Tanzania’s Samia dedicate Global Goalkeeper Award to healthcare workers

DAR ES SALAAM: President Samia Suluhu Hassan has dedicated the Global Goalkeeper Awards to the health specialists, acknowledging their tireless efforts to improve the lives of women, children, and families.

Speaking on Tuesday at the award ceremony, President Samia emphasized that the recognition belongs to the people, and the government who have worked collectively in achieving in maternal, newborn, child nutrition, and health (MNCNH).

“This award is not just encouraging but also inspiring. It is recognition of our collective leadership and determination to enhance healthcare services for women, children, and families,” she said.

The Global Goalkeeper Award presented annually by the Gates Foundation, recognizes leaders and change makers driving progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

President Samia’s recognition highlights Tanzania’s remarkable strides in reducing maternal and child mortality, improving healthcare access, and advancing gender equality.

She also expressed gratitude to the Gates Foundation for being a key partner in Tanzania’s health agenda and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to prioritizing maternal and child health investments.

“As a president and a mother, maternal health is deeply personal to me. That’s why when I assumed office, I pledged to increase investment in healthcare facilities, personnel, and services, ensuring maternal and child health remains a top national priority,” she emphasized.

President Samia outlined key government initiatives that have strengthened Tanzania’s healthcare system including: Increasing the number of registered obstetricians and gynecologists has grown from 68 in 2020 to 338 in 2024, ensuring greater access to specialized maternal care, over the past nine years, Tanzania has procured 7,027 ambulances, improving emergency healthcare services and enabling faster response times for life-threatening cases.

Furthermore she said the government has introduced free maternal and under-five healthcare services, increasing accessibility for vulnerable communities, the M-Mama emergency obstetric care program, launched in partnership with Vodacom Foundation, provides a digital emergency transport network for pregnant women in critical conditions.

The number of ultrasound machines has risen from 345 in 2020 to 870 in 2024, improving early diagnosis and prenatal care.

To further bridge the healthcare gap in hard-to-reach areas, the government has undertaken massive rural road construction projects, ensuring that expectant mothers and children can reach health centers more easily.

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President Samia also highlighted the role of technology in improving nutrition assessment, including the procurement of advanced laboratory equipment to enhance national capacity for nutrition-related analysis. As a result of these interventions, child nutrition indicators have improved significantly.

The rate of wasting among children under five has dropped from 4.5percent in 2015 to 3percent in 2022, while stunting rates have fallen from 42percent to 30percent, and underweight cases have declined from 16percent to 12 percent in the same period.

Acknowledging the progress, President Samia stated that more work remains ahead. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to further reducing malnutrition and enhancing maternal healthcare services.

“Our story proves that prioritizing health and nutrition can drive transformation. As a global community, we must work together to ensure no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind,” she urged” she noted.

Presenting the award, Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation, praised Tanzania’s commitment to maternal and child health, stating that the country’s investment in women and children is an investment in a healthier, more resilient society and a stronger economy.

She highlighted Tanzania’s significant progress in antenatal care (ANC) and institutional births, ensuring that more women give birth under skilled medical supervision.

“Tanzania have showed that it can be done when country comes together amazing progress is possible “she noted.
On his part, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango said the award serves as a motivation for Tanzania to continue strengthening its healthcare system and accelerate efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He noted that Tanzania’s recognition on the global stage reflects the country’s commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.

Health Minister Jenista Mhagama expressed her gratitude to President Samia for her continued support of the health sector.

She noted that President Samia’s leadership has been instrumental in making Tanzania the first African country to receive this prestigious award.