Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, has called for increased investment in healthcare and stronger partnerships to accelerate efforts to prevent maternal and child deaths across Africa. She made the remarks in a speech delivered on her behalf by Tanzania's Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. President Suluhu emphasized the importance of maintaining political commitment and investing in healthcare systems that prioritize people.
President Suluhu highlighted Tanzania's progress in improving access to healthcare, noting that the proportion of women delivering in health facilities increased from 51% in 2015 to 81% in 2022. She attributed this success to sustained investment in practical, people-centered programs. According to Vice President Ndejembi, Tanzania reduced maternal deaths by 80% in just seven years under President Suluhu's leadership.
President Suluhu set out a new goal for Africa to achieve "three zeros": zero preventable maternal and child deaths, zero home deliveries, and zero unvaccinated children. She stressed that achieving these goals would require sustained political leadership, adequate financing, and stronger partnerships between African countries and the international community.
The African continent accounts for nearly 70% of maternal deaths globally, with the Africa CDC believing that close to 90% of these deaths can be averted. President Suluhu urged the international community to join efforts to address this issue, emphasizing that it is an agenda that Africa can achieve with the right support.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is taking place from September 22 to 28 in New York, with the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all." This theme reflects concerns over conflicts, inequality, climate emergencies, declining trust in international institutions, and rapid technological change.
President Suluhu's call for action comes as part of a broader effort to address the significant challenges facing Africa in terms of maternal and child health. The African Union has been working to improve healthcare systems and reduce mortality rates across the continent.
The international community has a critical role to play in supporting Africa's efforts to address maternal and child health. With sustained political leadership, adequate financing, and stronger partnerships, it is possible to make significant progress in reducing maternal and child deaths and achieving the "three zeros" goal.
Key points
- Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan calls for increased investment in healthcare and stronger partnerships to prevent maternal and child deaths in Africa.
- Africa accounts for nearly 70% of maternal deaths globally, with close to 90% of these deaths believed to be avertable.
- President Suluhu sets out a goal for Africa to achieve "three zeros": zero preventable maternal and child deaths, zero home deliveries, and zero unvaccinated children.
