Tanzania tells the globe how strategic reforms brightened its health sector

NEWYORK: TANZANIA has firmly presented its achievements in improving the health sector through strategic reforms, digital innovations, and domestic investments aimed at saving the lives of its citizens.

Presenting the report at the 59th session of the International Forum on Population and Development, which will be held from 13-17 April 2026 in New York, USA, the Minister of Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, outlined the steps taken by the country and emphasized the commitment to ending preventable maternal and infant deaths.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Mchengerwa said the reforms are focused on strengthening health systems, improving service delivery, and promoting innovations that bring real results to the citizens.

“Tanzania is committed to ensuring that no woman loses her life during childbirth due to lack of essential services or life-saving medicines,” stressed Mchengerwa.

He said Tanzania, with a population of approximately 62 million, continues to prioritize universal health coverage, maternal and child health, strengthening primary health services, disease control, and developing human resources in the health sector.

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” The main goal is to reduce maternal and child mortality while expanding access to quality health services for all.

A key part of this success is the use of digital technology in the delivery of health services.

He said that all 8,382 public health facilities are using the electronic medical equipment management system (eLMIS), which simplifies the import and distribution of medicines and essential equipment, where the system is integrated with other systems such as EPICOR 10 and DHIS2, a step that improves the planning and management of health resources.

He also said that there are efforts to integrate the GoTHOMIS and Afya eHMS systems, as well as establish an electronic system for the delivery and management of medicines.

“These improvements are expected to increase patient safety, reduce medicine waste, and strengthen accountability throughout the health supply chain. Technological innovation also helps to address the challenges of services in the last mile.

He said a good example is the M-Mama emergency transport system that has improved referrals for pregnant women and newborns, as well as digital meetings for the analysis of maternal and child deaths that accelerate measures to improve services.

He added that, based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanzania continues to strengthen the capacity of its health systems to respond to any disasters that may arise.