Tanzania reaffirms stronger partnership with AMREF
NEW YORK: TANZANIA has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen its longstanding partnership with AMREF Health Africa to enhance medical care in the country.
The assurance was given by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa during a meeting with AMREF Health Africa’s Group CEO, Dr Githinji Gitahi, on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, USA.
The two leaders discussed the progress of healthcare in Tanzania and the continued collaboration between the government and AMREF.
For over 50 years, AMREF has partnered with Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, working to strengthen primary healthcare, particularly through community health systems and the training of healthcare workers.
Prime Minister Majaliwa, who was in New York representing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasised the importance of this partnership in improving healthcare delivery across the country.
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The Prime Minister’s participation at the UNGA79 provided Tanzania with a platform to explore new opportunities for socio-economic and political development, seeking collaborations and partnerships that are essential for accelerating progress.
The meeting with Dr Gitahi underscored the importance of AMREF’s ongoing support in advancing healthcare in Tanzania.
Dr Gitahi praised Tanzania for its significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, which have dropped to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022—a remarkable 80 per cent reduction from 2016.
This achievement places Tanzania ahead of the global average of 211 deaths per 100,000 live births and the regional average of 391 deaths per 100,000 live births in East and Southern Africa, positioning the country as a leader among its neighbours in improving maternal health.
On September 27, Prime Minister Majaliwa also addressed the UNGA79, highlighting Tanzania’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access for all citizens.
He spoke about the government’s focus on building essential medical infrastructure, including hospitals and reiterated Tanzania’s commitment to accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure quality medical care is accessible to all.
Mr Majaliwa’s address marked a historic moment, as he became the second Tanzanian Prime Minister to speak at the international body after former Premier Mizengo Pinda, who addressed the UNGA65 in 2010.
The week-long UNGA79 concluded yesterday, with Tanzania having used the global platform to strengthen its relationships with international partners and advance its healthcare goals.
