Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah has commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania for her tireless efforts in promoting the health and dignity of women and children. Speaking in New York, President Nandi-Ndeitwah emphasized that initiatives like President Samia's are crucial for Africa's future. She highlighted that investing in maternal and child health is essential for human capital, economic growth, and sustainable development.
President Nandi-Ndeitwah made these remarks at a high-level meeting titled "Advocacy for a New Era: Women Leading Maternal and Child Health for All" (SHE RISES). The event was organized by President Samia, who is the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting brought together leaders to discuss ways to improve maternal and child health across the continent.
President Nandi-Ndeitwah urged African nations to prioritize domestic financing for maternal and child health, rather than relying heavily on external assistance. She stressed that the continent's overall development is closely linked to the well-being of its people. Namibia, she added, remains committed to working with Tanzania to advance the African Union's agenda on maternal and child health.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi represented President Samia at the meeting and highlighted Tanzania's progress in improving maternal and child health. He noted that maternal deaths in Tanzania declined from 556 to 104 per 100,000 live births between 2015 and 2022. Additionally, deaths among children under five fell from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births during the same period.
Vice-President Ndejembi also mentioned that Tanzania's health budget had increased significantly, and the M-Mama emergency referral system had facilitated over 150,000 emergency referrals involving pregnant women and newborns by August 2026. He emphasized that these achievements demonstrate the impact of political commitment, resources, and effective implementation on the lives of women and children.
The African Union Champion Roadmap for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, promoted by President Samia, includes the "Three Zeros" agenda. This agenda aims to eliminate home deliveries, preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and children who have not received vaccinations. Through SHE RISES, Tanzania is also advocating for women to play a more active role in leadership and decision-making processes that shape health systems.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director, Diene Keita, and World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Prof Mohamed Janabi, commended President Samia's leadership and Tanzania's role in prioritizing maternal and child health. They emphasized the need for continued political commitment, investment in reproductive health services, and support for midwives to ensure progress in this area.
Key points
- President Samia's efforts in promoting maternal and child health have been praised by Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah as vital for Africa's future.
- Tanzania has made significant progress in improving maternal and child health, including a decline in maternal deaths and an increase in the health budget.
- The African Union Champion Roadmap for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health aims to eliminate home deliveries, preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and children who have not received vaccinations.
