Tanzania has called for stronger and better-funded efforts to reduce preventable deaths among mothers, newborns, children and adolescents across Africa, warning that progress made in recent years could be undermined by resource constraints and growing pressure on health systems.
Speaking on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo said African countries needed to sustain investments in quality healthcare while strengthening accountability for results.
Mr Kombo made the remarks on September 21, 2026, in New York, United States, during a high-level discussion hosted by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).
The meeting was held under the theme, “Accra Reforms: Completing the Circle by Revitalising the International Development System.”
Mr Kombo said Africa had made progress in reducing maternal and child deaths, but the gains needed to be protected and accelerated as countries face limited resources and increasing demand for health services.
“Africa has made progress in reducing maternal and child deaths, but these gains must be protected and sustained,” Mr Kombo said, according to a statement issued after the meeting.
He said African countries were preparing a continental plan to save the lives of mothers and children, which would establish measurable targets and strengthen accountability in improving maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health.
Under the “Mother Africa Calls” initiative, Mr Kombo urged governments, development partners and the private sector to maintain their support for efforts aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
The initiative seeks to bring together governments and private-sector players around policies and investments intended to improve maternal and child health.
Mr Kombo said effective implementation would require resources to be matched with stronger health systems and clear accountability for results.
Ghanaian President Mahama said countries in the Global South should strengthen their domestic capacity, improve health systems and increase local production of essential health commodities, including medicines.
Reducing dependence on imported medicines and other essential health products, he said, would help countries strengthen the resilience of their health systems.
President Mahama also commended President Samia for her leadership in the Mother Africa Initiative, saying the initiative connects public policy with private-sector accountability in efforts to improve maternal and child health.
The discussions come as African countries seek to accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health while confronting persistent challenges including healthcare financing, access to essential medicines and the capacity of health systems to meet growing demand.