The Government of Tanzania and the Gates Foundation have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the health sector, with a focus on improving maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting between Tanzania and the Gates Foundation on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Grace Magembe said the government values the foundation’s long-standing contribution to Tanzania’s health programmes.
Dr Magembe said the partnership had supported interventions in several priority areas, including maternal and newborn health, malaria, nutrition and family planning, contributing to improvements in key health indicators.
“Tanzania recognises the contribution of the Gates Foundation in strengthening health programmes in the country, including maternal and newborn health, malaria, nutrition and family planning,” Dr Magembe said.
She cited several ongoing initiatives supported through the partnership, including the THAMINI UHAI programme on maternal and newborn health, nutrition interventions, the Knowledge Translation Hub, the use of artificial intelligence-enabled ultrasound technology, NEST360 and the Beginnings Fund.
Dr Magembe also called for increased collaboration in implementing an African Union agenda aimed at achieving three key “zero” targets: eliminating home deliveries, preventing avoidable maternal and newborn deaths, and ensuring that no child remains unvaccinated.
On nutrition, Dr Magembe urged the Gates Foundation to support the establishment of Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres within health facilities and communities.
She also called for stronger food fortification programmes and increased community awareness on appropriate child nutrition practices.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the need to expand access to multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) for women and children and ensure that their procurement is aligned with procedures of the Medical Stores Department (MSD).
She said strengthening nutrition services, alongside maternal and child health interventions, would help improve health outcomes and support the well-being of mothers and children across Tanzania.
The meeting highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the government and development partners in supporting Tanzania’s health priorities and ensuring that essential services reach more women, children and families.