Govt credited for advancing primary healthcare
DAR ES SALAAM – THE Government of Tanzania has been recognised for its commitment to improving primary healthcare and reducing maternal and child mortality rates.
During his visit to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) on Friday, Director-General of the Gates Foundation in Africa, Dr Paulin Basinga, commended Tanzania’s efforts in expanding access to primary healthcare services, strengthening regional referral hospitals and enhancing zonal healthcare facilities.
“Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system is evident. By improving primary healthcare, the country has made great strides in reducing maternal and child deaths,” he noted. Dr Basinga observed that the improvements have led to a significant reduction in patient referrals to MNH and also minimised the number of cases requiring treatment abroad.
He explained that the Gates Foundation has partnered with the Tanzanian government in several key areas, including agriculture, financial systems and health research. Through this partnership, he said that various interventions have been introduced to help lower maternal and child mortality rates.
Dr Basinga said, “We have worked closely with Tanzania in research-driven solutions that address key healthcare challenges. The results are promising and we remain committed to supporting these efforts.”
Recognising the role of MNH, he described it as a critical institution providing specialised and super-specialised healthcare services not only to Tanzanians but also to neighbouring countries.
“The level of expertise and dedication I have seen here is remarkable. The hospital has established a strong healthcare service delivery system that is improving patient outcomes,” he added.
On his part, MNH Executive Director and Health and Medical Advisor to the President, Professor Mohamed Janabi, expressed gratitude to Dr Basinga and acknowledged the role that MNH plays in Tanzania’s healthcare system.
“Muhimbili is at the heart of the nation’s healthcare system by ensuring that services are available from the grassroots level to zonal hospitals,” he said.
Prof Janabi also credited the Tanzanian government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
“The government’s efforts in expanding dispensaries, health centres and district hospitals as well as increasing the number of community health workers are key to reducing maternal and child mortality rates,” he remarked.
Prof Janabi said that the initiatives had strengthened healthcare delivery across the country and ensured more women and children receive life-saving medical care.
The partnership between the Tanzanian government, MNH and development partners like the Gates Foundation continues to enhance healthcare services, providing hope for further progress in reducing preventable deaths.
The latest Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) reveals that the maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 530 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2015/2016 and 2022.
