LUKUMAY: MATERNAL DEATHS FALL AS GOVERNMENT SETS TARGET BELOW 70
By Joseph Ngilisho
DODOMA: The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, Dr Johannes Lembulung Lukumay, has called for stronger monitoring of government strategies aimed at reducing maternal and child deaths, saying the progress recorded so far must be matched by improved access to quality reproductive, maternal and newborn health services.
Dr Lukumay made the remarks on August 11, 2026, in Dodoma after his committee received and discussed a report from the Ministry of Health on the state of reproductive, maternal and newborn health services and measures being taken by the government to reduce maternal deaths.
The report was presented by Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Frolence Samizi, on behalf of Minister for Health Mohamed Mchengerwa.
According to the report, Tanzania’s maternal mortality ratio has declined significantly, from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 104 deaths in 2022.
The government has set a target of reducing the ratio to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Lukumay stressed the need for continued monitoring of the implementation of the strategies, saying the progress made should serve as an impetus for further efforts to improve services for mothers and children.
93% OF WOMEN NOW DELIVER AT HEALTH FACILITIES
The ministry’s report also shows that the proportion of women delivering at health facilities has increased from 81 per cent in 2021 to 93 per cent in 2026.
The increase is regarded as an important step towards ensuring that women receive skilled care during childbirth and have access to timely emergency services when complications arise.
Meanwhile, the proportion of pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit before 12 weeks of pregnancy has risen from 37 per cent to 60 per cent.
The ministry said the increase is intended to promote early access to antenatal services and screening, allowing health workers to identify potential complications at an early stage.
NEWBORN CARE UNITS RISE TO 438
The government has also expanded specialised care for newborns, with the number of Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) increasing from 362 to 438 during the 2025/26 financial year.
In addition, construction of 35 modern NCUs is underway at 15 regional referral hospitals and 20 councils.
The expansion is aimed at increasing the capacity of health facilities to provide specialised care to newborn babies, particularly those requiring close monitoring and treatment after birth.
613 AMBULANCES TO BOOST M-MAMA
The committee was also briefed on measures to strengthen the M-MAMA emergency transport system, which facilitates the rapid transportation of pregnant women and children requiring emergency medical attention.
The government has procured 613 ambulances to facilitate the timely transportation of patients, while the M-MAMA system continues to operate in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Dr Lukumay said the committee would continue monitoring the implementation of the government’s strategies and provide recommendations aimed at further strengthening reproductive, maternal and newborn health services.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that quality services are available on time at all levels of healthcare delivery as Tanzania works towards achieving its target of further reducing maternal and child deaths by 2030.
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