Call for Increased Investment in Maternal and Child Health in Africa
Latest Tanzania health news · Call for Increased Investment in Maternal and Child Hea… explained · updated Aug 19, 2026 · health news · hospitals · public health
TLDR
- Tanzania has urged African countries to enhance investment in maternal, child, and primary healthcare for better health security and development.
- The call was made by Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa on August 18, 2026, during the Fourth Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (ReSCO) in Dar es Salaam.
- Mchengerwa emphasized that maternal and child health is a key indicator of health system effectiveness and national development.
- According to UN data for 2025, Africa faces a maternal mortality ratio of 454 deaths per 100,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 71 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- The minister highlighted the need for improved regional preparedness against health threats like Ebola, cholera, and climate change effects.