Speaker Zungu: Tanzania sets maternal health benchmark for Africa
ARUSHA, TANZANIA: Tanzania’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, has emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s push to eradicate preventable maternal and child deaths and achieve zero unvaccinated children extends far beyond national borders.
Through her role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Maternal and Child Health, her vision is actively inspiring continental-wide action.
Mr Zungu made the remarks in Arusha on Thursday during a high-level special session on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), held alongside the ongoing 153rd IPU Assembly.
He urged African parliamentarians to strengthen legislation, financing, and oversight to ensure that commitments regarding maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health are translated into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
Zungu stated that the health and well-being of women, children, and youth are the foundation of Tanzania’s development, warning that every preventable death and every barrier to accessing healthcare requires sustained attention and action.
“Parliament has a vital responsibility to advance laws that support health, ensure adequate and predictable funding, and oversee implementation to ensure resources reach frontline healthcare providers and the communities that need them most,” Zungu said.
He noted that parliamentary efforts should be prioritized to ensure equal access to essential health services and commodities, including maternal and newborn care, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and youth health and well-being services.
According to him, strong collaboration among parliamentarians will help countries learn from one another, strengthen parliamentary accountability, and generate practical solutions to the challenges facing women, children, and youth.
“Through this network, we can learn from each other, strengthen parliamentary accountability, and advance practical actions in our countries,” he said.
He pledged to share Tanzania’s experience and work with stakeholders to ensure that political commitments are translated into sustainable outcomes.
Zungu stated that the role of parliamentarians is crucial in ensuring that health priorities are backed by appropriate policies, adequate resources, and robust oversight.
He pointed out that commitments to improve maternal and child health will have minimal impact unless governments ensure that resources reach frontline healthcare providers and the most vulnerable communities.
The Speaker emphasized that African countries must continue to focus on achieving measurable improvements rather than making promises alone.
“Africa does not need assurances. Africa needs results,” Zungu said.
The meeting brought together parliamentary leaders, health experts, and development partners to discuss ways to strengthen political will and parliamentary action regarding maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health in Africa.
