Tanzania has made significant progress in reducing maternal deaths during childbirth, achieving a remarkable 81% decline over the past seven years. Under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the government has prioritized maternal health, investing heavily in the healthcare sector.
According to the Ministry of Health, maternal deaths have dropped from 556 per 100,000 live births in 2016 to just 104 per 100,000 in 2023. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of targeted investments and the commitment to ensuring safer childbirth for all women.
Collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) has played a crucial role in this success. WHO helped secure funding to address critical challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to skilled healthcare professionals.
These resources have enabled the government to upgrade hospitals and improve healthcare delivery across the country, particularly in rural areas where access to quality care has historically been limited. Training healthcare workers has also been a priority, ensuring that medical personnel are better equipped to handle complications during childbirth.
The decline in maternal deaths is also linked to public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles. Pregnant women have been encouraged to adopt better nutrition, engage in regular exercise, and avoid harmful substances that could jeopardize their health.
These efforts have contributed to healthier pregnancies and safer deliveries, further reducing the risk of maternal mortality.
Government officials emphasize the moral responsibility of ensuring maternal health. “Every mother has the right to live after childbirth,” the report reads in part, highlighting the ethical imperative behind these initiatives.
So far is a testament to the collaborative efforts between the government, international partners, and local healthcare providers. It demonstrates that with the right policies and investments, significant improvements in public health outcomes are possible.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Ensuring continued progress will require sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, ongoing training for medical personnel, and expanded access to quality maternal care, particularly in underserved areas.
However, the 81% reduction in maternal mortality is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through strategic efforts and partnerships.