The Duchess of Edinburgh is in Tanzania this week for a crucial visit as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.
The Duchess has returned to Tanzania for a busy visit- her first visit was in 2004. This visit is focusing on women’s empowerment, health, and agriculture. During the trip, she will visit Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Arusha.
On Tuesday, she was able to visit several different organisations focusing on women’s health, family planning, and stopping child abuse and increasing protection. In the evening, she was a key guest at a reception for health professionals.Â
Her Royal Highness gave a speech where she thanked healthcare workers for all of their progress in working to eliminate trachoma, an infectious disease that causes blindness, and set a goal of eliminating it in the Commonwealth by 2030.
The Duchess said ”I particularly wanted you all to know how full of admiration and gratitude I am for your passion and devoted efforts in treating and preventing neglected tropical diseases, especially trachoma. Your constant dedication and hard work will lead us to a world where inclusion and equality can be realised across our Commonwealth.”
This week The Duchess will meet with female farmers to learn how they are gaining more experience and education to navigate the agricultural industry.
Her Royal Highness will also be helping to launch a new programme from the UK, an accelerator that will help Tanzanian businesses develop and grow with help from the Tanzania Horticultural Association.
