Tanzania claims a sky-high leap in the provision of quality health care  

STOCKHOLM: TANZANIA has informed the global community of its great strides in the Health sector due to strong government leadership that has made significant investments in infrastructure from the grassroots to the national level, while also providing quality health services.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Florence Samizi in a discussion at the African leaders’ meeting held in Stockholm, Sweden.

Dr Samizi said that between 2015 and 2022, Tanzania has succeeded in reducing maternal mortality from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births, while during the same period, under-five mortality has also decreased from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births, while infant mortality has decreased from 25 to 24 per 1,000 live births.

Dr. Samizi explained that these achievements have been due to the close involvement of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, in overseeing the implementation of the maternal and child health agenda, as well as strengthening the accountability of regional leaders in monitoring health services.

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“The government has increased access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care (CEmONC) by building more than 500 health centers that provide these services, in parallel with improving the referral system through patient transport provided by community drivers under the m-Mama program,” said Dr. Samizi.

In another step, Dr Samizi advised friendly countries and development partners to continue collaborating with Tanzania to strengthen health services by investing more in prenatal clinic services, including the use of ultrasound technology and micronutrient supplements.

He also recommended the establishment of neonatal units (NCUs) in all district hospitals, the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) Program, and strengthening the local production of medicines and medical equipment.

Dr Samizi has stressed the importance of developing regional and international cooperation, especially during this period of global political and economic challenges, to protect the gains made and accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Africa.