Tanzania has recorded a sharp decline in maternal mortality over the past decade, with the Government now targeting fewer than 70 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births by 2030.
The progress was highlighted on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS reviewed the Government’s interventions to reduce maternal and child deaths.
The committee, chaired by Dr Johannes Lukumay, received a report from the Ministry of Health on reproductive, maternal and child health services and measures being implemented to improve the quality and accessibility of care.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Frolence Samizi presented the report on behalf of Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa.
According to the report, maternal mortality declined from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022.
The figures represent substantial progress, although the Government’s 2030 target means further reductions will be required, particularly in ensuring women receive timely antenatal, delivery and emergency care.
The committee was told that the proportion of women giving birth in health facilities increased from 81 percent in 2021 to 93 percent in 2026.
Early antenatal care has also improved, with the proportion of pregnant women making their first clinic visit before 12 weeks rising from 37 percent to 60 percent over the period.
Dr Lukumay called for continued oversight of the measures being implemented, stressing the importance of ensuring that improvements in national indicators translate into better services for citizens at all levels.
“We must continue monitoring the implementation of strategies aimed at reducing maternal and child deaths and ensure quality services reach citizens at every level,” he said.
The Government has also expanded specialised care for newborns. The number of Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) increased from 362 to 438 during the 2025/26 financial year.
Construction of another 35 modern NCUs is underway in 15 regional referral hospitals and 20 councils, part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of health facilities to manage complications affecting newborns.
The committee was also briefed on the expansion of the M-MAMA emergency transport system, which helps pregnant women and children access emergency referral services.
The Government has procured 613 ambulances under the programme, which is operating in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The interventions are intended to address delays in accessing appropriate care, particularly for pregnant women and newborns requiring urgent medical attention.
The committee said it would continue monitoring implementation and advising the Government on measures to strengthen reproductive, maternal and child health services.
It said priority should remain on ensuring that services are available on time, are of good quality and reach citizens across all levels of the healthcare system.
With maternal mortality already showing a substantial decline, the challenge now is to sustain the gains and close remaining gaps in early antenatal care, emergency referrals and specialised newborn services if Tanzania is to meet its 2030 target.
