which is offensive or injurious,
hazardous or dangerous to health;
(m) any accumulation of stones, timber or other materials
of any nature where it is likely to harbour rats or other
vermins;
(n) any building or premises which is overcrowded as to be
injurious, hazardous or dangerous to the health of the
inmates or is dilapidated or defective in its lighting or
ventilation or it is not provided with or is situated in a place
that it cannot be provided with sanitary accommodation
to the satisfaction of an authorised officer;
(o) any building which is situated, constructed, used or
kept as to be unsafe, injurious, hazardous or dangerous
to health;
(p) any factory or trade premises in a dirty condition or
with offensive smell arising from any drain, privy,

rious, hazardous or dangerous
to health;
(p) any factory or trade premises in a dirty condition or
with offensive smell arising from any drain, privy,

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.249
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.249
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
water closet, earth closet or urinal, not ventilated so as
to destroy or render harmless and inoffensive as far as
practicable, any gases, vapours, dust or other impurities
generated, overcrowded, badly lighted or ventilated as
to be injurious, hazardous or dangerous to the health of
those employed by it or its community;
(q) any factory or trade premises causing or giving rise to
smell or sewage effluents which is injurious, hazardous
or dangerous to health;
(r) any area of land kept or permitted to remain in
an offensive state or likely to cause any infectious,
communicable disease, injury, hazard or danger to
health;
(s) any cemetery, burial place, crematorium or other place
of sepulchre situated, crowded or otherwise conducted
as to be offensive, injurious, hazardous or dangerous to
health;
(t) any gutter, drain, chute, stack pipe, down spout, water
tank or cistern which by reason of its insufficiency
or its defective condition causes dampness in any
building;
(u) any deposit of material on any building or lane which
causes damp in such place so as to be injurious,
hazardous or dangerous to health;
(v) any dwelling house, public building, trade premises,
workshop or factory provided with insufficient sanitary
latrines or with latrines which are in such a state as to
be injurious, hazardous or dangerous to public health
and safety; and
(w) any noise likely to be dangerous, hazardous or injurious
to health and which is made by a person or group of
persons, whether originating from a dancing hall, club,
bar, restaurant, hotel, social hall, theatre, playground,
dwelling house, premises or not, made irrespective of
musical instrument or any other source.

ar, restaurant, hotel, social hall, theatre, playground,
dwelling house, premises or not, made irrespective of
musical instrument or any other source.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.250
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
54. A person shall not cause or suffer from a nuisance, likely
to be injurious or dangerous to health, existing on any land,
premises, air or water.

]
54. A person shall not cause or suffer from a nuisance, likely
to be injurious or dangerous to health, existing on any land,
premises, air or water.

55.–(1) An Authority shall have the duty to-
(a) take necessary practicable measures for keeping and
maintaining its area to be in a clean and sanitary
condition;
(b) prevent and remedy the cause and occurrence of any
nuisance likely to be injurious, hazardous or dangerous
to health;
(c) take legal proceedings and act against any person
causing or responsible for the continuance of any
nuisance or condition;
(d) regularly inspect its area by using the environmental
health practitioners;
(e) detect whether or not a nuisance is likely to occur, recur
or exist;
(f) detect the cause of such nuisance;
(g) make follow up on implementation of measures
ordered to abate nuisance;
(h) make an order for temporary or permanent closure of
activities causing that nuisance;
(i) prevent over crowding;
(j) prevent illegal construction, condition or manner of
any factory or trade premises; and
(k) take proceedings against any person causing or
responsible for the continuance of such condition. (2) An environmental health practitioner may take samples
as it may be necessary or expedient for the better carrying out
of the provisions and objectives of this Act. 56.

health practitioner may take samples
as it may be necessary or expedient for the better carrying out
of the provisions and objectives of this Act. 56.

An authorised officer may enter upon any building or
premises for the purpose of examining a nuisance which he
reasonably suspects, to do such works as may be necessary for
the effectual examination of the building or premises. Prohibition of
nuisance
Duty of Authority
to maintain
cleanliness and
prevent nuisances
Examination
of building or
premises

the building or premises. Prohibition of
nuisance
Duty of Authority
to maintain
cleanliness and
prevent nuisances
Examination
of building or
premises

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.251
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
57.–(1) Whenever a nuisance exists or has existed on any land
or premises and is likely to recur whether on that land, air,
premises, water or on any other land or premises the Authority
or the authorised officer may serve a notice on the person by
whose act, default or sufferance the nuisance exists or is likely
to recur.

he Authority
or the authorised officer may serve a notice on the person by
whose act, default or sufferance the nuisance exists or is likely
to recur.

(2) Where a person under subsection (1) cannot be found,
the notice shall be served on the occupier of such land or
premises provided that-
(a) where the nuisance arises from any want or defect
of a structural character or when the premises are
unoccupied, the notice shall be served on the owner;
(b) where the land or premises is occupied by more than
one person the notice may be served on the owner of
such land or premises;
(c) where the person causing the nuisance cannot be found
and it is clear that, the nuisance does not exist by the
act or default or sufferance of the owner or occupier of
the premises, the Authority may abate the same and do
what is necessary to prevent the recurrence thereof. (3) The notice issued under subsection (1) may-
(a) abate the nuisance within the time specified in the
notice;
(b) execute such work as is necessary to prevent the
nuisance;
(c) contain a specification of any works to be executed for
the purpose of abating the nuisance or preventing its
recurrence.

to prevent the
nuisance;
(c) contain a specification of any works to be executed for
the purpose of abating the nuisance or preventing its
recurrence.

(4) Where a notice is served to any person under this section
and whether the nuisance arose from willful or culpable
negligence of such person or not, such person makes default in
complying with the requisitions of the notice within specified
period, that person commits an offence. Notice to
abatement of
nuisance

akes default in
complying with the requisitions of the notice within specified
period, that person commits an offence. Notice to
abatement of
nuisance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.252
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
58. The mode of service of notices, orders and other documents
shall be similar to notices issued under the Civil Procedure
Code or the local government laws. 59. Where the nuisance proved to exist is such as to render
a building unfit for human habitation or any premises which
is hazardous, injurious or dangerous to human health, the
Authority shall issue a closing order prohibiting the use of that
building or premises until he is satisfied that the building or
premises is fit for human habitation. 60.–(1) Where a person on whom a notice to abate a nuisance
has been served fails to comply with any of the requirements
specified in the notice within the time specified or if the
nuisance though abated, in the opinion of the Authority is
likely to recur on the same premises or land, the Authority
may cause a complaint relating to that nuisance to be made
before a court.

he Authority is
likely to recur on the same premises or land, the Authority
may cause a complaint relating to that nuisance to be made
before a court.

(2) Where a court is satisfied that the alleged nuisance exists
or although abated is likely to recur on the premises, the court
may make an order to the author of the nuisance, occupier
or the owner of the building or premises as the case may be,
requiring him to-
(a) comply with all or part of the requirements of the
notice;
(b) abate the nuisance within a time specified in the order
and to do necessary works to that effect; and
(c) prohibit the recurrence of the nuisance and direct
the execution of the works necessary to prevent the
recurrence. (3) Before making any order, the court may, if it thinks
fit, adjourn the hearing or further hearing of the complaint
until an inspection, investigation or analysis in respect of the
nuisance alleged has been made by an environmental health
practitioner. Service of notices,
orders and other
documents
Cap. 33
Power of closure
Failure to
comply with
requirements of
notice

vironmental health
practitioner. Service of notices,
orders and other
documents
Cap. 33
Power of closure
Failure to
comply with
requirements of
notice

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.253
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(4) The court shall, on conviction, order or impose a fine
not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding twelve months and the payment of costs
incurred. (5) Where the nuisance proved to exist is such as to render
a building or premises unfit for human habitation, the court
may issue a closing order prohibiting the use of the building or
premises until the building or premises is fit. (6) Where a person has complied with the order of the court
that person may make an application to the court seeking
termination of the closing order and be permitted to use the
building or premises. (7) Where the court is satisfied that, the building or premises
has been rendered fit for human habitation, the court may
terminate the closing order and allow the use of that building
or premises.

ding or premises
has been rendered fit for human habitation, the court may
terminate the closing order and allow the use of that building
or premises.

61.–(1) A person who fails to obey an order issued by the court
or to comply with the requirements of an Authority or of an
authorised officer to stop or prevent the nuisance shall, unless
he satisfies the court that he has used due diligence to carry
out that order, be liable to a fine not exceeding one million
shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three
months or to both. (2) A person who fails to comply with a court order issued
under section 60 commits an offence and on conviction shall
be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to
both. (3) The authorised officer may, in such a case, enter the
building or premises to which that order relates and abate the
nuisance and do whatever necessary in the execution of such
order and recover in any court of competent jurisdiction the
expenses incurred. (4) A person who willfully obstructs an environmental
health practitioner or any officer appointed and authorised
Penalties relating
to nuisance

rred. (4) A person who willfully obstructs an environmental
health practitioner or any officer appointed and authorised
Penalties relating
to nuisance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.254
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
in writing in the execution of that officer’s duties, commits
an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not
exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term
not exceeding six months or to both. 62.–(1) Where it appears to the satisfaction of the court that
the person by whose act or omission the nuisance arises or that
the owner or occupier of the building or land premises is not
known or cannot be found, the court may order the Authority
to execute the works directed. (2) The cost of executing the works under subsection
(1), shall be charged on the author of the nuisance, owner
or occupier of the building, premises or land on which the
nuisance exists. (3) The balance remaining after recovery of the costs
incurred shall, if any, be credited to the Government revenue
fund.

n which the
nuisance exists. (3) The balance remaining after recovery of the costs
incurred shall, if any, be credited to the Government revenue
fund.

63.–(1) A person shall not at any time receive and accommodate
into a lodging house, room, dwelling house, school, institution,
hostel, vehicle, train or vessel in a greater number of persons as
to cause overcrowding. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an
offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
two hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term
of three months or to both. 64. A property removed by the Authority in abating any
nuisance may be sold by public auction and the proceeds
arising from the sale may be applied to pay for the expenses
incurred and the remaining balance, if any, shall be paid to the
owner of that property. 65.–(1) Where, in the opinion of the Authority, a nuisance exists
with respect to building or premises which are dilapidated,
dangerous or defectively constructed beyond repairs, such
Court order for
execution of
works in certain
cases
Overcrowding of
lodging house,
room, dwelling
house, etc.,
Powers of
Authority to sell
property
Demolition
of dangerous,
dilapidated
building or
premises

rcrowding of
lodging house,
room, dwelling
house, etc.,
Powers of
Authority to sell
property
Demolition
of dangerous,
dilapidated
building or
premises

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.255
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
that, repairs to or alterations of that building or premises are
not likely to remove the nuisance, the Authority may issue
notice of demolition order. (2) Where the court is satisfied that nuisance under
subsection (1) exists and that repairs to or alterations of the
building or premises are not likely to stop or prevent the
nuisance, the Authority may order the owner of that building
or premises to commence the demolition of the building or
premises on or before a specified day, being at most one month
from the date of issuing the order and complete the demolition
and remove the materials which comprised the building or
premises from the site before another specified period. (3) A person who fails to comply with the order issued
by the Authority commits an offence, and on conviction,
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million shillings
and the Authority may cause the building or premises to be
demolished.

nd on conviction,
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two million shillings
and the Authority may cause the building or premises to be
demolished.

(4) Where a demolition order has been excuted by the
Authority, the Authority shall recover from the owner the
expenses incurred for demolition of the building or premises. (5) The owner of a demolished building or premises shall
not be entitled to compensation. (b) Housing and Human Settlement
66.–(1) A building or premises shall not be erected without
first submitting the plans, sections and specifications of the
building site for scrutiny on compliance with public health
requirements and approval from the Authority. (2) A building or premises or its part or any structure shall
not be occupied until a certificate of occupancy has been
granted. (3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) shall not apply
to the dwelling houses in the rural areas or houses erected in
urban which have been recognised as such under the Squatter
Upgrading Programme. Prior approval of
new buildings or
premises

reas or houses erected in
urban which have been recognised as such under the Squatter
Upgrading Programme. Prior approval of
new buildings or
premises

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.256
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
67.–(1) Plans submitted under section 66 may not be approved
where-
(a) the site cannot be properly drained;
(b) the site has been filled with waste, other offensive
matters or decayed vegetation;
(c) the site is in proximity to other buildings or premises as
to obstruct light and free circulation of air around the
building or premises;
(d) the drainage system is unsatisfactory;
(e) the building or premises will not be accessible for
solid, gaseous, hazardous and liquid waste removal or
facilitate access to fire and rescue services;
(f) the ventilation and size of the rooms is unsatisfactory
or inadequate; or
(g) the erection of the building or premises would
contravene with other written laws. (2) Any person who owns a building or premises used
as a dwelling house shall provide such building or premises
with proper and sufficient sanitary accommodation to the
satisfaction of the Authority.

ed
as a dwelling house shall provide such building or premises
with proper and sufficient sanitary accommodation to the
satisfaction of the Authority.

68.–(1) Where it appears to the Authority that any building or
premises-
(a) is in a condition or is used to carry loads as to be
dangerous, injurious, hazardous to persons in the
building or premises, any adjoining premises or nearby
street, land or premises;
(b) is by reasons of its dilapidation, dangerous or ruinous
condition or seriously detrimental to the amenities of
the neighborhood; or
(c) which is used as a dwelling house or premises is, in the
opinion of the Authority, unfit for human habitation,
the Authority may, prohibit the use of that building or premises
or part of that building or premises for any specified purpose
and, where in the opinion of the Authority, that building or its
part ought to be demolished or removed, the Authority may
give a notice to that person. Grounds for
disapproval of
plans
Dangerous or
dilapidated
building or
premises

demolished or removed, the Authority may
give a notice to that person. Grounds for
disapproval of
plans
Dangerous or
dilapidated
building or
premises

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.257
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(2) Subject to subsection (1), the Authority shall not prohibit
the use of a building or premises unless a notice is served to
the owner or occupier or affixed upon building or premises. (3) Where the owner cannot be found or is not within the
country, it shall be upon the occupier to require the owner’s
representative to make, within reasonable time, alterations
or repairs, as the Authority may consider necessary and until
such alterations are carried out. (4) Failure of the owner or his representative to carry out an
order under subsection (3), shall be an offence. (5) In addition to any other proceeding that may be taken,
the Authority may enter upon the building or premises and
make alterations, repairs demolition or removal of the building
structure or its part, as the case may be, and may recover the
costs from the owner or occupier of that building, premises or
structure. 69.

building
structure or its part, as the case may be, and may recover the
costs from the owner or occupier of that building, premises or
structure. 69.

A person who erects any building contrary to sections 66
and 68 commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable
to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. 70.–(1) A person upon whom a notice requiring demolition,
removal, repair or alterations is served may, prior to the
expiration of the time specified, apply to the court for a notice
to be rescinded or varied. (2) During the hearing of the application, the onus shall lie
on the person served with a notice under subsection (1) and
the court may confirm, rescind or vary that notice and make
such order as to costs as it may deem necessary. 71.–(1) Where it appears to the Authority that most of the
buildings or premises within an area are unfit for human
habitation by reason of dilapidation, congestion or bad
arrangement, the Authority shall prepare and implement a
scheme to be used for the clearance of the area and the re-
housing of the inhabitants. Penalty for
contravention
of sections 66
and 68
Application to
rescind or vary
notice
Clearance of
slum areas and
re-housing of
inhabitants

habitants. Penalty for
contravention
of sections 66
and 68
Application to
rescind or vary
notice
Clearance of
slum areas and
re-housing of
inhabitants

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.258
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(2) Before implementation of the scheme under subsection
(1), the Authority shall give a ninety days written notice to the
owner of the property or his representative. (3) The owner or his representative may serve to the
Authority, a written notice of objection within thirty days and
where his objection is received, the Authority may consider
that objection as to whether or not to carry on with the scheme
under subsection (1). (4) A scheme may include a building or premises where
the clearance of that building or premises is necessary for the
proper development of the area as a whole. (5) Full and prompt compensation shall be paid to owner or
his representative. (6) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), compensation
shall be based on the market value of the building or premises,
value of the site and an additional sum according to the state
or repair and maintenance.

ll be based on the market value of the building or premises,
value of the site and an additional sum according to the state
or repair and maintenance.

(7) Where the Authority has confirmed the scheme, owners
or representatives of buildings or premises in the area shall be
notified in writing of the decision. (8) The clearance shall not commence until the inhabitants
of that area have been re-housed in a suitable accommodation
provided for that purpose. 72. The Minister may, after consultation with the Ministers
responsible for environmental management and local
government, make regulations conferring powers and
imposing duties to the Authorities prescribing for-
(a) inspection of land, dwelling houses, buildings, factories
and trade premises and for securing the keeping of
the same, clean and free from nuisance so as not to
endanger the health of the occupiers or the public
health;
(b) periodical cleansing and painting or other treatment
of the buildings or premises and the cleansing of land
attached and the removal of rubbish or refuse;
Powers of
Minister to make
regulations
relating to
environmental
health

mises and the cleansing of land
attached and the removal of rubbish or refuse;
Powers of
Minister to make
regulations
relating to
environmental
health

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.259
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.259
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
(c) drainage of land, streets, buildings or premises, disposal
of rubbish, offensive liquids, removal and disposal of
refuse, manure and solid waste;
(d) standards of purity of any liquid which, after treatment
in any purification works, may be discharged as effluent;
(e) keeping of animals or birds and the construction,
cleanliness and drainage of places where animals or
birds are kept;
(f) establishment and carrying on of noxious trade,
factories or trade premises which are liable to cause
offensive smell or sewage effluents or to discharge
liquids or other materials liable to cause such smell or
sewage effluents, to pollute streams, or are otherwise
liable or likely to be a nuisance, injurious, hazardous
or dangerous to health and for prohibiting the
establishment or carrying on such factories or trade
premises in unsuitable localities;
(g) general control of houses let and lodgings, for fixing the
maximum number of lodgers, the minimum floor space
allotted to each lodger, for the adequate ventilation and
lighting;
(h) provision of adequate sanitary appliances and other
requirements for the protection of the health of the
lodgers or surrounding inhabitants; and
(i) sanitary control of market places and market buildings.

quirements for the protection of the health of the
lodgers or surrounding inhabitants; and
(i) sanitary control of market places and market buildings.

(c) Solid and Liquid Waste Management
73.–(1) The Authority shall undertake or contract an agent
to-
(a) set aside areas of adequate size for the purpose of solid
and liquid waste disposal;
(b) manage the disposal areas to control the occurrence of
any nuisance or disease;
(c) collect, transport and dispose of solid and liquid waste
from buildings, premises and land;
Duty of Authority
to perform
and undertake
services

e;
(c) collect, transport and dispose of solid and liquid waste
from buildings, premises and land;
Duty of Authority
to perform
and undertake
services

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.260
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(d) collect, transport and dispose of solid and liquid waste
from any trade or business premises where expeditious
removal and efficient disposal is in the interest of the
public and the services may extend to the whole or any
part of its area;
(e) cleanse earth closets, privies, latrines and other
receptacles for waste and sewage substances; and
(f) clean streets, public places, cut grasses, empty gullies
and maintain waste water drains. (2) The Authority shall charge a fee for a service provided to
a service beneficiary. (3) The revenue collected from the services shall be used for
the improvement of environmental health services. (4) The Authority, contractor or any person who undertakes
the removal, transportation and disposal of waste from a
public place shall provide a skip bucket, sanitary land filling,
transfer station or approved covered containers for holding
and transportation of waste prior to disposal.

ovide a skip bucket, sanitary land filling,
transfer station or approved covered containers for holding
and transportation of waste prior to disposal.

(5) Subject to the provision of subsection (4), the Authority
or its agent shall ensure regular medical examinations and
provide special gloves, boots, shoes, masks and clothes for its
employees. (6) An owner of premises shall provide a sufficient number
of approved covered containers for the holding of waste prior
to its removal and disposal. (7) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsections
(4), (5) and (6) commits an offence, and on conviction, shall be
liable to a fine of not less than one hundred thousand shillings
or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or
to both. 74.–(1) The Authority shall, for purposes of solid or liquid
waste disposal, designate areas which shall be situated and
maintained to avoid nuisance. (2) The Authority shall take all necessary measures to control
scavengers at waste storage, dumping sites and disposal sites. Keeping and
maintenance of
dumping sites

y shall take all necessary measures to control
scavengers at waste storage, dumping sites and disposal sites. Keeping and
maintenance of
dumping sites

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.261
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) A person is prohibited to scavenge on any waste, bay or
dumping site unless that person is a holder of a permit issued
by the respective Authority permitting him to scavenge. (4) A person who trespasses, scavenges, takes or removes any
waste from disposal site, dumping site or storage site without
a permit from the Authority or an authorised officer, commits
an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less
than one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding three months or to both. 75.–(1) For ensuring minimisation of solid wastes, the
Authority shall prescribe for-
(a) the separation at source of different types or kinds of
waste or garbage; and
(b) standards to guide the type, size, shape, colour and
other specifications for waste containers used.

erent types or kinds of
waste or garbage; and
(b) standards to guide the type, size, shape, colour and
other specifications for waste containers used.

(2) The Authority shall, for purposes of making decisions
on suitability of any specific method of collection, treatment or
disposal of solid and liquid waste, undertake studies to gather
knowledge of the generation rate and composition of such
wastes. (3) The Authority shall-
(a) manage solid and liquid wastes generated in accordance
with sustainable plans prepared by respective
Authority; and
(b) ensure appropriate sorting of wastes is made at
the source and is in accordance with standards or
specifications prescribed by the Authority. 76.–(1) The Authority shall-
(a) undertake periodic studies to determine the type
of solid and liquid wastes generated from markets,
institutions and industries; and
(b) determine appropriate methods for sorting and storage
of the wastes. Management of
solid and liquid
wastes
Duty of Authority
to undertake
studies

(b) determine appropriate methods for sorting and storage
of the wastes. Management of
solid and liquid
wastes
Duty of Authority
to undertake
studies

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.262
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(2) In determining appropriate storage for solid and liquid
wastes generated by different types of markets, institutions
and industries within their areas, the Authority shall, in
collaboration with the Minister responsible for health,
environmental management and local government-
(a) ensure that the solid and liquid wastes are classified
and appropriately stored depending on whether they
are organic, plastic, glass or metal waste; or
(b) prescribe appropriate methods for storage of different
categories of solid and liquid wastes. (3) The Authority shall ensure that-
(a) industries provide adequate space and facilities for
managing all solid waste generated from the industry and
in the premises prior to its collection for disposal; and
(b) waste bays or areas designated by industries for the
collection of solid waste are clean at all times and
protected from vectors, animals and scavengers. 77.

ays or areas designated by industries for the
collection of solid waste are clean at all times and
protected from vectors, animals and scavengers. 77.

The Authority after consultation with the Ministers
responsible for environmental management and local
government shall prescribe-
(a) best ways possible for the collection of various categories
of solid and liquid wastes from generation sources on
its own or in collaboration with any commercial entity
or private sector;
(b) mode of recovery of costs incurred in collection of the
solid and liquid wastes; and
(c) approved equipment, solid and liquid wastes collection
times and routes. 78.–(1) Prior to designation of a transfer station, the Authority
shall-
(a) carry out Environmental Health Impact Assessment
as may be provided for under the Environmental
Management Act;
(b) ensure that the designated area is adequate in size and
is situated away from residential area;
Collection of solid
and liquid waste
Designation of
transfer stations
Cap. 191

ed area is adequate in size and
is situated away from residential area;
Collection of solid
and liquid waste
Designation of
transfer stations
Cap. 191

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.263
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) ensure regular removal of solid and liquid wastes to
avoid any possible nuisance; and
(d) ensure the designated area is fenced off and secured to
prevent unauthorised persons from entering. (2) The Authority shall designate transfer stations to serve
as collection centers of solid and liquid wastes where large
amount of solid and liquid wastes are generated. 79. The Authority shall, on choosing the method of solid
wastes disposal, be guided by the following factors:
(a) the climatic condition;
(b) its economic ability and that of its community;
(c) Environmental Health Impact Assessment of that land;
(d) environmental hygienic social benefits available; and
(e) the availability of sites for tipping. 80. The Minister shall prescribe and issue guidelines on
how solid and liquid wastes from domestic and commercial
premises are to be treated and finally disposed off both within
the site and outside the premises. 81.

and liquid wastes from domestic and commercial
premises are to be treated and finally disposed off both within
the site and outside the premises. 81.

The Authority shall-
(a) ensure that sewage from cesspool and sludge from
septic tanks are collected and transported by specified
vehicles for disposal;
(b) ensure that before sewage is appropriately treated and
prior to its discharge into water bodies or open land,
the sewage will not increase the risk of infections or
ecological disturbance and environmental degradation;
(c) designate and ensure compliance with designated
disposal ponds, sewage treatment facilities and sewer
points;
(d) after the construction of the sewerage system, facilitate
the carrying out of initial and subsequently periodic
approved tests to ascertain that the sewage effluents for
final disposal meet the national standards required;
Factors for choice
of methods of
solid wastes
disposal
Guidelines on
disposal of solid
and liquid waste
Transportation
and disposal of
liquid waste

d;
Factors for choice
of methods of
solid wastes
disposal
Guidelines on
disposal of solid
and liquid waste
Transportation
and disposal of
liquid waste

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.264
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(e) make by-laws prescribing the treatment of hazardous
and non-hazardous liquid wastes from industries;
(f) prescribe guidelines-
(i) on standard gradient for storm water drains in
order to prevent water stagnation;
(ii) on periodic cleaning of storm water drains to
remove deposits; and
(iii) to allow the inspection and removal of deposits in
covered storm water drain, covers and appropriate
trap chambers. (d) Gaseous waste management
82. For the purpose of this Part “gaseous waste” means an
emission emanating from different sources and processes. 83.–(1) The Authority shall ensure that all habitable buildings-
(a) have adequate openings to provide through or cross
ventilation; and
(b) provide adequate means of smoke escape in the
kitchens. (2) A dwelling house shall have a well ventilated kitchen.

rough or cross
ventilation; and
(b) provide adequate means of smoke escape in the
kitchens. (2) A dwelling house shall have a well ventilated kitchen.

84.–(1) The Authority shall, in collaboration with other
relevant authorities, and by taking into consideration of the
Environmental Health Impact Assessment recommendations,
ensure that construction industries producing dust and
gaseous wastes are situated far from residential areas. (2) The industries specified in subsection (1) shall
adhere to the Environmental Health Impact Assessment
recommendations. (3) The Authority shall, in respect of motor vehicles-
(a) regulate and prohibit the installation, maintenance,
equipments and devices used by the motor vehicles;
Gaseous waste
Gaseous waste
from dwelling
houses
Control of
industrial gaseous
waste and waste
from vehicles

s and devices used by the motor vehicles;
Gaseous waste
Gaseous waste
from dwelling
houses
Control of
industrial gaseous
waste and waste
from vehicles

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.265
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(b) establish mandatory emission standards and testing
programmes;
(c) prohibit the use of any motor vehicle that fails to
comply with emission standards; and
(d) prohibit or regulate the use of motor vehicle in certain
lane of designated roads or in certain parts of urban
areas. (e) Excreta Waste Management
85. For the purpose of this Part-
“excreta waste” means human faeces, urine and includes
vomit from human body. 86.

reas. (e) Excreta Waste Management
85. For the purpose of this Part-
“excreta waste” means human faeces, urine and includes
vomit from human body. 86.

The Authority shall, after consultation with the Ministers
responsible for health, sewages and local government, make
by-laws prescribing for-
(a) provision of adequate sanitary accommodation in
every dwelling house and every public place;
(b) appropriate penalties to control the spread of diseases
and infections by punishing indiscriminate disposal of
human excreta wastes;
(c) simple and appropriate technological options for the
disposal of human excreta wastes;
(d) standards for the excreta wastes management
emanating from various buildings or premises and
provide penalties for defaulters;
(e) ratios and standards for the adequate and separate
provision of toilets and urinals;
(f) provision of accessible toilets for persons with
disabilities; and
(g) provision of accessibility of buildings and premises by
persons with disabilities. Excreta waste
Excreta waste
management by
Authority

lities; and
(g) provision of accessibility of buildings and premises by
persons with disabilities. Excreta waste
Excreta waste
management by
Authority

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.266
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(f) Hazardous and Health Care Waste Management
87. For the purpose of this Part-
“hazardous waste” means any solid, liquid, gaseous or
sludge waste which by reason of its chemical reactivity,
environmental or human hazardousness, infectiousness,
toxicity, explosiveness and corrosiveness is harmful to
human health, life and environment;
“health care waste” includes the infectious wastes,
pathological wastes, sharps, pharmaceuticals, gene toxics,
radioactive wastes, coagulated blood wastes and drugs. 88. A person shall not import hazardous wastes or any other
wastes into Mainland Tanzania. 89. Health care wastes shall be managed in accordance with
the guidelines and standards under the Environmental
Management Act. 90.

Mainland Tanzania. 89. Health care wastes shall be managed in accordance with
the guidelines and standards under the Environmental
Management Act. 90.

Subject to the provisions of section 92, the Authority shall
ensure that-
(a) standards prescribed for the hazardous wastes
management are in place and operational;
(b) premises producing hazardous wastes are adequately
ventilated and in compliance with prescribed standards;
(c) waste effluents are treated or modified so as to
comply with prescribed standards before their final
disposition; and
(d) hazardous liquid wastes are treated in accordance with
appropriate methods at a factory or on site before their
discharge into public sewers, open land or receiving
water bodies. 91. A person shall not dispose hazardous waste on land or water
body unless the Environmental Health Impact Assessment is
carried out in accordance with the Environmental Management
Act. Hazardous and
health care wastes
Importation of
hazardous wastes
Management of
health care wastes
Cap. 191
Management of
hazardous wastes
Environmental
Health Impact
Assessment for
hazardous wastes
Cap. 191

s wastes
Management of
health care wastes
Cap. 191
Management of
hazardous wastes
Environmental
Health Impact
Assessment for
hazardous wastes
Cap. 191

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.267
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
92. The Authority shall, in collaboration with the Ministers
responsible for health, environmental management and local
government-
(a) ensure that health care wastes are sorted and stored in
prescribed coded containers and transported in waste
trucks designed and registered for that purpose;
(b) prescribe the best possible methods for final disposition
of various types of health care wastes;
(c) prescribe the best possible methods for handling and
the disposal of-
(i) veterinary wastes arising from abattoirs;
(ii) veterinary drugs;
(iii) wastes emanating from agricultural activities;
(iv) agro-chemical wastes;
(v) chemical wastes; and
(d) where necessary, prescribe for penalties on management
of animal excreta waste or sewerage or dung. (g) Sewerage and Drainage
93. A reference in this Part relating to drain or sewer shall be
construed as to include reference to any manhole, ventilating
shaft, pump or other accessories belonging to that drain or
sewer.

ain or sewer shall be
construed as to include reference to any manhole, ventilating
shaft, pump or other accessories belonging to that drain or
sewer.

94.–(1) For the purposes of this section, “intervening land”
means a land through which an owner of the building or
premises, or proposed building or premises is or will be
entitled to lay a communication pipe. (2) A building or premises or proposed building or premises
shall not be deemed to have access to a public sewer unless-
(a) there is, in the course of construction within thirty
metres of the curtilage of the building or premises or
proposed building or premises and at a level which
makes it reasonably practicable to construct a drain
to communicate therewith, a public sewer or other
Handling and
disposal of health
care wastes and
other wastes
Construction of
public sewers
Drain or private
sewer to be
connected with
pubic sewer

her
Handling and
disposal of health
care wastes and
other wastes
Construction of
public sewers
Drain or private
sewer to be
connected with
pubic sewer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.268
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
sewer which the owner of the building or premises or
proposed building or premises is or will be entitled to
use; and
(b) there is an intervening land through which a person is
entitled to construct a drain and shall not be deemed to
have a sufficient water supply available unless-
(i) it has a sufficient supply of water laid on from
supply controlled by a water authority; and
(ii) the supply can be laid on to it from a point within
one hundred feet of the curtilage of the building
or premises or proposed building or premises. (3) It shall be a duty of the Authority to ensure efficient
operation of sewerage system within its area. 95. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2) of section
94, the limit of thirty metres shall not apply-
(a) where the Authority undertakes to bear much of the
expenses reasonably incurred in constructing a drain
to communicate with a public sewer; or
(b) where the point from which a supply of water can be
laid on, exceeds thirty metres.

in constructing a drain
to communicate with a public sewer; or
(b) where the point from which a supply of water can be
laid on, exceeds thirty metres.

96.–(1) The Authority may, within its area and after occurrence
of another Authority for sewerage and drainage outside its
area, construct and maintain-
(a) a public sewer-
(i) in, on, under or over any street, under or through
any cellar or vault below any street; and
(ii) in, on, under or over any land or in, on, under any
building not forming part of a street after giving
reasonable notice to every owner or occupier of
such land or building; and
(b) sewerage disposal works on any public land or land
acquired or lawfully appropriated for that purpose. (2) In exercising its powers under subparagraph (ii) of
paragraph (a) of subsection (1), the Authority shall be liable to
Disapplication of
construction of
public sewer and
drain
Construction and
maintenance of
public sewer

subsection (1), the Authority shall be liable to
Disapplication of
construction of
public sewer and
drain
Construction and
maintenance of
public sewer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.269
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
pay any compensation to an owner or occupier of any private
land, but shall, at its option, make good or pay for any damage
done or occasioned by reason of the exercise of such powers. 97. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other written laws,
all public sewers within and outside the Authority which that
Authority has constructed or is maintaining pursuant to the
provisions of section 100, shall vest in that Authority. 98.–(1) The Authority shall keep deposited at its offices for
inspection by any person at all reasonable hours, free of charge,
a map showing and distinguishing all public sewers and other
public sewerage disposal works existing or in the course of
construction within its area or under its control. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the Authority
may allow members from the public to get a copy of a map at a
fee to be prescribed in the regulations.

the provisions of subsection (1), the Authority
may allow members from the public to get a copy of a map at a
fee to be prescribed in the regulations.

(3) Where some of the public sewers are reserved for foul
water, such sewers shall be shown in the map referred to in
subsections (1) and (2). 99. The Authority may, alter the size and course of any
public sewer, either entirely or for the purpose of foul water,
close public drainage or for the purpose of storm water
drainage, but where any person who is lawfully using the
public sewer for any purpose is deprived by the Authority,
it shall provide a public sewer equally effective for his
drainage systems or sewers to communicate with the public
sewer so provided. 100.–(1) A person shall not throw, empty, turn, permit to be
thrown, emptied or passed into any sewer or drainage-
(a) any matter likely to injure the sewer or drain, or to
interfere with the free flow of its contents or to effect
prejudicially the treatment and disposal of its contents;
(b) any chemical, refuse, waste steam or any liquid of
temperature higher than forty four degrees centigrade
Vesting of public
sewers
Rights of owners
of premises
Size of public
sewers
Prohibition to
interfere with any
sewer or drain

y four degrees centigrade
Vesting of public
sewers
Rights of owners
of premises
Size of public
sewers
Prohibition to
interfere with any
sewer or drain

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.270
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
being refuse, steam or liquid which when so heated,
either alone or in combination with the contents of the
sewer or drain, can be dangerous, a cause of nuisance
or prejudicial to health; or
(c) any petroleum spirit, carbide or calcium except into a
drainage specially constructed for the purpose. (2) Where separate public sewers are provided for foul
water and storm water, no person shall discharge or permit to
be discharged, either directly or indirectly-
(a) soil or waste water into a sewer provided for storm
water; or
(b) except with the approval of the Authority, storm water
into a sewer provided for foul water. (3) A person who contravenes any of the provisions of this
section commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.

and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both.

(4) For the purpose of this section, “petroleum spirit” means
any-
(a) crude petroleum;
(b) oil made from petroleum, coal, shale, peat or other
bituminous substances; or
(c) product of petroleum or mixture containing petroleum
as when tested gives off an inflammable vapour
at a temperature of less than twenty three degrees
centigrade. 101.–(1) The owner or occupier of any premises or the owner
of any private sewer, within the area of the Authority shall
communicate his private sewer with any available public sewer
of that Authority and discharge foul or storm water from his
premises or that private sewer. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a
person shall not be permitted to-
Drain or private
sewer to be
connected with
public sewer

2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), a
person shall not be permitted to-
Drain or private
sewer to be
connected with
public sewer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.271
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(a) discharge directly or indirectly into any public sewer-
(i) any matter from a manufacturing process or a
factory, other than domestic sewage or storm
water, except by a written agreement with the
Authority;
(ii) any matter which is prohibited under this Act or
any other written law;
(b) have his drainage systems or private sewer made to
communicate directly with a storm water and overflow
the sewer;
(c) have his drains or private sewer made to communicate
with a public sewer provided for foul water, unless he
satisfies the authority that the premises to be drained
have sufficient water supply available; or
(d) have his drainage systems or private sewer made to
communicate with any public sewer where that sewer
is situated in excess of thirty metres of the curtilage of
the premises.

s or private sewer made to
communicate with any public sewer where that sewer
is situated in excess of thirty metres of the curtilage of
the premises.

102.–(1) The owner or occupier of a premises and the owner
of a private sewer outside the area of the Authority shall have
similar rights with respect to draining into the available public
sewers of the Authority as he would have had under section
101, where the premises or private sewer are situated within its
area and the provisions of that section shall apply accordingly. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of
section 100 and subsection (1) of this section, the discharge
of certain liquids or other matters into public sewers shall not
derogate the powers of the Authority to-
(a) refuse to permit a communication to be made as
provided for under section 99;
(b) require the drainage or laying open of a private sewer
for inspection. Rights of owners
of premises and
owners of public
sewers

under section 99;
(b) require the drainage or laying open of a private sewer
for inspection. Rights of owners
of premises and
owners of public
sewers

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.272
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), the
Authority may, for the drainage of private sewer from premises
outside its area, refuse to permit a communication to be made
except under such reasonable terms and conditions as may be
prescribed by the Minister. (4) The terms and conditions referred to in subsections (2)
and (3) may include-
(a) compliance with any of the reasonable requirements of
the Authority that the premises to be drained shall be
clean or in a proper state of repair; and
(b) such reasonable payment or periodical payments as
the Authority may deem fit to impose, subject to any
directions by the Minister.

of repair; and
(b) such reasonable payment or periodical payments as
the Authority may deem fit to impose, subject to any
directions by the Minister.

103.–(1) For the purposes of making or maintaining a
communication with a public sewer, it shall be lawful for-
(a) the Authority to construct or repair a lateral drainage
in, on, under or over any land or building; and
(b) with prior consent of the Authority, the owner or
occupier of any building to construct or repair a drain
in, on, under or over any land or building or private
sewer as the authority may approve. (2) Where a lateral drainage or private sewer constructed or
repaired in any land or building does not form part of a street,
the Authority or owner or occupier shall give to every owner
or occupier a notice and shall be liable to make it good or at the
option of the Authority or the owner, undertake to pay for any
damage caused or occasioned by the Authority in exercising
its powers. (3) The works intended to be carried out in exercising the
powers conferred upon the Authority under this section, shall
not interfere with the amenities or future development of the
land, building or any adjacent land or buildings. (4) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3), where a
dispute arises, any aggrieved person may appeal to the district
court. Communication
with public sewer

ct to the provisions of subsection (3), where a
dispute arises, any aggrieved person may appeal to the district
court. Communication
with public sewer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.273
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
104.–(1) A person who wishes or is required to have his
drainage system or private sewer made to communicate with a
public sewer shall give to the Authority a notice of his proposals
in writing. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1), the proposal
shall be made in a prescribed manner. (3) The Authority may, within twenty one days of the receipt
of the proposal, issue a notice to refuse a person to make the
communication where it appears that-
(a) the mode of construction of the drainage or private
sewer is not in conformity with the rules in force; or
(b) the conditions of the drainage or private sewer or the
matter carried or to be varied is such that the making
of the communication would be prejudicial to the
sewerage system of the Authority, and for the purpose of
examining the mode of construction and condition of
the drainage or private sewer, the Authority may, where
necessary, require it to be laid open for inspection.

he mode of construction and condition of
the drainage or private sewer, the Authority may, where
necessary, require it to be laid open for inspection.

(4) Where the notice is not served on a person-
(a) the Authority shall, with all reasonable means, cause
the communication to be made by means of a lateral
drainage to the public sewer in such manner as may be
prescribed; or
(b) the Authority may determine except that it shall
not be obligatory upon the Authority to make the
communication until the estimated costs of the work
has been paid to it or security for payment has been
provided to its satisfaction. (5) Where any payment made to the Authority exceeds
the expenses reasonably incurred by it in the execution of the
work, the excess shall be remitted to the person for whom the
work was done. (6) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), where
the expenses are not covered by the payments made to it, the
Authority may recover the expenses or the balance from the
person for whom the work was done. Notice for lateral
drainage into
public sewer

to it, the
Authority may recover the expenses or the balance from the
person for whom the work was done. Notice for lateral
drainage into
public sewer

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.274
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(7) For the purpose of this section, the making of the
communication between a drainage or private sewer and a
public sewer includes all such work which may involve the
breaking open of a street and the taking of any steps which the
Authority may consider necessary for repairing, relaying and
safe guarding of any pipes, drainages, lines or any other works
which may be disturbed or damaged by or in the course of
making that communication. (8) A person, other than a person lawfully acting on
behalf of the Authority, who causes a drain or sewer to
communicate with a public sewer or fails to comply with or
acts in contravention of any of the provisions of this section,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding two million shillings or to an imprisonment for
a term not exceeding two years or to both.

e and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding two million shillings or to an imprisonment for
a term not exceeding two years or to both.

(9) Where proceedings have or have not been taken in respect
of that offence, the Authority may close any communication
made in contravention of any provisions under this section and
recover from the offender any expenses reasonably incurred
by it in so doing. 105.–(1) The Authority shall, where a building, premises or an
extension plan of a building or premises is not in accordance
with the building rules deposited with the Authority, reject the
plan unless-
(a) the plan shows that satisfactory provision for drainage
shall be made; or
(b) the Authority is satisfied that in the case of that
particular building or extension plan, it may properly
dispense with any provision for that purpose. (2) For the purposes of this section, “satisfactory provision
for drainage” means the drainage system and appliances of the
building complying with any written law for the time being in
force relating to drainage and that the drainage systems of the
premises connect either directly or indirectly with available
Drainage
provisions in
building and
extension plan

and that the drainage systems of the
premises connect either directly or indirectly with available
Drainage
provisions in
building and
extension plan

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.275
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
public sewer or where there is no such sewers, discharge
should be done into septic tank, other appliance or any other
site disposal system. 106.–(1) Where a building, premises or extension plan of a
building is deposited with the Authority in accordance with
any building rules, the Authority shall reject the plans, unless-
(a) the plans deposited are sufficient and satisfactory
latrine accommodation have been provided for; or
(b) is satisfied that in the case of a particular building,
premises or extension it may properly dispense with
the provision of latrine accommodation.

b) is satisfied that in the case of a particular building,
premises or extension it may properly dispense with
the provision of latrine accommodation.

(2) Where-
(a) sufficient water supply and public sewer are not
available, the authority shall not reject the plans on
the ground that the proposed latrine accommodation
consists of or includes a pit-latrine of a type approved
by the Authority; and
(b) the plans show that the proposed building, premises or
extension is likely to be used as a factory, workshop,
workplace, club, place of entertainment, stadium
or other place in which persons of both sex shall be
employed or be in attendance, the Authority shall reject
the plans, unless sufficient and satisfactory separate
latrines and accommodation for persons of each sex
are provided.

ce, the Authority shall reject
the plans, unless sufficient and satisfactory separate
latrines and accommodation for persons of each sex
are provided.

107.–(1) Where it appears to the Authority that, in the case of
any building or premises-
(a) any appliance provided in the building is in such a
condition as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance; or
(b) any appliance formerly used for the drainage of the
building or premises but is no longer used there for it is
prejudicial to public health or a nuisance,
shall, by notice, require the owner, his representative or the
occupier of the building to make satisfactory provision for
Provision of
latrines in
building or
premises plans
Violation of
building rules

ive or the
occupier of the building to make satisfactory provision for
Provision of
latrines in
building or
premises plans
Violation of
building rules

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.276
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
the drainage of the building or as the case may be, order
the owner, his representative or occupier of the building to
take such necessary action and to do other works as may be
necessary to remedy the problem. (2) The Authority may, where it is satisfied that construction
works to communicate drainage system of a particular building
or premises with the public sewer cannot be realised or may
cause undue difficult to the owner and satisfactory provision
for drainage can only be achieved by discharging into an
appliance or by on site disposal system which the Authority
may approve, dispense with the provision for drainage system
which communicate directly or indirectly with the public
sewer. (3) For the purposes of this section, “appliance” means any
septic tank, private sewer, drainage, soil pipe, rain water pipe,
sink or other appliance for drainage. 108.

es of this section, “appliance” means any
septic tank, private sewer, drainage, soil pipe, rain water pipe,
sink or other appliance for drainage. 108.

Where any existing building or premises in the area of
the Authority has sufficient water supply and a public sewer is
available, the Authority may require it to be replaced by water
closets and that the owner, representative or occupier shall
make any latrine other than water closets provided for or in
connection with the building or the premises application within
a specified time, to have drainages made to communicate with
a public sewer. 109.–(1) Where it appears to the Authority that-
(a) a building or premises lacks sufficient latrine
accommodation; or
(b) a latrine provided for or in connection with a building
or premises is in such a state as to be nuisance or
prejudicial to health and cannot without reconstruction
be put into a satisfactory condition,
the Authority shall serve a notice to the owner of the building
requiring him to provide the building with such latrine or
additional latrine, as it may approve and deem necessary. Powers of
Authority to
issue notices in
respect of existing
building or
premises
Notice to provide
latrine and
additional latrine

and deem necessary. Powers of
Authority to
issue notices in
respect of existing
building or
premises
Notice to provide
latrine and
additional latrine

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.277
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(2) The Authority shall, unless sufficient water supply and
public sewer are available, require the provision of a water
closet except where substitution for an existing water closet is
required. (3) The Authority shall, where a sufficient water supply is
available without a public sewer, require the provision of a
water closet together with all necessary drainage discharging
into a septic tank or other place as it may approve. 110. Where the Authority has established that an area within
its jurisdiction has no sewerage system or has a high water table
and therefore cannot have effective latrines, septic and soakage
pit tanks, it shall consider that area to be of high priority for
constructing that sewerage system.

annot have effective latrines, septic and soakage
pit tanks, it shall consider that area to be of high priority for
constructing that sewerage system.

111.–(1) Where it appears to the Authority that any latrine
provided for or in connection with a building is in such a state
as to be nuisance or prejudicial to health, save that it cannot
without reconstruction be put in a satisfactory condition, the
Authority shall by notice, require the owner, his representative
or the occupier of the building or premises to execute works or
take steps by cleansing the latrine or otherwise. (2) Where the notice requires a person to take any steps
other than the execution of works and that person fails to
comply with that notice, the person commits an offence
and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three months or to both.

onviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three months or to both.

112.–(1) Where the Authority under this Act requires two or
more buildings or premises to be drained separately into an
existing public sewer, save that it appears to it that, the buildings
or premises maybe drained economically or advantageously in
combination, the Authority may require that, the buildings or
premises be drained in combination into the existing public
sewer by means of a private sewer to be constructed either by
Ineffective
latrines, septic
tanks, etc. Violation of
building latrines
Drainage in
combination

y means of a private sewer to be constructed either by
Ineffective
latrines, septic
tanks, etc. Violation of
building latrines
Drainage in
combination

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.278
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
the owners of the buildings or premises in a manner as it may
direct or if the Authority elects, by the Authority on behalf of
the owners. (2) The Authority shall not, except by an agreement with
the owners concerned, exercise powers conferred by the
provisions of subsection (1) in respect of building plans for
drainage previously passed by the Authority. (3) The Authority making such a requirement shall fix the
proportion in which the expenses of construction, maintenance
and repair of the private sewer are to be borne by the owners
concerned. (4) Where the distance of a public sewer from the curtilage
of the buildings or premises is or exceeds thirty meters, the
Authority shall bear the expenses.

ere the distance of a public sewer from the curtilage
of the buildings or premises is or exceeds thirty meters, the
Authority shall bear the expenses.

(5) An owner aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under
this section may appeal to the district court and subject to any
appeal, any expenses reasonably incurred in constructing,
maintaining or repairing the private sewer shall be borne in
the proportion fixed, and those expenses or as the case may
be contributions thereto, may be recovered accordingly by the
person, whether the Authority or owners, by whom they were
incurred in the first instance. (6) A sewer constructed by the Authority under this section
shall not be deemed to be a public sewer by reason that the
expenses of its construction are in the first instance defrayed
by the Authority, or by reason that some part of the expenses
is borne by it. 113.–(1) The provisions of this section and sections 103 and
112 shall apply with respect to appeals. (2) An appeal lodged to the district court shall-
(a) be in writing;
(b) indicate the nature of the works to be executed; and
(c) state the period within which they are to be executed. Appeals

shall-
(a) be in writing;
(b) indicate the nature of the works to be executed; and
(c) state the period within which they are to be executed. Appeals

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.279
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) A person served with a notice may appeal in the manner
provided for on any of the following grounds which are
appropriate in the circumstances of the particular case that-
(a) the notice or requirement is not justified by the terms
of the law under which it purports to have been given
or made;
(b) the works required by the notice to be executed are
unreasonable in character or extent;
(c) the time within which the works are to be executed is
not reasonably sufficient for the purpose; or
(d) the notice might lawfully have been served on the
occupier of the building or premises concerned instead
of the owner or occupier, and that it would have been
equitable for it to have been not served.

occupier of the building or premises concerned instead
of the owner or occupier, and that it would have been
equitable for it to have been not served.

(4) Where the grounds upon which an appeal under this
section are brought include a ground specified in paragraph
(d) of subsection (3), the appellant shall serve a copy of his
notice of appeal on each other person referred to, and on any
appeal under this section a notice may be served to any other
person having an estate or interest in the premises concerned. (5) Upon hearing of the appeal, an order may be made with
respect to the person by whom any work is to be executed or
as to the proportions in which any expense which may become
recoverable by the authority are to be borne by the appellant
and such other person. (6) In exercising the powers conferred by subsections (4)
and (5), regard shall be made between an owner and occupier
to the terms and conditions, whether contractual or statutory,
of the tenancy and to the nature of the works required. (7) An appeal pursuant to this section shall be preferred to
the court having jurisdiction concerning the place where the
premises are situated. (8) Appeals may be brought where any person required by
a notice to execute works fails to execute the work within the
time prescribed.

are situated. (8) Appeals may be brought where any person required by
a notice to execute works fails to execute the work within the
time prescribed.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.280
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
114.–(1) A person served with notice requiring him to
execute the works within the time prescribed in the notice
and fails to do so commits an offence and on conviction,
shall be liable to a fine of five hundred thousand shillings or
to imprisonment to a term not exceeding three months or
to both. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the Authority may execute the
works and recover from that person the expenses incurred in
executing the work. 115.

oth. (2) Subject to subsection (1), the Authority may execute the
works and recover from that person the expenses incurred in
executing the work. 115.

Where the Authority has incurred expenses for the
repayment of which the owner or occupier of the premises in
respect of which the expenses were incurred is liable under
this Act, the Authority may-
(a) recover the expenses, together with interest from the
date of service of demand for the expenses, may be
recovered by the Authority from the person who is the
owner or occupier of the premises at the date when
the works are completed; or
(b) where the person has ceased to be the owner or occupier
of the premises before the date when a demand for the
expenses has been served, recover the expenses and
interest accrued shall be charged on the premises, all
estates and interests therein. 116. The Authority is empowered to execute works and recover
from any person the expenses incurred by it, the Authority may
include in and recover as part of the expenses an additional
sum to cover any additional expenses. 117.–(1) A sum which the Authority is entitled to recover
under this Act and with respect to the recovery of which no
other provision is made may be recovered either summarily as
a civil debt or as a simple contractual debt in any court.

ct to the recovery of which no
other provision is made may be recovered either summarily as
a civil debt or as a simple contractual debt in any court.

(2) The time within which summary proceedings may
be taken for the recovery of such sums shall, except where
Effects of failure
to execute works
in time
Recovery of
incurred
expenses
Recovery of
additional
expenses
Manners of
recovering
expenses

except where
Effects of failure
to execute works
in time
Recovery of
incurred
expenses
Recovery of
additional
expenses
Manners of
recovering
expenses

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.281
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
otherwise expressly provided, be reckoned from the date of the
service of a demand letter. 118.–(1) In the exercise of any powers and the performance of
any duties conferred or imposed by this Act, the Authority or
any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of that
Authority may-
(a) enter upon any land, building or premises at all
reasonable times and remain for such period as
may reasonably be necessary for the inspection or
performance of any work;
(b) examine, open up or cause to be opened up and
examined any sanitary convenience, sewer, drain, septic
tank, soil-pipe or any other fitting or thing connected
with the drainage system of any building or any land
as may reasonably be necessary for the inspection or
performance of any work; and
(c) temporarily close any street or thoroughfare to vehicular
for such period as may reasonably be necessary for the
inspection or performance of any work.

emporarily close any street or thoroughfare to vehicular
for such period as may reasonably be necessary for the
inspection or performance of any work.

(2) A person who fails or refuses to allow an authorised
officer to enter any building, premises or land as required
under subsection (1), obstructs or hinders such person in the
performance of his duties under this Act, commits an offence
and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding three months or to both. 119.–(1) Notice or other documents under this Act may be
authenticated by the signature of an authorised officer of the
Authority. (2) Notices, orders and other documents required or
authorised to be served under this Act may be served by
delivering them to or at the residence of the person to whom
they are respectively addressed, or where addressed to the
Powers of entry
and inspection
Notices and
documents

at the residence of the person to whom
they are respectively addressed, or where addressed to the
Powers of entry
and inspection
Notices and
documents

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.282
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
owner or occupier of a premises, by delivering them or its true
copy, to any adult person on the premises. (3) Where there is nobody on the premises who can
be served with a notice or other documents, the notice or
document may be served by affixing it on some conspicuous
part of the premises. (4) The notices or documents may also be served by a
registered mail and it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice,
order or other document was properly addressed and posted. 120.–(1) The Minister may, in consultation with the Minister
responsible for environment and the Minister responsible for
local government, make regulations for the better carrying out
of the purpose of this Act.

esponsible for environment and the Minister responsible for
local government, make regulations for the better carrying out
of the purpose of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Minister may make regulations prescribing for-
(a) the treatment and disposal of sewage;
(b) the operation and maintenance of sewerage system;
(c) standards for allowed levels of sewage effluents to be
discharged into water causes or bodies;
(d) the control of maximum level of sewage effluents into
water courses or bodies;
(e) the protection of public sewers;
(f) the supervision and maintenance of private and public
sewers;
(g) the communications and connection between drainage
systems and sewers and between sewers;
(h) the drainage of land, public places, streets and premises,
and the disposal of foul water, storm water and sub-soil
water;
(i) the preparation of plans, specification of materials,
execution, construction and inspection;
(j) testing of sewerage and drainage works, latrines,
septic tanks, soakage pit, trickling filters and sewage
lagoons;
Powers of
Minister to make
regulations

ting of sewerage and drainage works, latrines,
septic tanks, soakage pit, trickling filters and sewage
lagoons;
Powers of
Minister to make
regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.283
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(k) the preparation of plans, execution, construction,
inspection and testing of sewerage and drainage works,
latrines and the materials to be used for its construction;
(l) the issuance of notices, adherence to making of plans,
sections, specifications and written particulars in
relation to sewerage and drainage works, latrines and
sanitary conveniences;
(m) forms, charges and fees relating to public health;
(n) steps to be taken when a latrine, pit latrine, ventilated
pit latrine or other sanitary appliance becomes foul or
misused, overused or overflowing; or
(o) the provision for a household to have approved sanitary
latrines. (3) Where similar regulations have been made under
other written laws in Mainland Tanzania concerning public
health and conflicting the execution of powers conferred, the
provisions under this Act shall prevail.

ten laws in Mainland Tanzania concerning public
health and conflicting the execution of powers conferred, the
provisions under this Act shall prevail.

(4) Regulations made under this section may prescribe
for penalties for an offence consisting of the breach or
contravention of the regulations not exceeding one million
shillings or to imprisonment not exceeding twelve months or
to both. 121. The Authority shall have the duty to take necessary and
practicable measures for-
(a) preventing any pollution and contamination to any
supply of water which the public within the authority
has a right to use, and uses the water for drinking or
domestic purposes whether such supply is derived
from sources within or beyond its jurisdiction; and
(b) purifying any such supply of water which has become
polluted or contaminated, and to take measures
against any person polluting or contaminating such
supply. Supply of safe
water

water which has become
polluted or contaminated, and to take measures
against any person polluting or contaminating such
supply. Supply of safe
water

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.284
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
122.–(1) Where the Authority is satisfied with a report from
the authorised officer that, a well or other means of supply of
water is polluted or contaminated and is therefore injurious,
hazardous or dangerous to health it may, by a notice, order for
the closure of the well or other means of supply of water. (2) A person aggrieved by any order may, within the
period specified therein, appeal to a district court within the
jurisdiction of such supply. 123. A person who fouls, obstructs or causes to be fouled or
obstructed any supply or means of supply of water for persons
or animals, commits an offence and on conviction, shall
be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to
both. 124.–(1) A person shall not tamper or build any structure on a
soak pit, cesspit or any similar structure.

erm not exceeding twelve months or to
both. 124.–(1) A person shall not tamper or build any structure on a
soak pit, cesspit or any similar structure.

(2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1), commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term of twelve months or to both. 125.–(1) A person shall not build or develop any area
designated specifically for waste water treatment works. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection
(1), commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both. (h) Cemeteries and Crematoria
126.–(1) The Authority may, by an order published in the
Gazette, designate a sufficient area to serve as burial sites. (2) A permit for burial sites shall be obtained from the
Authority. Powers of
Authority to issue
order
Offences and
penalties
Tampering with
soak pits, etc. Interference
with waste water
treatment area
Powers of
Authority to
designate burial
sites

order
Offences and
penalties
Tampering with
soak pits, etc. Interference
with waste water
treatment area
Powers of
Authority to
designate burial
sites

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.285
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) Where necessity arises to allow private agents, companies
or organisations to run burial sites, agents, companies or
organisations shall apply for a permit from the Authority and
follow other procedures laid down by the Authority or any
other written law in respect of acquisition of land and the
performance of such activity. (4) Where a burial site has been designated-
(a) dead bodies shall not be buried in that burial site
without a burial permit from the Authority;
(b) dead bodies shall not be buried less than two meters
below the ground adjoining the grave;
(c) a person shall not bury or otherwise dispose of a corpse
without having a burial permit issued by the Authority.

w the ground adjoining the grave;
(c) a person shall not bury or otherwise dispose of a corpse
without having a burial permit issued by the Authority.

(5) Every cemetery shall-
(a) be properly fenced;
(b) have attendants employed to guide people during
burial ceremonies;
(c) have sufficient number of toilets for both sex;
(d) have adequate water supply;
(e) have an office to be used by a cemetery supervisor;
(f) be divided into sub divisions according to religious
groups;
(g) have access, permanent road and parking space;
(h) be located one hundred metres down hill from water
source;
(i) be planned and designated in such a way that it may
serve for thirty years; and
(j) have any other cemetery specification as the Minister
may, by order published in the Gazette, prescribe. (6) A village authority established under the Village Land
Act shall designate a burial site within its area of jurisdiction
where dead bodies shall be buried upon obtaining a permit
from the Authority. Cap. 114

t shall designate a burial site within its area of jurisdiction
where dead bodies shall be buried upon obtaining a permit
from the Authority. Cap. 114

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.286
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(7) The Authority shall keep and maintain a reasonable
distance between the burial sites and residential areas a
dwelling house and source of water. 127.–(1) The Authority may notify, by a publication in the
Gazette and any local newspaper circulating in the area,
notice boards on the area or any other method which may be
considered fit of a closure of the burial ground. (2) A person who buries any corpse or remains of any
corpse in the closed burial ground commits an offence and on
conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five hundred
thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months or to both. 128. All reasonable expenses incurred by the Authority as a
result of any default in complying with any order or notice
issued under this Part shall be deemed to be money paid for
the use and at the request of the person on whom the order or
notice was made, and shall be recovered from him at the suit of
the Authority as a civil debt recoverable summarily.

f the person on whom the order or
notice was made, and shall be recovered from him at the suit of
the Authority as a civil debt recoverable summarily.

(i) Funeral Home, Mortuaries and Coffins Business
129.–(1) A person who intends to operate a funeral home
mortuaries or coffins business shall apply for a licence from
the Authority for that purpose. (2) A licence shall not be granted by the Authority until the
Authority is satisfied that the undertaker-
(a) is or has a qualified health personnel; and
(b) has the facilities appropriate for the work. (3) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), a person shall
not display a coffin at a public place for purpose of inviting
customers. 130. The Authority may permit any person to establish,
maintain, manage a mortuary, coffin selling centers or a funeral
home within its area. Notification of
closure of burial
grounds
Reimbursement
of expenses to
Authority
Licensing
of funeral
undertakers
Power of
Authority
to permit
establishment of
mortuaries, coffin
selling centres and
funeral homes

enses to
Authority
Licensing
of funeral
undertakers
Power of
Authority
to permit
establishment of
mortuaries, coffin
selling centres and
funeral homes

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.287
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
131. In exercising the powers conferred upon it, the Authority
shall allocate or approve the location of such mortuaries, coffins
selling centers and funeral homes taking into consideration
the provisions of subsections (3), (4) and (5) of section 126. 132. The Minister may make regulations prescribing for the-
(a) conduct and qualification of funeral undertakers and
mortuaries;
(b) transportation of corpses;
(c) manner of selling of coffins and related articles;
(d) standards and specifications of mortuaries; and
(e) standards and specifications of funeral homes. 133. The Authority shall make by-laws governing operation of
mortuaries and funeral homes. PART V
FOOD, FOOD HYGIENE, NUTRITION
AND MARKET PLACES
(a) Food and Food Hygiene
134.

ake by-laws governing operation of
mortuaries and funeral homes. PART V
FOOD, FOOD HYGIENE, NUTRITION
AND MARKET PLACES
(a) Food and Food Hygiene
134.

The Minister shall make regulations in respect of the
treatment and disposal of unfit food to protect the public from
locally or imported manufactured food which-
(a) is unfit for human consumption;
(b) is suspected of being unfit for human consumption; or
(c) have been condemned by any court or otherwise
determined by an authorised officer to be unfit for
human consumption. 135.–(1) A premise shall not be used as a slaughter facility
unless it has been approved and constructed in accordance
with the plans previously approved in writing by the Authority. (2) The Authority shall prescribe by-laws for the
requirements to be fulfilled by an owner or occupier of a
slaughter facility. Location of
mortuaries and
funeral homes
Regulations in
respect of funeral
homes
Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws
Treatment and
disposal of unfit
food
Approval of
slaughter facility

homes
Regulations in
respect of funeral
homes
Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws
Treatment and
disposal of unfit
food
Approval of
slaughter facility

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.288
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) The Authority shall prescribe for-
(a) hours during which slaughtering may take place; and
(b) fees to be paid by the owner or occupier in respect of
the service or inspection of meat or slaughter facility
carried out by or on behalf of the Authority. 136. The Authority shall prescribe for-
(a) records to be kept at a slaughter facility abattoir; and
(b) the type of reports to be filed by the owner or occupier
of a slaughter facility. 137. Subject to the provisions of the Meat Industry Act, the
Authority shall make necessary procedures to ensure that, all
meat or poultry intended for human consumption is inspected
both at the ante mortem and post mortem. (2) The Authority may make by-laws prescribing for the-
(a) examination of carcasses derived from animals marked
as “SUSPECT”;
(b) evidence of diseases; and
(c) branding of carcasses. 138.

scribing for the-
(a) examination of carcasses derived from animals marked
as “SUSPECT”;
(b) evidence of diseases; and
(c) branding of carcasses. 138.

A person shall, for the purpose of compliance with public
health matters, not engage in food manufacturing within the
area of the Authority without being registered by the licensing
authority. 139. The Authority shall keep and maintain a register of food
manufacturers operating within its area containing-
(a) the name, address and location of the premises of the
manufacturer;
(b) the date on which the manufacturer was licensed to
conduct his business by a licensing authority; and
(c) any other details for the purpose of carrying out the
functions of this Act. Records
Inspection of
meat and poultry
Cap. 421
Registration
of food
manufacturers
Register of food
manufactures

rrying out the
functions of this Act. Records
Inspection of
meat and poultry
Cap. 421
Registration
of food
manufacturers
Register of food
manufactures

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.289
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
140. The Authority shall ensure that, food is not manufactured
except in premises registered in accordance with relevant
written laws. 141. The Authority shall ensure that all premises registered for
food manufacturing maintain and adhere to the prescribed
public health standards throughout the duration of registration. 142. Without prejudice to any power conferred to any person
or authority by any other written law, the Authority shall,
within its area ensure for-
(a) labeling of food for public consumption is done in
accordance with any relevant written law; and
(b) importation, sale, offer of food for sale or any exposure
of food for sale, comply with prescribed public health
standards and procedures. 143.

nd
(b) importation, sale, offer of food for sale or any exposure
of food for sale, comply with prescribed public health
standards and procedures. 143.

The Authority may make by-laws-
(a) prohibiting the manufacturing and sale of adulterated
food;
(b) allowing seizure and disposal of carcass of slaughtered
animals which after examination, are found to be
diseased or unfit for human consumption;
(c) ensuring milk and any milk product intended for human
consumption complies with prescribed standards;
(d) ensuring that an animal is not slaughtered with intent
for sale or used by a cross-section of the public except
in accordance with prescribed health standards;
(e) ensuring that transport, storage, packaging, marking of
any food intended for public consumption is done in
strict observance of sanitary and clean conditions and
practices and in wholesome methods;
(f) ensuring that every person who works in a slaughter
facility or in a cold store or employed to carry meat
Place of
manufacturing
of food
Maintenance
and adherence
to public health
standards by food
manufacturers
Labeling and
importation of
food additives
By-laws

of
manufacturing
of food
Maintenance
and adherence
to public health
standards by food
manufacturers
Labeling and
importation of
food additives
By-laws

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.290
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
or meat products from a slaughter facility or cold store
to a vehicle, reports certain prescribed diseases and
conditions he is suffering from;
(g) ensuring every person working in the slaughter facility
undergoes a routine medical check up after every six
months;
(h) ensuring prescribed cases of food poisoning are
reported;
(i) ensuring the inspection and control of infected food;
(j) furnishes general powers to authorised officers to
examine and seize any food which is, or which appears
to him to be intended for human consumption, and if
it appears to him to be unfit for human consumption;
(k) requiring any person to comply with any order
calling for information regarding the composition of
substances in food; and
(l) prescribing for general provision for the good
performance and effective carrying out of the provisions
of this Act.

on of
substances in food; and
(l) prescribing for general provision for the good
performance and effective carrying out of the provisions
of this Act.

(b) Shops, Supermarkets and Market Places
144.–(1) The Authority shall set aside areas within its
jurisdiction to establish, build, operate and manage shops,
supermarkets and markets or allow any person to do so on
conditions to be prescribed by it. (2) Shops, supermarkets or markets established under
subsection (1) may be set specifically for certain type of trades,
as the Authority may consider fit. 145. A person shall not, without a permit of the Authority-
(a) establish, build, operate or manage a market shop or
supermarket;
(b) be the owner, lessee or occupier of any land, permit a
market, shop or supermarket to be established; or
Establishment
of markets,
supermarkets and
shops
Markets, shops,
etc. not to be
established
without
permission from
Authority

et to be established; or
Establishment
of markets,
supermarkets and
shops
Markets, shops,
etc. not to be
established
without
permission from
Authority

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.291
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) maintain or conduct a market, shop or supermarket
established in breach of the provisions of this Act. 146. A person who contravenes any of the provisions of section
145, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine of not less than one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both. 147.

onviction, shall be liable to a
fine of not less than one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both. 147.

A permit or licence shall not be issued by the Authority
unless it is satisfied that-
(a) the shop, supermarket or market is located at a site
allocated for that purpose;
(b) the building plans of the market have been approved;
(c) necessary health requirements have been complied
with, including-
(i) compliance with health regulations pertaining to
the type of trade to be conducted;
(ii) provision of adequate and appropriate sanitary
facilities;
(iii) provision of safe and adequate water supply at all
times at prescribed points;
(iv) provision of proper and efficient solid and liquid
waste collection and disposal arrangements;
(v) compliance with building regulations;
(vi) proper and adequate provision of natural or
artificial ventilation and lighting arrangements;
(vii) proper and adequate facilities for fire fighting,
accidents and safety precautions;
(viii) environmental protection issues; and
(ix) any other health requirements as may be
determined by the Authority.

ccidents and safety precautions;
(viii) environmental protection issues; and
(ix) any other health requirements as may be
determined by the Authority.

148.–(1) The Authority shall have powers to close any shop,
supermarket or market and withdraw the permit or licence
issued, upon being satisfied that it operates contrary to the
Penalty
Conditions
for issuance of
permit or licence
Closure of shops,
supermarkets
and markets
and withdrawal
of licences and
permits

contrary to the
Penalty
Conditions
for issuance of
permit or licence
Closure of shops,
supermarkets
and markets
and withdrawal
of licences and
permits

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.292
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
provisions of this Act and the shop, supermarket and market
shall remain closed until the Authority is satisfied that all
defects have been rectified to its satisfaction. (2) A person who contravenes subsection (1), commits an
offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less
than one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or to both. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2),
the Authority shall give a thirty days written notice to the
proprietor requiring him to comply with health standard
relating to shops, markets, supermarkets and similar
establishments. 149.

ritten notice to the
proprietor requiring him to comply with health standard
relating to shops, markets, supermarkets and similar
establishments. 149.

The Authority may make by-laws prescribing for-
(a) regulation of shops, supermarkets, markets and their
buildings, keeping order, preventing obstructions and
maintaining cleanliness;
(b) goods which may be sold and other specific conditions;
(c) conditions under which goods may be brought into the
markets, shops and supermarkets;
(d) layout of stalls for sale of different articles;
(e) prohibition of sale of articles or activities that may
impair proper management of markets, shops and
supermarkets;
(f) regulations in respect of fire and safety requirements;
(g) setting of times and days of operation;
(h) service charges;
(i) governing of the good performance of markets, shops
and supermarkets; and
(j) general provision for the good performance and
effective carrying out of the provisions of this Act. Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws

kets; and
(j) general provision for the good performance and
effective carrying out of the provisions of this Act. Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.293
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
PART VI
INSTITUTIONS GENERALLY
(a) Lodgings, Hotels and Guest Houses
150.–(1) A person shall not operate a lodging, hotel or guest
house without obtaining a licence from the Authority. (2) The Authority shall designate areas for construction of
hotels, guest houses, lodgings and similar establishments far
from residential areas. (3) A person shall not convert any residential building to a
lodging, hotel, guest house or a similar establishment without
the consent of the Authority. (4) A lodging keeper, hotel keeper or guest house keeper
shall not receive into a lodging, hotel or guest house or a
similar establishment a greater number of persons than the
number which has been prescribed by the Authority. (5) A lodging, hotel, guest house or a similar establishment
shall be inspected by the authorised officer designated for that
purpose.

the Authority. (5) A lodging, hotel, guest house or a similar establishment
shall be inspected by the authorised officer designated for that
purpose.

(6) A person rendering service in a lodging, hotel, guest
house or a similar establishment shall be required to undergo
a medical examination prior to his engagement into such
service, and after every six months. (7) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine
of not less one hundred thousand shillings and not exceeding
one million shillings or imprisonment for a term of six months
or to both. (b) Hair Dressing Salons, Beauty Salons,
Barbershops and the like
151.–(1) The Authority shall register and license premises
used for hair dressing salons, beauty salons, barbershops and
the like. Lodging, hotels or
guest houses
Hair dressing
salons, beauty
salons,
barbershops and
like

ir dressing salons, beauty salons, barbershops and
the like. Lodging, hotels or
guest houses
Hair dressing
salons, beauty
salons,
barbershops and
like

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.294
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(2) The Authority shall not register or grant licence to
any person to operate a hair dressing salon, beauty salon,
barbershop and the like, unless that person has complied with
the requirements as provided for under this Act. 152.

hair dressing salon, beauty salon,
barbershop and the like, unless that person has complied with
the requirements as provided for under this Act. 152.

The Authority shall ensure that an owner of a hair
dressing salon, beauty salon, barbershop and the like ensure
that premises used for that effect-
(a) has sufficient water supply;
(b) has efficient means of storage and disposal of hair, hair
wigs, braids or similar things, etc.;
(c) maintains cleanliness of premises;
(d) maintains cleanliness of instruments including towels,
combs, scissors and blades;
(e) has safety precautions regarding hair drier and
steamers;
(f) uses facilities which may not cause injury to the
customer;
(g) has adequate ventilation;
(h) has adequate lighting;
(i) has adequate sanitary provision for staff and customers;
(j) has adequate and approved supply of antiseptics;
(k) uses only permitted chemicals for the treatment of skin
and hair;
(l) has fire extinguishers;
(m) maintains sterility of instruments and other utensils
and materials;
(n) has first aid facilities; and
(o) causes medical examination for its staff to be made
after every six months. 153.–(1) The Authority shall regularly inspect beauty salons,
barbershops and the like to ascertain for the compliance of
this Act.

every six months. 153.–(1) The Authority shall regularly inspect beauty salons,
barbershops and the like to ascertain for the compliance of
this Act.

(2) Where the Authority discovers the operation of the
hair dressing salon, beauty salon, barbershop and the like is in
Sanitary
measures
Inspection of hair
dressing salons,
beauty salons,
barbershops and
like

dressing salon, beauty salon, barbershop and the like is in
Sanitary
measures
Inspection of hair
dressing salons,
beauty salons,
barbershops and
like

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.295
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
breach of the provisions of this Act, shall close that hairdressing
salon, beauty salon, barbershop or the like. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2),
the Authority shall give a thirty days written notice to the
proprietor requiring him to comply with health standard. 154. A person who contravenes the provisions of this Sub-Part
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding six months or to both. 155. The Minister may make regulations for the effective
operation of hair dressing salons, beauty salons, barbershops or
the like including permitted chemicals, shampooing materials,
soaps and any other equipments and materials used for that
purpose. (c) Swimming Pool, Public Bath and Massage Parlours
156.–(1) A person who intends to build or operate a public
bath, public swimming pool, massage parlour or sauna shall
apply to the Authority.

Parlours
156.–(1) A person who intends to build or operate a public
bath, public swimming pool, massage parlour or sauna shall
apply to the Authority.

(2) An application made shall meet standards and
requirements issued by the Authority in conformity with
the minimum standards and requirements prescribed by the
Minister and accompanied by-
(a) plans such as properly dimensioned drawings showing
location, layout, elevation of swimming pools, saunas,
toilets, shower rooms, changing rooms, water supply
and drainage piping, re-circulation equipment and
plumbing of accompanying buildings;
(b) data such as the name of the owner, building and
designer, type and location of the swimming pool,
water replacement time, re-circulation equipment,
physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis of
source of water;
Offences and
penalty
Powers of
Minister to make
regulations in
respect of salons
Application for
establishment
of public baths,
swimming pools,
saunas, massage
parlours and
bathing places

er to make
regulations in
respect of salons
Application for
establishment
of public baths,
swimming pools,
saunas, massage
parlours and
bathing places

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.296
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) provision for disinfection and chemical used, filtration,
fencing, rescuing equipment, skilled personnel and
lighting; and
(d) adequate changing rooms, shower rooms and sanitary
accommodation separate for males and females. 157.–(1) The Authority may-
(a) close down a public bath, sauna, massage parlour or
swimming pool, when it does not comply with the
provisions of this Act;
(b) stop its construction where it is satisfied that the
provisions of this Act or the conditions attached to the
permit are not adhered to. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (l), the Authority
shall give a thirty days written notice to the proprietor requiring
him to comply with health standard. 158. An owner or occupier of a public bath, bathing place or
public swimming pool, whirlpool, sauna, massage parlour, hot
spa which exist immediately before the date of coming into
operation of this Act shall, within six months after coming into
operation of this Act, make application for inspection to the
Authority. 159.

ng into
operation of this Act shall, within six months after coming into
operation of this Act, make application for inspection to the
Authority. 159.

The Authority shall make by-laws prescribing for designs,
safety precautions, sanitation, health measures for changing
rooms and other facilities. 160.–(1) A bathing place and a swimming pool shall not
be established downstream or down current of any known
source of water whether domestic, industrial, agricultural or
otherwise. (2) Dipping or washing of domesticated animals shall not
be permitted within an area of one kilometer up stream of a
bathing place or a swimming pool. Closure of
public bathes,
swimming pools,
saunas, massage
parlours etc. Existing
swimming pools,
public bathes,
saunas, massage
parlours, etc. Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws
Conditions for
establishment of
bathing places
and swimming
pools etc.

blic bathes,
saunas, massage
parlours, etc. Powers of
Authority to
make by-laws
Conditions for
establishment of
bathing places
and swimming
pools etc.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.297
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
161.–(1) Where-
(a) there is an event of an outbreak of any infectious
diseases which is traced to the public bath, swimming
pool or massage parlour as being the source of the
infectious diseases; or
(b) the bathing place is not maintained in a hygienic
condition,
the Authority may order closure of the bathing place
temporarily or permanently. (2) In case of temporary closure, the Authority shall not
grant permission for the public bath, swimming pool or
massage parlour to reopen until necessary measures have been
taken into consideration to ensure that the reasons for which
the public bath was closed have been eliminated. (d) Schools and Training Institutions
162. A person shall not operate or manage a school within
the Authority area unless that school or training institutions
complies with public health requirements as provided under
section 163. 163.

ool within
the Authority area unless that school or training institutions
complies with public health requirements as provided under
section 163. 163.

The Authority shall permit a person or institution to
operate or manage a school or any other similar institution
when it is satisfied that-
(a) the location of the school is appropriate; and
(b) there are provisions for-
(i) recreational and play ground;
(ii) safe and adequate water supply;
(iii) adequate and proper water closets or other
sanitary accommodation facilities for staff, pupils
and students;
(iv) first aid;
(v) fire fighting equipment;
(vi) adequate arrangements for collection, storage and
disposal of solid and liquid waste;
Closure of
bathing places,
swimming pools
or massage
parlours during
outbreaks of
infectious disease
Operation of
schools
Public health
requirements for
operating school,
etc.

,
swimming pools
or massage
parlours during
outbreaks of
infectious disease
Operation of
schools
Public health
requirements for
operating school,
etc.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.298
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(vii) kitchen and dining hall where meals will be
prepared and provided;
(viii) proper accommodation, where standard lodging
and boarding facilities are served;
(ix) classrooms and assembly hall provided with
proper and adequate lighting and ventilation, and
complying with standard safety requirements;
(x) provisions for people living with disability; and
(c) other public health requirements and regulations laid
down by the Minister have been complied with. 164.–(1) An authorised officer shall make regular inspections
of all schools or institutions both public and private owned,
for the purpose of enforcing public health requirements and
ensuring the safety and health of pupils, students, staff and the
public in general.

wned,
for the purpose of enforcing public health requirements and
ensuring the safety and health of pupils, students, staff and the
public in general.

(2) Where upon such inspections, the authorised officer
detects any nuisance or health defect which needs to be
rectified, he shall, by a notice, inform the owner or manager of
the school or institution on the existence of the defect and give
instructions to abate the nuisance or rectify the defect within
a prescribed time. (3) Where-
(a) a notice under subsection (2) has been served and the
management has failed to comply with the requirements
within the prescribed time; and
(b) the nuisance continues to exist or health hazard would
affect or threaten the health of pupils, students, staff or
public in general,
the authorised officer may order the school or institution to
be closed until the requirements have been complied with. (4) A person who contravenes any of the provisions of this
section commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to
a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding six months or to both. Health inspection
of schools

e liable to
a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment
for a term not exceeding six months or to both. Health inspection
of schools

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.299
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
PART VII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
165. An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted
by any person against the authority, authorised officer or other
person acting under the direction of the authority or the
authorised officer or any other person acting under powers
conferred by this Act, in respect of any act or thing done or
omitted to be done or purported to be done in good faith as
the case may be in pursuance of the functions or exercise of
powers conferred under this Act. 166. The contract entered into by the Authority, and a matter
or thing done by an authorised officer of the Authority or by
any person acting on behalf of or under the direction of the
Authority shall not subject the Authority, authorised officer or
person as the case may be, liable to any action, liability, claim
or demand of any kind, where the matter or thing was done
or the contract was entered into bona fide for the purpose of
executing this Act. 167.

claim
or demand of any kind, where the matter or thing was done
or the contract was entered into bona fide for the purpose of
executing this Act. 167.

Where a contravention of any of the provisions of this
Act or any subsidiary legislation is committed by any company
or corporation, a director, secretary or manager shall be held
liable for the contravention. 168. An authorised officer under the Authority shall ensure
the welfare and health of workers are maintained at all times. 169.–(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Minister
responsible for labour, make regulations regarding health
standards for working environment, working equipment and
health measures to be adhered at work places. (2) The Authority shall ensure-
(a) the inventories of all working places are kept up-to-
date and maintained; and
(b) routine medical examination for workers is conducted. Protection against
legal proceedings
Indemnity to
authorised
officers
Contravention by
corporate entity,
director, etc. Welfare health of
workers
Worker’s health
surveillance

proceedings
Indemnity to
authorised
officers
Contravention by
corporate entity,
director, etc. Welfare health of
workers
Worker’s health
surveillance

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.300
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
170. The Authority shall regulate the conduct and management
of bars, restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, street food
vending, beaches, garages, recreational places, bus stands,
gymnasiums, massage parlours, swimming pools, public
baths, saunas, steam baths places and other places as may be
declared by the Minister in the Gazette. 171.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better
carrying out of the purposes of this Act.

as may be
declared by the Minister in the Gazette. 171.–(1) The Minister may make regulations for the better
carrying out of the purposes of this Act.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1),
the Minister may make regulations prescribing-
(a) public health standards;
(b) regulation, organization and management of burial
grounds, cremators, mortuaries, funeral undertakers
and funeral homes;
(c) public health guidelines;
(d) hygiene, sanitation and health status of personnel of
restaurants, hotels, catering businesses, street food
vending, beaches, recreational places, gymnasiums,
massage parlours, swimming pools, saunas, hot spas,
whirlpools, steam baths places, garages, beauty salons,
barber shops, hair dressing salons and other related
facilities;
(e) the manner in which the reporting of maternal death
shall be undertaken.

salons,
barber shops, hair dressing salons and other related
facilities;
(e) the manner in which the reporting of maternal death
shall be undertaken.

(3) The Minister may, in respect of the notification of
infectious and communicable disease, make regulations
prescribing-
(a) the duties of medical officers of health, district medical
officers, medical practitioners and environmental
health practitioners;
(b) the duties of the owner or the occupier of premises or
the owner or managers of mines, employers and the
like;
(c) the duties of the person in charge of any school,
religious institution, orphanage or any other institution
Management of
bars, restaurants,
public baths,
swimming pools,
saunas etc. Regulations

hool,
religious institution, orphanage or any other institution
Management of
bars, restaurants,
public baths,
swimming pools,
saunas etc. Regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.301
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.301
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
in respect to the reporting of diseases or any other
disease specified in the regulations;
(d) the circumstances in which notification of a particular
disease shall not be required;
(e) the duties of the Authority in respect of keeping of
registers or records of notification of diseases;
(f) the duties of Registrar of Births and Deaths in respect
of furnishing the Authority or medical officer of health
or district medical officer with notification of returns of
births and deaths notified with the Registrar;
(g) the forms to be used and particulars to be furnished
by medical officers of health, district medical officer,
medical practitioners and authorised officers when
making such notification to the Authority;
(h) the forms to be used and particulars to be furnished
by the Authority and a medical officer of health and
district medical officer when transmitting returns and
reports to the chief medical officer;
(i) health standards and requirements to operate mines
and mining plants;
(j) safe water supply for purposes of preventing water
washed and water borne diseases, and other water
related diseases;
(k) installation of telecommunication towers and the like;
(l) provision of sufficient air in places of entertainments,
mines, works and transportation; and
(m) programmes and facilities are in place to ensure that
the issues of climate changes are well addressed.

ents,
mines, works and transportation; and
(m) programmes and facilities are in place to ensure that
the issues of climate changes are well addressed.

(4) In respect of prevention and control of infectious
diseases, the Minister may, in consultation with the relevant
ministers, make regulations prescribing-
(a) the closure of any school or any place of entertainment,
where deemed necessary for the purpose of preventing
the spread of any infectious disease, the regulation and
restriction of school attendance;

nment,
where deemed necessary for the purpose of preventing
the spread of any infectious disease, the regulation and
restriction of school attendance;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.302
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.302
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
(b) the duties of parents or guardians of students or pupils
who are suffering or have recently suffered from or
have been exposed to any infectious disease and the
duties of persons in charge of schools in respect of
those children;
(c) the establishment, maintenance, management and
inspection of isolation place or wards, convalescent
homes or other institutions for the accommodation
or treatment of persons suffering from or who have
recently suffered from any infectious disease or the
removal of persons to those institutions, their discharge
and the classification and control of the patients and
members of staff of such institutions;
(d) the imposition and enforcement of quarantine, medical
observation and surveillance in respect of persons
suffering or suspected to be suffering from infectious
disease not removed to a hospital or place of isolation,
the premises in which those persons are accommodated,
those in charge of or in attendance of those persons,
and other persons living in or visiting those premises
or who may otherwise have been exposed to any of the
infectious disease;
(e) the duties in respect of the prevention of infectious
disease and in respect of persons suffering, suspected
to be suffering from the infectious disease or owners of
land on which persons reside;
(f) the measures to be taken for the prevention of spread
or eradication of cholera, human trypanosomiasis,
typhoid fever, typhus, plague, acute poliomyelitis,
tuberculosis or any other infectious disease requiring
to be dealt with in a specific manner;
(g) the conveyance by rail or otherwise of persons
suffering from disease or bodies of persons who have
died of an infectious disease and prescribed burial
procedures;

e by rail or otherwise of persons
suffering from disease or bodies of persons who have
died of an infectious disease and prescribed burial
procedures;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.303
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.303
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E.

2023]
(h) the prevention of spread of a disease from any animal
or carcass or product of any animal to a human
being, rabies, glanders, anthrax, plague, tuberculosis,
trichinosis or any other disease transmitted by any
animal, the carcass or product of any animal to a
human being;
(i) the prevention of spread of any disease mainly caused
by an animal or vegetative parasite;
(j) the prevention of spread of an infectious disease by
carrying on of business, trade or occupation;
(k) the prevention of spread of an infectious disease by
persons who, though not at the time suffering from that
disease, are carriers of and liable to spread the infectious
disease, and keeping under medical surveillance and
the restriction of the movements and activities of those
persons;
(l) the prohibition of spitting in public places or public
vehicles, except into receptacles provided for that
purpose;
(m) the prohibition of littering in public places or public
vehicles except into receptacles provided for that
purpose;
(n) the prohibition of urinating in public places, except on
toilets provided for that purpose;
(o) regulations and restriction of any trace or occupation
entailing specific danger to the health of those engaged
in it or the public, whether from infectious disease or
otherwise and the institution of measures for preventing
or limiting such dangers;
(p) the establishment, maintenance and management of
cleansing stations, the cleansing of dirty or verminous
persons, the disinfection or fumigation of premises,
clothings or other articles which have been exposed to
or are believed to be contaminated with the infection of
any infectious disease, or which are dirty or verminous;

articles which have been exposed to
or are believed to be contaminated with the infection of
any infectious disease, or which are dirty or verminous;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.304
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(q) the prohibition of carrying out of any fumigation which
involves the use of poisonous gas without a specific
licence granted for that purpose;
(r) the disposal of any waste, garbage, other matters or
thing that has been contaminated with or exposed to
the infection of any infectious disease; and
(s) the compulsory giving of any information, the
production of any document or other evidence required
for the purpose of tracing the source or preventing the
spread of any infectious disease. (5) The Minister may make regulations for control of
mosquito.

r the purpose of tracing the source or preventing the
spread of any infectious disease. (5) The Minister may make regulations for control of
mosquito.

(6) The Minister shall-
(a) liaise with the Minister responsible for agriculture
or any other government institution dealing with
chemicals to regulate the use of pesticides, insecticides
and other chemicals for the control of mosquitoes,
vermins or other vectors; and
(b) liaise with the Minister responsible for the local
government to make sure that all development activities
proposed have mitigation plans to prevent the breeding
of mosquitoes, vermins and other vectors. (7) The Minister may make regulations in respect of
vaccinations prescribing-
(a) forms of certificates, notices, returns and books of
record to be used in relation to public vaccination and
defining the information to be furnished and requiring
the furnishing and prescribing the manner of their use
by the Registrar of Births and Deaths and vaccinators,
Authority, medical practitioners, parents or guardians
of children, persons in charge of schools, employers
and other persons;
(b) vaccination or re-vaccination of persons and assigning
where deemed desirable to do so, the responsibility for
the carrying out of such vaccination or re-vaccination
to the Authority;

persons and assigning
where deemed desirable to do so, the responsibility for
the carrying out of such vaccination or re-vaccination
to the Authority;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.305
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(c) application and enforcement of the provisions of this
Act to persons entering Mainland Tanzania whether by
land, water or air, or for requiring, where considered
necessary, the vaccination or re-vaccination of any
person before entering Mainland Tanzania; and
(d) a list of countries whose citizens are required to be
vaccinated before entering Mainland Tanzania.

person before entering Mainland Tanzania; and
(d) a list of countries whose citizens are required to be
vaccinated before entering Mainland Tanzania.

(8) The Minister may, for the purposes of control of diseases,
make regulations prescribing for-
(a) the speedy interment of the corpse;
(b) house to house visit;
(c) the provision for personal protective equipments
and accommodation for the promotion of cleansing,
ventilation, disinfection and disinfestations;
(d) preventing any person from leaving an infected
area without undergoing medical examination,
disinfestations, inoculation, vaccination, re-vaccination
or staying for a specific period in an observation center,
camp or station as the case may be;
(e) the destruction, disinfection or disinfestations of
premises, furnitures, goods or other articles which
have been used by persons suffering from infectious
disease or which are likely to spread the infection;
(f) the destruction of mosquitoes, vectors and vermins,
the means and precautions to be taken in respect of
aircraft, vessels, trains and motor vehicles arriving
at or departing from Mainland Tanzania and for
preventing mosquitoes, other vectors and vermins, and
from passing from aircrafts, vessels, trains or motor
vehicles to land or from land to the same, and the
better prevention of the danger of spreading infection
by mosquitoes, other vectors and vermins;
(g) the compulsory medical examination of persons
suffering or suspected to be suffering from an infectious
disease;

itoes, other vectors and vermins;
(g) the compulsory medical examination of persons
suffering or suspected to be suffering from an infectious
disease;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.306
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(h) the restriction of residence in, immigration from or
emigration to an infected area;
(i) the manner of controlling non communicable diseases;
and
(j) matters relating to nutritional issues. 172. The Authority shall, upon occurence of any maternal
death within its area of jurisdiction, report the incident to the
Chief Medical Officer. 173.–(1) An advertisement or public display shall not be made
on matters or issues relating to public health until a permit
has been granted by the Minister or a competent authority
approved by the Minister. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding twelve months or both. 174.–(1) A person shall not have natural call in areas other
than toilets built for that purposes.

ent for a
term not exceeding twelve months or both. 174.–(1) A person shall not have natural call in areas other
than toilets built for that purposes.

(2) The Authority shall, in collaboration with transporters
of passenger vehicles, designate areas along the high ways
where public toilets shall be built. (3) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine of not less than one hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term of six months or to both. 175. The Minister may amend any of the Schedules under this
Act. 176. A person who contravenes any provision of this Act
where no specific penalty is provided, commits an offence
and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five
hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding six months or to both. Reporting of
maternal death
Prohibition of
advertisement on
matters or issues
related to public
health
Prohibition of
natural call in
area other than
toilets
Amendment of
Schedule
General penalty

vertisement on
matters or issues
related to public
health
Prohibition of
natural call in
area other than
toilets
Amendment of
Schedule
General penalty

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.307
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
177.–(1) The following Acts are repealed:
(a) the Infections Diseases Act;
(b) the Internationally Notifiable Diseases (Prevention)
Act; and
(c) the Mosquito Control Act.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), all subsidiary legislation
made under the repealed Acts shall be deemed to have been
made under this Act and shall continue to have effect until
revoked or otherwise amended.
Repeals and
savings
Ord. Nos.
3 of 1920
40 of 1935
Act No.
3 of 1964

er this Act and shall continue to have effect until
revoked or otherwise amended.
Repeals and
savings
Ord. Nos.
3 of 1920
40 of 1935
Act No.
3 of 1964

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.308
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Made under section 9(1))
THE LIST OF NOTIFIABLE DISEASES
1. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers.
(a) Ebola fever.
(b) Rift valley fever
(c) Yellow fever
(d) Marbug fever
2. Avian influenza.
3. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
4. Plague.
5. Acute Flaccid Paralysis.
6. Neonatal tetanus.
7. Cholera.
National notifiable diseases reported weekly
1. Cholera.
2. Plague.
3. Meningitis.
4. Diarrhea for children who are under five years.
5. Pneumonia for children who are under five years.
6. Measles.
7. Malnutrition.
8. Rabies

ingitis.
4. Diarrhea for children who are under five years.
5. Pneumonia for children who are under five years.
6. Measles.
7. Malnutrition.
8. Rabies

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.309
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
SECOND SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OUTBREAK REPORT FORM
(Made under section 13(2))
Form F009
Date: ………………
Name of Health
Facility: ……………………………………………………………...……
Region: ………………………………………………………………...…
District: ………………………………………………………………...…
Disease/diagnosis: ………………………………………………….....…
Number of cases by village/sub-village/street: ……………………...……
Additional information: …………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………....……………
………………………………………………………………....…………
Measures initiated by village/sub-village/street: ……………..…………
……………………………………………………………………....……
………………………………………………………………....…………
Name of the In-charge of the Health Facility: ………………………………
Designation: ………………………………………………………..……
Signature: ……………………………………………........................……

me of the In-charge of the Health Facility: ………………………………
Designation: ………………………………………………………..……
Signature: ……………………………………………........................……

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.310
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Made under section 19(2))
TAREHE KURUDI
Maelezo ya chanjo kwa Mzazi/Mlezi Aina ya dawa Umri wa kuchanja
BCG
Mara mtoto azaliwapo au mara ya mwanzo afikapo kliniki.
POLIO mtoto anapozaliwa na Kupooza Marudio kila baada ya Wiki 4
mpaka Atakapokamilisha chanjo.
DPT-HB
(donda koo, Kifaduro, Pepopunda na Hepatis B)
Wiki 4 baada ya kuzaliwa na marudio kila baada ya wiki 4.
SURUA Mtoto anapokamilisha miezi 9
VITAMINI Mtoto anapokamilisha miezi 9 Marudio akiwa na miezi
15 na Miezi 21.
TAREHE MAELEZO TAREHE
KURUDI
Jina la kliniki Na. ya Mtoto
Jina la Mtoto MUME/MKE
Tarehe ya kuzaliwa Uzito
alipozaliwa
(kilo)
Jina la Mama
Jina la Baba
Mahali mtoto
anapoishi sasa
Mtaa/Kijiji
Jina Balozi
Maelezo ya chanjo kwa Mzazi/ Mlezi
Aina ya dawa Umri wa
kuchanja
BCG Mara mtoto azaliwapo au
mara ya mwanzo afikapo
kliniki.
Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania
KADI YA KLINIKI YA WATOTO
POLIO
(Kupooza)
Mtoto anapozaliwa na
Marudio kila baada
ya Wiki 4 mpaka
atakapokamilisha chanjo
Kuchanjwa
(Andika Tarehe Hapa)

DI YA KLINIKI YA WATOTO
POLIO
(Kupooza)
Mtoto anapozaliwa na
Marudio kila baada
ya Wiki 4 mpaka
atakapokamilisha chanjo
Kuchanjwa
(Andika Tarehe Hapa)

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.311
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
DPT-HB
(donda koo,
Kifaduro,
Pepopunda na
Hepatis B)
Wiki 4 baada
ya kuzaliwa
na marudio
kila baada ya
wiki 4
SURUA Mtoto anapokamilisha
miezi 9
VITAMINI Mtoto anap-
okamilisha
miezi 9 maru-
dio akiwa na
miezi 15 na
miezi 21
Anap-
ozali-
wa
KOVU
(V)
Marudio
Kama
Kovu
hamna
BCG
Anap-
ozali-
wa
0
1 2 3
POLIO
DPT-HB
SURUA
VITAMINI
A

i 9 maru-
dio akiwa na
miezi 15 na
miezi 21
Anap-
ozali-
wa
KOVU
(V)
Marudio
Kama
Kovu
hamna
BCG
Anap-
ozali-
wa
0
1 2 3
POLIO
DPT-HB
SURUA
VITAMINI
A

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
FOURTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
CERTIFICATE OF VACCINATION OR PROPHYLAXIS
(Made under section 21(1))
This is to certify that [name] ………………………………., date of
birth ……………….., sex ………… ,
Nationality ………………………., national identification document, if
applicable: ………………………,
whose signature follows ………………………………….. has on the
date indicated been vaccinated or received prophylaxis against: (name
of disease or condition) ………………………….. .in accordance with
the International Health Regulations(IHR). Vaccine or
prophylaxis
Date Signature and
professional
status of
supervising
clinician
Manufacturer
and batch No. of Vaccine or
Prophylaxis
Certificate
Valid from
......... until
........... Official
Stamp of
administering
centre
1. 2. This certificate is valid only if the vaccine or prophylaxis used has been
approved by the World Health Organization.

mp of
administering
centre
1. 2. This certificate is valid only if the vaccine or prophylaxis used has been
approved by the World Health Organization.

This certificate must be signed in the hand of the clinician, who shall be
a medical practitioner or other authorised health worker, supervising
the administration of the vaccine or prophylaxis. The certificate must
also bear the official stamp of the administering centre. However, this
shall not be an accepted substitute for the signature. Any amendment of this certificate, or erasure, or failure to complete
any part of it, may render it invalid. The validity of this certificate shall extend until the date indicated for
the particular vaccination or prophylaxis. The certificate shall be fully
completed in English or French. The certificate may also be completed
in another language on the same document, in addition to either
English or French.

mpleted in English or French. The certificate may also be completed
in another language on the same document, in addition to either
English or French.

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
FIFTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
MARITIME DECLARATION OF HEALTH FORM
(Made under section 40(2)(c) and (d))
To be completed and submitted to the competent authorities by the
masters of ships arriving from foreign ports. Submitted at the port of …………………………… Date ………………
Name of ship or inland navigation vessel ……………………
Registration/IMO No ……………… arriving from ............... sailing to
……………………... (Nationality)(Flag of vessel)…………………………………… Master’s
name ………………………………
Gross tonnage (ship) …………………………………………......………
Tonnage (inland navigation vessel) ………………………….......………
Valid Sanitation Control Exemption/Control Certificate carried on
board? Yes ……………… No ……………. Issued at ……………………………. Date ………………………
Re-inspection required? Yes ……………… No ……………
Has ship/vessel visited an affected area identified by the World Health
Organization? Yes .......... No ………….. Port and date of visit ……………………..

……………
Has ship/vessel visited an affected area identified by the World Health
Organization? Yes .......... No ………….. Port and date of visit ……………………..

List ports of call from commencement of voyage with dates of departure,
or within past thirty days, whichever is shorter:
Upon request of the competent authority at the port of arrival, list crew
members, passengers or other persons who have joined ship/vessel
since international voyage began or within past thirty days, whichever
is shorter, including all ports/countries visited in this period (add
additional names to the attached schedule):
(1) Name …………………………….. joined from:
(1) ....................…….. (2) .........….........……….. (3) .........…....……...….. (2) Name …………………….. joined from: ………………………….. (1) ....................…….. (2) .........….........……….. (3) .........…....……...…..

......…....……...….. (2) Name …………………….. joined from: ………………………….. (1) ....................…….. (2) .........….........……….. (3) .........…....……...…..

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.314
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(3) Name …………………….. joined from: (1) …………………………... (2) ………………………….. (3) …………………………... Number of crew members on board …………………………... Number of passengers on board …………………………... Health questions
(1) Has any person died on board during the voyage otherwise than as
a result of accident? Yes ………… No………
If yes, state particulars in attached schedule. Total no. of deaths
…………... (2) Is there on board or has there been during the international voyage
any case of disease which you suspect to be of an infectious
Nature? Yes ………… No……… If yes, state particulars in attached
schedule. (3) Has the total number of ill passengers during the voyage been
greater than normal/expected? Yes ………… No………
How many ill persons? …………………….. (4) Is there any ill person on board now? Yes ………… No……… If
yes, state particulars in attached schedule. (5) Was a medical practitioner consulted? Yes ………… No……… If
yes, state particulars of medical treatment or advice provided in
attached schedule.

dule. (5) Was a medical practitioner consulted? Yes ………… No……… If
yes, state particulars of medical treatment or advice provided in
attached schedule.

(6) Are you aware of any condition on board which may lead to
infection or spread of disease? Yes ………… No………
If yes, state particulars in attached schedule. (7) Has any sanitary measure (e.g. quarantine, isolation, disinfection or
decontamination) been applied on board? Yes …………No………
If yes, specify type, place and date ………………………….

re (e.g. quarantine, isolation, disinfection or
decontamination) been applied on board? Yes …………No………
If yes, specify type, place and date ………………………….

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.315
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
(8) Have any stowaways been found on board? Yes …………
No……… If yes, where did they join the ship (if known)? ………………………
(9) Is there a sick animal or pet on board? Yes ………… No………
Note: In the absence of a surgeon, the master should regard the following
symptoms as grounds for suspecting the existence of a disease of an
infectious nature:
(a) Fever, persisting for several days or accompanied by (i)
prostration; (ii) decreased consciousness; (iii) glandular
swelling; (iv) Jaundice; (v) cough or shortness of breath; (vi)
unusual bleeding; or (vii) paralysis. (b) With or without fever: (i) any acute skin rash or eruption; (ii)
severe vomiting (other than sea sickness);
(iii) severe Diarrheal; or (iv) recurrent convulsions. I hereby declare that the particulars and answers to the questions given
in this Declaration of Health (including the schedule) are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signed …………………………………………. Master
Countersigned ………………………………………….

(including the schedule) are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Signed …………………………………………. Master
Countersigned ………………………………………….

Ship’s Surgeon (if carried)
Date ………………………………

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.316
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
ATTACHMENT OF MARITIME DECLARATION OF HEALTH FORM
Name Class
or
rat-
ing
Age Sex Na-
tion-
ality
Port,
date
joined
ship/
vessel
Na-
ture
of
ill-
ness
Date
of
onset
symp-
toms
Re-
ported
to a
port
health
officer
Dis-
pos-
al of
Drugs
med-
icines
or
other
treat-
ment
given
to the
patient
Com-
ments
State: (1) whether the person recovered, is still ill or died; and (2)
whether the person is still on board, was evacuated (including the name
of the port or airport), or was buried at sea.

, is still ill or died; and (2)
whether the person is still on board, was evacuated (including the name
of the port or airport), or was buried at sea.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.317
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
SIXTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
SHIP SANITATION CONTROL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE/
SHIP SANITATION CONTROL CERTIFICATE
(Made under section 40(2)(f))
Port of:……………………………… Date …………………………….
This Certificate records the inspection and (1) exemption from control
or (2) control measures applied
Name of ship or inland navigation vessel ……………………………..
Flag ………………….
Registration/IMO No. …………………………………….
At the time of inspection the holds were unladen/laden with
……………….. Tonnes of …………. cargo
Name and address of inspecting officer ………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………
Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate/Ship Sanitation Control
Certificate
Areas, systems,
and services
inspected
Evidence
found1
Sample
results2
Documents
reviewed
Control
measures
applied
Re-
inspection
date
Comments
regarding
conditions
found
Galley Medical log
Pantry Ship’s log
Stores Other
Hold(s)/cargo
Quarters:
• crews
• office
• passenger
• deck

date
Comments
regarding
conditions
found
Galley Medical log
Pantry Ship’s log
Stores Other
Hold(s)/cargo
Quarters:
• crews
• office
• passenger
• deck

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.318
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
Portable water
Sewage
Ballast tanks
Solid and
medical waste
Standing water
Engine room
Medical
facilities
Other areas
specified – See
attached
Note areas not
applicable, by
marking N/A
No evidence found. Ship/vessel is exempted from control measures. Control measures indicated were applied on the date below. Name and designation of issuing officer ……………….. Signature and
seal ……………
Date: ……………………………………………... 1(a) Evidence of infection or contamination, including: vectors in all
stages of growth; animal reservoirs for vectors; rodents or other species
that could carry human disease, microbiological, chemical and other
risks to human health; signs of inadequate sanitary measures. (b) Information concerning any human cases (to be included in the
Maritime Declaration of Health). 2Results from samples taken on board.

ary measures. (b) Information concerning any human cases (to be included in the
Maritime Declaration of Health). 2Results from samples taken on board.

Analysis to be provided to ship’s
master by most expedient means and, if re-inspection is required, to
the next appropriate port of call coinciding with the re-inspection date
specified in this certificate. Sanitation Control Exemption Certificates and Sanitation Control
Certificates are valid for a maximum of six months, but the validity
period may be extended by one month if inspection cannot be carried
out at the port and there is no evidence of infection or contamination.

e validity
period may be extended by one month if inspection cannot be carried
out at the port and there is no evidence of infection or contamination.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.319
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
ATTACHMENT TO SHIP SANITATION
CONTROL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE/
SHIP SANITATION CONTROL
Areas,
systems,
and services
inspected
Evi-
dence
found
Sam-
ple
results
Docu-
ments
re-
viewed
Control
mea-
sures
applied
Re-in-
spec-
tion
date
Com-
ments
regard-
ing con-
ditions
found
Galley Medical
log
Pantry Ships
log
Stores Other
Hold(s)/cargo
Quarters:
• crews
• office
• passenger
• deck
Portable water
Sewage
Ballast tanks
Solid and
medical waste
Standing water
Engine room
Medical
facilities
Other areas
specified - see
attached
Note areas not
applicable, by
marking N/A

s
Solid and
medical waste
Standing water
Engine room
Medical
facilities
Other areas
specified - see
attached
Note areas not
applicable, by
marking N/A

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.320
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
SEVENTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
CERTIFICATE FOR PRATIQUE
(Made under section 40(3)(d))
This is to certify that health inspection of Marine Vessel/Aircraft
………………….. under the command of captain ……………………..
(date) ………………………
Therefore, Free Pratique is hereby granted/not granted today
………………………… at ………………. Subject to the following
conditions/instructions which should be complied with as is practicable,
but before departure of the vessel
(a) …………………………………………………
(b) …………………………………………………
(c) …………………………………………………
(d) ………………………………………………….
Port Health Officer …………………………..…………
Signature and Stamp
I, the Master of Marine vessel/Aircraft ……………………………….
do hereby agree to comply with the above stipulated conditions/
instructions before departure. I understand that my vessel may be
restrained from sailing if these conditions/instructions are not complied
with in full before departure
Master …………………………….
Signature and Stamp
Date ………………………………….

om sailing if these conditions/instructions are not complied
with in full before departure
Master …………………………….
Signature and Stamp
Date ………………………………….

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
EIGHTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
SHIP CARGO MANIFEST
(Made under section 40(4))
M/V SAILING NO ………………..……… FLAG ………………………
PORT OF LOADING …………….……………………….……………..
PORT OF DISCHARGING ……………………………………………..
BILL OF
LAD-
ING
SHIP-
PERS
CON-
SIGNEE
MARKS
NUMBERS
QUALITY DE-
SCRIP-
TION
GROSS
WEIGHT
MASTER: ………………………. Signature and Stamp

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.322
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
NINETH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AIRCRAFT PASSENGER MANIFEST
(Made under section 41(2))
Operator ………………......….………………………………………….
Marks of Nationality and Registration …………… Flight No……….
Date …………..
Point of embarkation ……………….…… point of disembarkation
……………………
(Place) (Place)
Surname and Initials For use by operator only For official use only

..
Point of embarkation ……………….…… point of disembarkation
……………………
(Place) (Place)
Surname and Initials For use by operator only For official use only

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.323
THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
TENTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
AIRCRAFT CARGO MANIFEST
(Made under section 41(2))
Operator ………………….......………………………………………….
Marks of Nationality and Registration …………… Flight No……….
Date …………..
Point of landing ……………..………….…… Point of unlanding
……………………
(Place) (Place)
Airway Bill
Number
Nature of
packages
Nature of
goods
For use by
operator only
For official
use only

…….…… Point of unlanding
……………………
(Place) (Place)
Airway Bill
Number
Nature of
packages
Nature of
goods
For use by
operator only
For official
use only

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THE PUBLIC HEALTH ACT [CAP. 99 R.E. 2023]
ELEVENTH SCHEDULE
UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR IMPORTED
USED CLOTHES AND FOOTWEARS
(Made under section 51(1))
From …………………………………..
Date …………………………….……..
Reference No. …………………………………..
Names of Exporter: …………………………......……………………….
Port of Exporter: ……………………………………………….……….
Names of Vessel: ………….……………………………………………....
Date of Arrival: ………………………………………………………..….
Place where goods are stored: …………………………………………….
Name of Importer: ………………………………………………………..
Date of Inspection: ………………………………………..………………
Health Certificate from the Country of origin ……………………………
Name of Fumigant: ………………………………………….…….…….
Chemical(s) used: ……………………………………………………….
Comments:
…………………………….....…………………………………………
………………….……………...…………………………………………
I hereby certify the above - mentioned articles of second hand clothes
and footwears have been treated and may be released.
……………………………. …………………..…………..
PORT HEALTH OFFICER SIGNATURE AND STAMP