Zinc in Tanzania: NEMLIT level, who can prescribe it and STG references

Zinc is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level A (dispensary). It is not on the DukaDawa pharmacy network yet, so we show no brands or prices for it. The Standard Treatment Guidelines mention it in 8 or more sections.

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Is zinc available on the DukaDawa pharmacy network?

Not yet. Zinc is not in the DukaDawa network catalogue, so we have no brands, prices or stock for it.

Prescribers can still write it on a DukadawaRx prescription, and we show it here as soon as a network pharmacy lists it.

Is zinc on the NEMLIT, and who can prescribe it?

Yes. Zinc is on Tanzania's National Essential Medicines List (NEMLIT, 7th edition, 2026) at level A (dispensary). At level A it may be prescribed by specialists, medical officers, dental officers, assistant medical officers, clinical officers and assistant clinical officers.

Level
A (dispensary)
Category
Medicines Used in Diarrhoea (Gastro-Intestinal Medicines)
Listed forms
Tablet dispersible: 1 0 m g ; 2 0 m g (elemental zinc); Dispersible Tablet 20mg
Page
NEMLIT, p. 22
Who may prescribe at each NEMLIT level (STG/NEMLIT 7th edition, Part I, Table 1). Levels listed for this medicine are highlighted.
LevelFacilityWho may prescribe
A (listed)DispensarySpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer, Assistant Clinical Officer
BHealth centreSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer, Clinical Officer
CCouncil or district hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Assistant Medical Officer
DRegional referral hospitalSpecialist, Medical Officer, Dental Officer
SZonal, special and national hospitalsSpecialist

A medicine is listed from the lowest facility level where it should be available.

Where is zinc in the Standard Treatment Guidelines?

The Standard Treatment Guidelines (7th edition, 2026) mention zinc in 8 or more sections, most often section 24.1.4 Micronutrient Deficiencies > Zinc Deficiency (p. 665). See the STG for treatment details.

  • 24.1.4 Micronutrient Deficiencies > Zinc Deficiency, p. 665
  • 4.1.1 Bacterial Infections > Cholera, p. 90
  • 16.3 Dental Caries, p. 402
  • 24.6.1 Clinical Nutrition > Critical Care Nutrition Support, p. 673
  • 24.7.1 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Gastrointestinal Disorders, p. 677
  • 24.7.2 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Hepatic Disorders, p. 680
  • 24.7.4 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Cardiovascular Diseases, p. 681
  • 24.7.5 Clinical Conditions, Disorders and their Nutritional Management > Nutrition Management for Renal Conditions, p. 683

Sections that mention Zinc, most mentions first. Positions only: see the STG for treatment details.

All medicines used in diarrhoea on the NEMLIT

Sources

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines and National Essential Medicines List (STG/NEMLIT), 7th edition, 2026, Ministry of Health, United Republic of Tanzania

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STG positions are section numbers and printed page numbers only.

This page supports licensed prescribers and pharmacists. It is not medical advice and does not replace the Standard Treatment Guidelines, the product information or professional judgement. Prices and stock change often: confirm with the pharmacy.

For licensed prescribers and pharmacists. Not medical advice. Check the Standard Treatment Guidelines before prescribing.