Tanzania Makes Strides in Reducing Maternal & Newborn Deaths  

Tanzania has made progress in reducing maternal and child deaths, with the proportion of births in health facilities rising from 51 per cent in 2015 to 81 per cent in 2022.   

Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi highlighted the gains while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He said Tanzania had also recorded an 80 per cent reduction in maternal deaths over seven years, reflecting increased investment in maternal and child healthcare.  

Tanzania is now pursuing its “Three Zeros” agenda, targeting zero preventable maternal and child deaths, zero home deliveries and zero children missing essential vaccinations. President Samia has also taken on the role of championing maternal and child health on behalf of the African Union, situating Tanzania’s efforts within a wider continental push to improve health outcomes.  

Ndejembi said that sustaining progress would require strong political leadership, adequate financing and greater international cooperation, and called for continued investment in maternal and child health across Africa.  

(Source: Daily News)