The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, has called on health professionals to strengthen collaboration and share expertise to safeguard the progress Tanzania has made in reproductive, maternal and child health, warning that the gains could be reversed if efforts are not sustained.
Speaking during the Technical Working Group (TWG 5) meeting on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health in Dar es Salaam on June 13, 2026, Dr. Shekalaghe said Tanzania has achieved notable success in reducing maternal deaths and improving healthcare services for mothers and children.
He said the achievements were the result of coordinated efforts by the government, healthcare workers and development partners, adding that continued cooperation among professionals is essential to maintaining the momentum.
“Tanzania has made significant progress, but these gains can only be sustained if we continue working together, sharing experiences and supporting one another in implementing effective interventions,” he said.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), reviewed the implementation of reproductive, maternal and child health programmes across the country. Participants also discussed achievements, challenges and priority areas for future action.
The Director of Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ahmad Mohammed Makuwani, said increased government investment in the health sector under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has contributed significantly to the improvements being recorded.
He cited the construction and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, improved availability of medical equipment, recruitment of more health professionals and the strengthening of emergency maternal and newborn care services as some of the measures that have enhanced service delivery.
According to Dr. Makuwani, these investments have helped expand access to quality healthcare and improve outcomes for mothers and children across the country.
He also noted that while development partners continue to provide financial support, local health experts have a crucial role to play through technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and professional commitment.
Dr. Shekalaghe said Tanzania must continue building on its successes to ensure that international recognition earned through improvements in maternal and child health translates into lasting results.
“It would be disappointing to see the country receive global recognition and later appear to be moving backwards. We must continue strengthening one another and protecting the progress that has been achieved,” he said.
He added that Tanzania’s experience in improving reproductive health services should serve as an example for other African countries seeking to reduce maternal and child mortality and strengthen healthcare systems.
The government has prioritised reproductive, maternal and child health as part of broader efforts to improve healthcare services nationwide, with officials expressing confidence that continued investment and collaboration will further accelerate progress in the years ahead.
