Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndeitwah has praised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s focus on maternal and child health, calling such efforts critical to Africa’s development. Speaking at the SHE RISES meeting in New York on September 20, 2024, during the 81st UN General Assembly session, Nandi-Ndeitwah emphasized that investing in maternal and child health is essential for human capital, economic growth, and sustainable development. She highlighted the need for African nations to prioritize domestic financing over external aid, stating that the continent’s progress hinges on the well-being of its people. Namibia pledged collaboration with Tanzania to advance the African Union’s maternal and child health agenda.
Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, representing President Samia, presented data showing significant declines in maternal and child mortality rates. Maternal deaths in Tanzania dropped from 556 to 104 per 100,000 live births between 2015 and 2022, while under-five child deaths fell from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births. The health budget increased to 780 billion Tanzanian shillings, and the M-Mama emergency referral system facilitated over 150,000 referrals for pregnant women and newborns by August 2026. Ndejembi credited political commitment, resources, and implementation for these improvements, noting that President Samia’s AU Champion role drives the “Three Zeros” agenda to eliminate preventable deaths and unvaccinated children.
UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita commended President Samia’s leadership, stressing that progress requires budgetary commitments, reproductive health investments, and support for midwives. WHO Africa Regional Director Prof Mohamed Janabi echoed this, stating that political will paired with accountability can save lives. He highlighted women’s critical role in Africa’s health systems—70% of the workforce—yet their underrepresentation in decision-making (25%) remains a barrier. The SHE RISES initiative aims to amplify women’s voices in policymaking and leadership. Tanzania’s UN Ambassador Togolani Mavura called for renewed global responsibility to prioritize maternal health and ensure equitable access to quality services worldwide.
The event underscored the interconnectedness of maternal health with broader development goals. Nandi-Ndeitwah’s remarks and Tanzania’s progress exemplify how targeted policies can drive measurable outcomes. With the AU Champion Roadmap and initiatives like SHE RISES, African leaders are pushing for systemic changes to address health disparities. The focus on domestic funding and women’s leadership reflects a growing consensus that sustainable progress depends on empowering communities and aligning resources with human rights imperatives.