The Minister for Health of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has called on African nations to strengthen cooperation and adopt joint strategies aimed at significantly reducing maternal and child mortality across the continent.
Minister Mchengerwa made the call today, February 13, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, while officially opening the African Union meeting of Ministers of Health.
He was representing the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, at the high-level forum.
Addressing delegates, Minister Mchengerwa noted that the African Union had accorded Tanzania the honor of opening the meeting in recognition of the substantial progress made by the Tanzanian Government, under President Samia’s leadership, in reducing maternal and child deaths particularly those occurring during childbirth.
He emphasized that President Samia’s focused leadership and sustained investment in the health sector have delivered measurable results within a short period, earning Tanzania regional and international recognition.
“This honor reflects the tangible progress Tanzania has made in safeguarding the lives of mothers and children. It also demonstrates confidence in our country’s experience, which can inform and support similar efforts across Africa,” said Minister Mchengerwa.
The meeting brought together Ministers of Health and senior officials from nearly all African countries, providing a platform to exchange experiences and agree on effective approaches to addressing maternal and child mortality.
Tanzania was cited as one of the countries demonstrating best practices in this critical area of public health.
Delegates also expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved by African Union Member States through the continental initiative known as CARMMA (2021–2030), which seeks to accelerate the reduction of maternal, newborn, and child deaths across Africa.
The meeting is being held on the margins of the 39th AU Heads of State Summit, scheduled to take place tomorrow and the following day in Addis Ababa.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to attend the summit and has been proposed as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health a nomination anticipated to be formally endorsed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.