Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called for more funding to reduce maternal and child deaths across Africa.
Her message was delivered at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. It was presented by Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.
Focus on Health Investment
Suluhu has urged governments to keep health high on the political agenda.
She said stronger health systems were needed. More funding was also called for. Tanzania’s progress was cited as an example of what sustained investment can achieve.
The country has expanded access to skilled deliveries. Facility births rose from 51 per cent in 2015 to 81 per cent in 2022.
Africa CDC has also reported a major fall in Tanzania’s maternal mortality rate. It declined from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 104 in 2022.
Three Goals Put Forward
Suluhu has urged Africa to pursue what she calls the “Three Zeros”.
The goals include zero preventable maternal and newborn deaths. Zero home deliveries without skilled care is also targeted. The third goal is zero unvaccinated children.
The agenda is already being backed by Africa CDC and the African Union. It forms part of a wider continental roadmap on maternal, newborn and child health.
More Money Is Needed
Suluhu said progress would require sustained political support. She also called for adequate financing. Stronger partnerships were urged as well.
“We therefore urge the international community to join us in giving this agenda a big push,” she said.
The appeal comes as health financing faces pressure across Africa. Africa CDC has warned that financing gaps remain a major barrier to stronger health systems.
Africa Carries a Heavy Burden
The scale of the challenge remains large.
Africa CDC estimates that about 178,600 women died from pregnancy-related causes in African Union member states in 2023.
That represented about 69 per cent of maternal deaths worldwide that year. The same report estimated about 1.18 million newborn deaths across AU states.
Africa CDC says many of these deaths can be prevented. Its latest evidence review points to better frontline care, emergency referrals, skilled health workers and stronger accountability as key areas for action.
A Wider Global Health Push
The call was made during the 81st UN General Assembly.
The session opened on September 8. Its high-level general debate is taking place in New York.
Health financing has featured prominently on the sidelines. A September 22 meeting brought leaders and health organisations together to discuss funding for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health.
For Tanzania, the issue has also become part of its wider continental role.
Suluhu was appointed African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health in February 2026. Tanzania has since worked with Africa CDC on a roadmap aimed at reducing preventable deaths across the continent.
The challenge now is turning those commitments into sustained funding and better care. For millions of women and children, that work will be measured not in speeches, but in lives saved.
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