DAR ES SALAAM – President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has accepted the prestigious Global Goalkeeper Award, dedicating the honor to the nation's healthcare specialists for their tireless work in improving the lives of women, children, and families. The award, presented annually by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recognizes leaders making significant strides towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. President Samia's recognition highlights Tanzania's remarkable progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, expanding healthcare access, and promoting gender equality.
Speaking at the award ceremony, President Samia emphasized that the recognition belongs to the collective efforts of the Tanzanian people and government in achieving progress in maternal, newborn, child nutrition, and health (MNCNH). "This award is not just encouraging but also inspiring," she stated. "It is recognition of our collective leadership and determination to enhance healthcare services for women, children, and families.” She expressed gratitude to the Gates Foundation for their key partnership in Tanzania’s health agenda and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to prioritizing maternal and child health investments.
"As a president and a mother, maternal health is deeply personal to me," President Samia shared. "That’s why when I assumed office, I pledged to increase investment in healthcare facilities, personnel, and services, ensuring maternal and child health remains a top national priority.”
President Samia outlined key government initiatives that have strengthened Tanzania’s healthcare system:
A significant increase in registered obstetricians and gynecologists, from 68 in 2020 to 338 in 2024, improving access to specialized maternal care.
The procurement of 7,027 ambulances over the past nine years, enhancing emergency healthcare services and response times.
The introduction of free maternal and under-five healthcare services, increasing accessibility for vulnerable communities.
The M-Mama emergency obstetric care program, in partnership with the Vodacom Foundation, providing a digital emergency transport network for pregnant women in critical conditions.
An increase in ultrasound machines from 345 in 2020 to 870 in 2024, improving early diagnosis and prenatal care.
Massive rural road construction projects to improve access to health centers for expectant mothers and children in hard-to-reach areas.
Investment in advanced laboratory equipment for nutrition assessment, improving national capacity for nutrition-related analysis.
These interventions have yielded significant improvements in child nutrition indicators. The rate of wasting among children under five has dropped from 4.5% in 2015 to 3% in 2022, stunting rates have fallen from 42% to 30%, and underweight cases have declined from 16% to 12% during the same period.
While acknowledging the progress, President Samia emphasized that more work remains. She reaffirmed her government’s commitment to further reducing malnutrition and enhancing maternal healthcare services. "Our story proves that prioritizing health and nutrition can drive transformation," she urged. "As a global community, we must work together to ensure no woman, child, or adolescent is left behind.”
Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation, praised Tanzania’s commitment to maternal and child health. "Tanzania's investment in women and children is an investment in a healthier, more resilient society and a stronger economy," she stated. She highlighted Tanzania’s significant progress in antenatal care (ANC) and institutional births. "Tanzania has shown that it can be done when a country comes together; amazing progress is possible," she noted.
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango stated that the award motivates Tanzania to continue strengthening its healthcare system and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Health Minister Jenista Mhagama expressed gratitude to President Samia for her continued support of the health sector, noting her leadership has been instrumental in making Tanzania the first African country to receive this prestigious award.
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