TANZANIA MAKES SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH

 

The Government of Tanzania has informed the international community that the country has made remarkable progress in the health sector, particularly in maternal and child health, as a result of strong government leadership and substantial investments in health infrastructure from primary to national levels, alongside improved service delivery.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Florence Samizi, during a panel discussion at the African Leaders’ Meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 22, 2026.

Dr. Samizi noted that between 2015 and 2022, Tanzania successfully reduced the maternal mortality ratio from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births. During the same period, under-five mortality declined from 67 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births, while neonatal mortality decreased from 25 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births.

She attributed these achievements to the close involvement of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in overseeing the implementation of the maternal and child health agenda, as well as strengthened accountability among regional leaders in monitoring health service delivery.

“The Government has expanded access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) by constructing more than 500 health centres offering these services, while also strengthening the referral system through community-driven ambulance services under the m-Mama programme,” Dr. Samizi said.

Furthermore, Dr. Samizi urged development partners and friendly countries to continue collaborating with Tanzania to strengthen health services by increasing investments in antenatal care, including the use of ultrasound technology and micronutrient supplementation.

She also proposed the establishment of Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) in all district hospitals, the full implementation of Universal Health Insurance (UHI), and the strengthening of local production of medicines and medical equipment.

Dr. Samizi emphasized the importance of sustained regional and international cooperation, particularly amid global political and economic challenges, to safeguard the gains achieved and accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths across Africa.