The Government of Tanzania has stepped up efforts to strengthen maternal and child health services as part of a national drive to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.
The renewed measures focus on improving the quality of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal stages, while also enhancing emergency response systems in health facilities across the country.
The announcement was made on April 17, 2026, in Dar es Salaam by the Head of the Safe Motherhood Programme, Dr. Phineas Sospeter, during a technical meeting with reproductive and child health experts.
Dr. Sospeter said the reforms are aimed at ensuring that every pregnant woman receives timely, safe, and quality care, especially during delivery, where many complications occur.
He said the government is improving antenatal and postnatal services, strengthening emergency obstetric care, and equipping health workers with advanced skills to handle complications during childbirth.
“Our focus is to ensure no mother or child loses life due to delays, lack of skills, or inadequate services. Every facility must be ready to respond to emergencies effectively,” said Dr. Sospeter.
He added that the government is also reinforcing the system for tracking maternal and newborn deaths in order to identify challenges early and take corrective action quickly.
According to him, improved monitoring will help health authorities understand where gaps exist and ensure resources are directed to areas with the greatest need.
The reforms also include strengthening health data systems to improve planning, decision-making, and accountability in the delivery of health services.
Dr. Sospeter emphasized that reliable health information will enable the government to make informed decisions and improve service delivery at all levels.
Health experts present at the meeting welcomed the initiatives, saying they will contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving access to quality health services, especially in rural communities.
They noted that the success of the reforms will depend on continued investment in health facilities, skilled personnel, and community awareness on the importance of early and regular antenatal care.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every mother and child in Tanzania receives safe, accessible, and quality healthcare as part of its broader agenda to improve national health outcomes.
