President Samia Suluhu Hassan addresses World Health Assembly, highlights Tanzania's Health Achievements and Challenges

Geneva, 20 May 2021

In a significant address delivered via video to the World Health Assembly, Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the United Republic of Tanzania underscored the nation's commendable progress in the health sector while acknowledging the challenges that persist. The assembly, attended by esteemed global health leaders, served as a platform for President Hassan to reaffirm Tanzania's unwavering commitment to health as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Her Excellency expressed profound gratitude for the enduring support from the World Health Organization (WHO), which has been instrumental in Tanzania's advancements in public health and pharmaceutical governance.

Notably, President Hassan highlighted the landmark achievement of the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority, which in 2018 became the first national regulatory authority in Africa to be recognised by WHO for achieving maturity level 3. This milestone is regarded as a crucial step towards pharmaceutical sovereignty in Africa, ensuring access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and health technologies.

Her Excellency also shared impressive statistics regarding the expansion of primary healthcare services in Tanzania. The number of healthcare facilities has increased from 6,790 in 2014 to a projected 11,275 by 2025, enabling 78% of the population to access healthcare within five kilometres. Additionally, health centres capable of providing emergency surgeries, including Caesarean sections, have risen from 107 in 2015 to 577 in 2024. These efforts have contributed to a significant reduction in the maternal mortality rate, from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 104 deaths in 2022.

President Hassan also noted progress in reducing harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, which decreased from 10% in 2015 to 8% in 2022, thereby reducing complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. Despite these achievements, Her Excellency acknowledged the challenges that remain, including strains on the health system and rising healthcare costs. To address these issues, Tanzania is undertaking comprehensive reforms in public health financing, including the introduction of universal health coverage to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare.

 

In her concluding remarks, President Hassan urged global leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the WHO as a cornerstone of health collaboration, emphasising the importance of unity in building a world with better health security. "United we stand, divided we fall," she stated, calling for collective efforts to ensure no one is left behind. The President's address was well-received, setting a hopeful tone for the assembly's discussions on global health challenges and solutions.