AU HEALTH SUMMIT: Samia backs more investment

ACCRA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on African countries to increase domestic investment in the health sector to build strong, sustainable and self-reliant healthcare systems capable of addressing the continent’s health challenges.

President Samia made the call yesterday while addressing the African Union (AU) Special Summit of Heads of State and Government on Health held in Accra, Ghana.

She said Africa has the knowledge, human resources and capacity to transform its health systems, but requires stronger political commitment, increased local financing and greater solidarity among countries.

“Africa has knowledge, human resources and the capacity to transform its health systems. What we need now is strong political will, domestic investment and continental solidarity,” President Samia said.

She said Tanzania has begun implementing the African Union Health Roadmap 2030 by incorporating its priorities into the National Five-Year Development Plan for 2026/27–2030/31, focusing on strengthening health systems, promoting local pharmaceutical production and increasing self-reliance in healthcare services.

President Samia said policy and legal reforms undertaken by the government have attracted investment in the health sector, leading to the establishment of 13 pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, while 149 investors have shown interest in investing in the country.

She added that the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) has become the first regulatory authority in Africa to achieve World Health Organisation (WHO) Maturity Level Three status, a milestone expected to support local production of quality medicines.

On health financing, President Samia said Tanzania has increased the sector’s budget from 1.8 trillion/- in 2024/25 to 3.1 trillion/- in 2026/27, alongside introducing universal health insurance to enable more citizens to access essential healthcare services.

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She said the investment has supported the construction of 119 district hospitals, 649 health centres and more than 2,700 dispensaries, increasing health facilities from about 10,000 to 13,700 by March 2026.

President Samia noted that the improvements have contributed to increased facility-based deliveries from 65 per cent to 86 per cent, while under-five mortality has declined from 147 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Meanwhile, President Samia has won high-level recognition from African leaders for spearheading efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths across the continent.

Speaking at the Summit Africa CDC DirectorGeneral Dr Jean Kaseya and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama praised President Samia’s leadership, describing it as a model for Africa.

Dr Kaseya said President Samia has played a key role in advancing maternal and child health since assuming office, making Tanzania one of the countries demonstrating that strong political commitment can save lives.

Addressing the summit, he revealed that he had personally approached President Samia several years ago to champion Africa’s maternal and child health agenda because of her commitment to improving healthcare.

“I came to see Mama Samia because I wanted her to become a champion for Africa. Today, I want to recognise your leadership before all African leaders,” he said.

Dr Kaseya said Tanzania’s progress in reducing maternal and child mortality reflects sustained investment in healthcare and continues to inspire other African countries.

“What you are doing is amazing, Madam President,” he added.