Tanzania has called for stronger African Union (AU) cooperation to accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths across the continent, with a focus on turning political commitments into concrete health interventions.
The call was made yesterday by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Grace Magembe during a meeting with AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah on the sidelines of the 76th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Dr Magembe said closer cooperation among African countries was necessary to address persistent challenges affecting maternal and child health and improve access to essential healthcare services.
She thanked the AU Commission for its continued support to Tanzania’s health sector, while calling for deeper collaboration to speed up progress in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and children.
“Africa needs stronger cooperation and practical action to address the health challenges facing mothers and children and accelerate efforts to save lives,” Dr Magembe said.
She also pointed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s role as the AU Champion for Maternal and Child Health, saying the position creates an opportunity to strengthen political commitment and promote coordinated action by African governments.
Dr Magembe said Tanzania was in the final stages of preparing a roadmap that will guide the implementation of the AU maternal and child health champion’s agenda.
The roadmap is expected to be launched in Arusha on September 9, 2026, and Dr Magembe invited Ambassador Twum-Amoah to take part in its preparations and launch.
She also sought the AU Commission’s support in preparing for a high-level meeting of African heads of state and government on maternal and child survival.
The meeting is scheduled to take place in New York on September 23, 2026, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“We are also seeking the cooperation of the African Union Commission in preparations for the high-level meeting of heads of state and government on maternal and child survival in Africa,” Dr Magembe said.
The discussions come as African countries continue to face challenges in improving maternal and child health outcomes, highlighting the need for stronger health systems, effective implementation of strategies and sustained political commitment.
For Tanzania, the proposed roadmap and the New York meeting provide platforms to push for coordinated continental action aimed at ensuring that more mothers and children survive preventable health complications.