Retired President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, as the Settlor and Chairman of the JMKF Board of Directors, has praised the Government for its effective initiatives in reducing maternal mortality rates.
Dr Kikwete said this during the 2nd Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Scientific Conference, held from November 15 to 17 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking on the difficulties Tanzania faced between 2000 and 2015—especially considering the Millennium Development Goals—Dr. Kikwete lamented the country’s losses, noting that maternal deaths increased to 556 in 2016 from 432 per 100,000 live births in 2015.
However, he expressed contentment with the recent decline in maternal deaths, extending congratulations to the Government through the Ministry of Health for this achievement.
Dr. Kikwete, who believes that giving birth is a celebration and not otherwise, emphasized the significance of reducing maternal mortality, stating, “It is humiliating to see a mother who brings life to the world lose her life.”
The retired President congratulated the Ministry of Health and the Government on the recent decrease in maternal fatalities and emphasized the significance of this accomplishment.
Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, the Minister of Health, expressed gratitude to Dr. Kikwete for his leadership in initiating a program in 2014 to enhance maternal health services and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
The Minister also acknowledged President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s contributions to improving health services in Tanzania through infrastructure development, ensuring access to medical equipment and supplies, recruitment of health workers, and capacity-building for healthcare professionals.
