The Tanzania Insurance Regulatory Authority (TIRA) has urged insurance service providers, particularly banks, to reduce the commissions they charge insurance companies so that distribution costs fall and insurance becomes more affordable. The message was delivered by Insurance Commissioner Dr Baghayo Saqware in the context of TIRA’s push to support implementation of Tanzania’s Universal Health Insurance law. The call was made during the second phase of TIRA’s outreach tour covering the Lake Zone, Western Zone and Lake Tanganyika Zone, starting in Shinyanga. The programme is focused on briefing regional leaders and public officials on the importance of insurance, introducing TIRA’s zonal offices and their functions, and preparing officials to act as insurance ambassadors for citizens; sessions in Shinyanga included meetings with the Regional Administrative Secretary and an insurance education forum for regional staff.