Proposal for Strengthened Regional Preparedness Against Health Threats in East Africa
Latest Tanzania health news · Proposal for Strengthened Regional Preparedness Against… explained · updated Aug 19, 2026 · health news · hospitals · public health
TLDR
- Tanzania has called for increased investment in maternal, child, and primary healthcare across African countries.
- The call was made by Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa on August 18, 2026, during the Fourth Meeting of the Regional Steering Committee (ReSCO) of the East African Community (EAC) in Dar es Salaam.
- Mchengerwa emphasized that maternal and child health is a critical indicator of health system effectiveness and national development.
- He highlighted that Africa faces significant challenges with maternal and child mortality, citing a maternal mortality ratio of 454 deaths per 100,000 live births and an under-five mortality rate of 71 deaths per 1,000.
- The minister urged countries to enhance regional preparedness for health threats, including disease surveillance and emergency response, rather than waiting for emergencies to occur.