President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has been recognized for her leadership in advancing Africa's agenda to end preventable maternal and child mortality. As Chair of the African Union's Maternal and Child Health initiative, she is spearheading the "Three Zeros" campaign, aiming for zero home births, zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and zero unvaccinated children. This initiative gained momentum at a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The African continent bears a disproportionate burden of maternal and child mortality, accounting for nearly 70% of global maternal deaths and approximately two-thirds of under-five child deaths, with a significant proportion being preventable. Tanzania's Deputy President, Deogratius Ndejembi, presented President Samia's message at the meeting, emphasizing the need for Africa to transition from pledges to measurable actions that save lives. He noted that despite progress, Africa still faces significant challenges in reducing maternal and child mortality.
Deputy President Ndejembi highlighted the importance of strengthening health systems, increasing domestic funding, and improving emergency services and referral systems to reduce mortality rates. He also emphasized the need for more skilled healthcare workers and effective data utilization to track progress and identify areas requiring further action. Tanzania's experience in investing in primary and emergency healthcare for mothers and newborns, as well as its successful referral systems, including M-Mama, demonstrates the potential for political leadership, technology, and community engagement to save lives.
The Tanzanian government has made significant strides in increasing access to healthcare, with the proportion of women giving birth in health facilities rising from 51% in 2015 to 81% in 2022. This progress demonstrates the potential for change when investment and implementation are combined at the community level. Deputy President Ndejembi emphasized that achieving zero preventable maternal and child deaths requires a comprehensive approach, including increased domestic investment, strengthened health systems, and effective data utilization.
The "Three Zeros" campaign championed by President Samia also emphasizes Africa's self-reliance in healthcare, with a focus on ensuring essential services reach every mother and child in a timely and accessible manner. African countries are encouraged to strengthen political accountability, increase domestic investment in life-saving services, and ensure resources reach the community level. Deputy President Ndejembi stressed that protecting maternal and child life is not only a health issue but also an investment in human resources, economic development, and Africa's future.
The Director-General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr. Jean Kaseya, praised President Samia's leadership and pledged the organization's continued support in advancing the maternal and child health agenda. He cited Tanzania's significant reduction in maternal mortality rates, from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 104 deaths in 2022, as an example of achievable progress in Africa. Africa CDC will continue to collaborate with Tanzania in driving this agenda forward.
World Health Organization Director-General, Dr. Adhanom Ghebreyesus, commended President Samia for convening the meeting and championing the African Union's Maternal and Child Health initiative. He noted that Tanzania has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality rates by 81% in just six years and encouraged other countries to follow its example. The WHO will continue to support countries in strengthening healthcare systems and providing life-saving services to mothers and newborns.
Key points
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan leads Africa's efforts to end preventable maternal and child mortality through the "Three Zeros" campaign.
- The African continent accounts for nearly 70% of global maternal deaths and two-thirds of under-five child deaths.
- Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality rates, with a decline of 81% in just six years.
