Iringa Zone History
The MSD Iringa Zone was officially established on April 7, 2004, as one of MSD’s ten operational zones, strategically positioned to serve the southern regions of Tanzania. This zone was created under the government’s decentralization initiative to enhance the distribution of medical supplies. Its establishment plays a vital role in ensuring reliable access to essential health commodities, particularly for remote and underserved communities by bringing services closer to communities to enhances equity and support the country’s mission of building a healthier Tanzania.

Currently, it serves three (03) regions of Iringa, Njombe and Ruvuma, with the exeception of Makete and Tunduru district councils, which are served by the Mbeya and Mtwara zones respectively, due to their geographical proximity.

Service Area and Coverage
According to the 2022 Tanzania Population and Housing Census, the MSD Iringa Zone supports a combined population of 3,410,254 people, guaranteeing access to quality and affordable health products. The breakdown is as follows:
Iringa Region – 1,192,728 people, Ruvuma Region – 1,436,740 people (exl.Tunduru District), and Njombe Region - 780,786 people (exl.Makete District).

Currently the Zone serves a total of  930 health facilities, ranging from primary to tertiary levels, including:

1. Tertiary and Secondary Institutions – 03 Regional Referral Hospitals.

2. Primary Health Facilities – 18 District Hospitals under the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), 84 Health Centers, and 757 Dispensaries.

3. Faith-Based and Other Institutions – 20 Faith-Based Hospitals and 48 other Government and Non-Government Institutions

Through this extensive network, MSD Iringa Zone ensures last-mile delivery of health commodities to even the most remote areas, strengthening the overall public healthcare system.

Storage and Operational Capacity
The MSD Iringa Zone operates a modern 1,534-square-meter warehouse, equipped to handle, store, and distribute a wide range of health commodities under strict compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP).
To support timely and efficient deliveries, the zone manages a fleet of 13 distribution vehicles of varying capacities, ensuring seamless logistics across all service regions.

Behind its operational excellence is a dedicated team of 36 professionals, including logistics specialists, pharmacists, accountants, sales representatives, customer service officers, bio-technicians, and drivers. Their expertise and commitment enable MSD Iringa Zone to maintain high service standards, ensuring the availability, quality, and accessibility of health commodities throughout its service area.

Commitment to Excellence
With its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and skilled workforce, the MSD Iringa Zone continues to play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare delivery in the Southern highlands regions of Tanzania. The zone remains committed to MSD’s overarching vision of becoming a Centre of Excellence for Health Commodities Supply Chain in Africa.