As CIDR phased out its SMHIS intervention in 2012, sustainability options were explored. The preferred solution was to transfer the program to a local institution that could continue the work and preserve its benefits. This led to the proposal for HIMSO’s creation, with a mission to support the Tanzanian government in expanding quality healthcare coverage and developing innovative insurance schemes tailored to low-income households.

Officially registered as an NGO in 2012, HIMSO was designed to:

• Drive healthcare interventions
• Provide technical expertise in social protection innovations
• Advance micro-health insurance through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

HIMSO has a long-standing commitment to the Community Health Fund (CHF). Its work began during CIDR’s SMHIS program (2002–2008) in Mbozi and Kyela, later expanding to Rungwe, Busokelo, and Kyela in Mbeya, and Mbozi in Songwe.

In 2016, HIMSO pioneered a micro-health insurance product—Dharura Fasta—to address emergency transport needs for obstetric and medical crises, whose benefits include: 

1. Transport from home to healthcare facility (when public ambulances are unavailable),
2. Referral support to higher level facilities, and
3. Repartiation of deceased members to their own villages for burial.

To ensure effective implementation and its long-standing commitment to community health, HIMSO established Community Health-users Associations (CHuAs)—community-based organizations (CBOs) registered by district councils to manage health interventions at the local level. Currently, CHuAs are full operational in Mbeya, Rungwe, Busokelo, Mbarali and Chunya district councils in Mbeya Region; and Mbozi, Ileje, Momba, Songwe districts and Tunduma Town Council in Songwe Region.