TZ urges more investment in maternal, child health

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has urged African countries to scale up sustained and innovative investment in maternal, child and primary healthcare to strengthen health security and self-reliance across the continent.

Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa made the call on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam while chairing the Fourth Meeting of the East African Regional Steering Committee (ReSCO).

He said Africa must take greater responsibility for its health systems, stressing that the safety of mothers and children remains a key measure of national development and health system performance.

“When mothers and children are safe, families are stronger, communities are more resilient and nations become more secure,” he said.

Mr Mchengerwa noted that maternal and child mortality remains a major challenge across Africa, citing United Nations 2025 estimates showing a maternal mortality ratio of 454 deaths per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality of 71 deaths per 1,000 live births.

He also highlighted cross-border health threats facing East Africa, including outbreaks of Ebola, cholera and mpox, alongside the growing impact of climate change and humanitarian crises.

“Our countries should not wait for emergencies before acting. We must strengthen cross-border disease surveillance, joint preparedness, laboratories and public health emergency centres,” he said.

On Tanzania’s progress, the minister said continued investment in the health sector has expanded access to services, with about 80 per cent of citizens now living within five kilometres of a health facility.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national and regional capacity to prevent and respond to disease outbreaks.

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Mr Mchengerwa further called for stronger regional cooperation and increased investment in primary healthcare and maternal and child health to build resilient systems capable of addressing current and emerging challenges.

Tanzania’s stance comes as the country assumes a greater continental role in advancing reproductive, maternal and child health, following the appointment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the African Union Champion for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health in February this year.

The appointment, endorsed by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, aims to enhance collaboration among member states and promote sustainable investment in health services.

In her role, President Samia is expected to advocate for stronger political leadership, effective policies and increased investment from governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society.

She will also promote experience-sharing among African countries and push for the translation of commitments into practical actions with measurable results, particularly in reducing maternal and child mortality