Tanzania leads the fight to end maternal deaths
Tanzania has made great progress in saving the lives of mothers. In just seven years, the country's maternal mortality rate has been
This is not only a national achievement; it is a model for Africa, and a signal to the world that change is possible and long overdue.
At the 78th World Health Assembly, which concluded earlier this week, health officials and world leaders
When the Jiongeze Tuwavushe Salama
Access to Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) has been expanded by increasing facilities from just 115 to over 566, ensuring that more than 90% of Tanzanians live within five kilometers of a health facility. The referral system has been significantly strengthened through technology-driven initiatives such as the m-mama emergency transportation programme and the Safer Births Bundle of Care (SBBC).
In recent years, more than 20,000 new health professionals have been employed and health facilities have been equipped with ambulances and digital innovations, including artificial intelligence-supported maternal death reviews and real-time telemedicine solutions. These innovations, from WhatsApp triage groups to Project ECHO's virtual consultations, have already saved hundreds of women's lives.
But the foundation of this success has not been technology alone, it has been political will. Maternal health has been prioritised in every national development plan. Work with
Other African countries are taking note. Earlier this year, Tanzania hosted delegates from 16 nations under the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to study the country's approach. Through the Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan
Yet more must be done, and fast. Across sub-Saharan Africa, maternal deaths remain common. Many women still give birth too far from help, without skilled care and without access to basic medicines or transport. These are solvable problems.
As we look toward 2030, I call on fellow leaders to prioritise women's health not as a statistic to improve, but as a moral imperative. Adopt national campaigns that place maternal mortality at the heart of health reform. Invest in infrastructure, workforce and digital solutions that work for people, not just institutions. Share knowledge. Measure outcomes. And above all, treat every maternal death as an unacceptable loss.
Tanzania stands ready to support those ready to act. It can offer technical assistance and the insights gathered. Together, we can ensure that no woman dies while giving life in Africa and anywhere in the world.
Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is the President of Tanzania.
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