ZANZIBAR: IN a significant demonstration of support for maternal and child health, President Hussein Mwinyi spearheaded the ‘Uzazi Ni Maisha’ appreciation and fundraising reception at the State House in Zanzibar, pledging to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
The event, themed “Support Medical Equipment and Supplies for Safe Delivery,” was organised by Amref Health Africa – Tanzania in collaboration with the Zanzibar Ministry of Health and Absa Bank Tanzania, as part of the third phase of the Uzazi Ni Maisha Initiative.
It attracted over 300 distinguished guests, including corporate leaders, diplomats, government officials, development partners, and media representatives.
The reception celebrated the achievements of all partners involved and aimed to raise additional funds to support Zanzibar’s mission of providing essential medical equipment and supplies for safe childbirth.
“With support from our development partners, we are on track to achieve our goal of reducing and ultimately ending maternal and child mortality in Zanzibar,” stated President Mwinyi.
He commended Amref Health Africa – Tanzania and Absa Bank Tanzania for their pivotal roles in driving the initiative, expressing deep appreciation to all contributors for their commitment.
He emphasised the significant impact of these efforts in safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns and called for continued support from corporate entities and organisations.
“Today marks a critical milestone in our journey to reduce maternal and child mortality. We are working towards ambitious goals: reducing maternal mortality to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality to 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030,” he remarked.
Despite progress, President Mwinyi acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in securing adequate medical resources, and encouraged more partners to join in this vital mission.
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Zanzibar Health Minister Nassor Ahmed Mazrui praised Dr Mwinyi’s commitment to the health sector, highlighting it as a crucial pillar in achieving these goals.
He noted that at least 3,000 mothers and children in Pemba and 8,000 in Unguja have benefited from ‘Uzazi Ni Maisha’ medical services through 28 health centres.
Country Director of Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Dr Florence Temu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners supporting the initiative, reaffirming Amref’s commitment to improving maternal and child health in Zanzibar and emphasising the importance of reducing mortality rates in health facilities.
Chairman of the Board of Directors for Amref Health Africa Tanzania, Anthony Chamungwana, said the initiative’s alignment with the organisation’s 2023-2030 strategic plan.
“Our strategy is rooted in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to health and the impact of climate change. We remain dedicated to enhancing health services through data and technology,” he stated.
Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, Mr Obedi Laiser, reinforced the bank’s commitment to social change, stating, “Absa Bank Tanzania is proud to support the ‘Uzazi Ni Maisha’ Initiative, as we believe it will significantly improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Zanzibar.
Our contribution of 70m/- reflects our dedication to empowering the future of Tanzania and ensuring access to quality healthcare,” he said.
To date, the ‘Uzazi Ni Maisha’ programme has garnered pledges totalling 989.8m/-, with 740.4m/- already received, enabling access to medical equipment in 28 health centres to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and infants.
The programme aims to collect at least 1bn/- in donations and various pledges to support the availability of medical equipment.
The initiative will remain active for one year until 2025, encouraging supporters to continue contributing to reach the fundraising target.
Special thanks were extended to key partners, including Absa Bank Tanzania, M&D Chemical & Surgical Ltd, NBC Bank, Tanzania Ports Authority, NMB Bank, ITV/Radio One, Dalberg Tanzania, Siemens Healthcare LLC, Swahili Sweatshop, and all other supporters whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the ‘Uzazi Ni Maisha’ Initiative.
Source link : https://dailynews.co.tz/mwinyi-commits-to-reduce-maternal-child-mortality-rates/
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Publish date : 2024-10-07 03:42:15
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