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Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has called for stronger political commitment and investment in healthcare services to prevent maternal and child deaths across Africa.
Speaking on September 23, 2026, in New York, Mr Ndejembi said improving the survival and wellbeing of women, newborns and children was critical to building a healthy workforce and achieving sustainable development on the continent.
He made the remarks while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at a high-level meeting on accelerating implementation of the Three Zeros Agenda for maternal and child survival in Africa, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting was organised by Tanzania in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Mr Ndejembi said Africa continued to face a disproportionately high burden of maternal and child deaths despite progress in healthcare delivery.
According to figures cited in his address, Africa accounts for about 70 percent of maternal deaths globally and nearly two-thirds of deaths among children under five.
He said many of these deaths could be prevented through timely access to quality healthcare.
The Three Zeros Agenda seeks to achieve zero home births without the assistance of a skilled health professional, zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths, and zero children missing essential vaccinations.
Mr Ndejembi said achieving the targets would require stronger primary healthcare systems, skilled health workers, effective referral systems, essential medicines and equipment, as well as adequate financing that reaches health facilities where services are delivered.
“Tanzania has continued to gain experience in strengthening primary healthcare and emergency services for mothers and newborns,” he said.
He cited the country's digital referral system, m-Mama, and its systems for monitoring maternal and child deaths as some of the initiatives aimed at improving access to timely care.
According to Mr Ndejembi, Tanzania's experience demonstrates the importance of combining political leadership, investment and accountable implementation to improve health outcomes.
He called for greater political accountability and increased investment in life-saving health services, urging governments to ensure that commitments made at national and international levels translate into action at community level.
“No woman should lose her life because she lacks transport, blood or skilled care, and no child should lose their life because they lack access to a life-saving service or vaccination,” he said.
He described the campaign slogan “Jiongeze Tuwavushe Salama” as a call to action for mothers, newborns, children and young people.
The Vice President said reducing preventable deaths would require sustained commitment from governments and partners to ensure that essential services reach those who need them most.