DAR ES SALAAM – Tanzanian President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan recently held pivotal talks with the Gates Foundation to strengthen collaboration aimed at improving maternal, newborn, and child health across Tanzania and the wider African continent.
The discussions, which included Ms. Caty Fall Sow, the Gates Foundation’s Director of Policy, Government Relations and Partnerships for Africa, focused on deepening a longstanding partnership. Key areas of ongoing cooperation include immunization, nutrition, disease prevention, and the overall strengthening of health systems.
During the meeting, Ms. Sow congratulated President Samia on her new appointment as the African Union (AU) Champion for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. She utilized the occasion to reaffirm the Gates Foundation’s dedication to supporting African-led initiatives designed to eliminate preventable deaths among mothers and children.
Domestically, the Gates Foundation commended Tanzania for its substantial progress in expanding health infrastructure, strengthening primary healthcare, and improving access to life-saving interventions. President Samia highlighted her administration’s ongoing investments in emergency maternal care, neonatal services, and vaccination programs, noting that these health sector reforms have driven significant improvements in health outcomes.
Looking beyond Tanzania, President Samia briefed the delegation on the development of a continental roadmap under her new AU leadership role. This initiative seeks to mobilize political leadership, increase investment, and strengthen accountability to accelerate progress against preventable maternal and child mortality across Africa.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering sustainable, African-led solutions. They emphasized that stronger partnerships, continued innovation, and increased investment are critical to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of women and children across the continent.