11th Tanzania Health Summit Kicks Off in Fumba, Zanzibar
"The decisions we make today will lay the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future for all".
The 11th Tanzania Health Summit has officially commenced in Fumba, Zanzibar, gathering 1,500 experts from government, private sector, civil society, and academia to address pressing healthcare challenges in the country.
Under the theme “Igniting progress: joining efforts for quality healthcare through public-private partnerships,” the summit aims to create actionable strategies that enhance health infrastructure, improve training for healthcare workers, and encourage the development of innovative technologies for better healthcare delivery.
Second Vice President of Zanzibar Addresses Tanzania Health Summit
During the 11th Tanzania Health Summit, the Chief Guest, Second Vice President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, His Excellency Hon. Hemed Suleiman Abdallah, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in healthcare.
"This summit represents a vital opportunity for all of us to come together and tackle the healthcare challenges facing our nation. By fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors, we can create a more resilient healthcare system that serves all Tanzanians." Said H.E Hon Hemed Suleiman Abdallah 2nd Vice President, Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
Vice President Hon. Abdallah highlighted the significance of innovative solutions and shared responsibility in achieving better health outcomes, saying,
"It is our collective duty to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare. Let us commit to working together and transforming our healthcare landscape for a healthier future."
His remarks set a positive tone for the discussions ahead, underscoring the summit's goal of uniting stakeholders to drive progress in Tanzania's healthcare sector.
Mark Bryan Schreiner, the Acting Resident Coordinator of the UN in Tanzania, emphasized the importance of the summit, stating,
“The Tanzania Health Summit provides an ideal platform for us to explore how we can leverage partnerships to tackle these challenges. Our task at this Summit is not merely to discuss these challenges, but to find solutions.”
He added,
“By combining the strengths of the public and private sectors, we can ensure that Tanzania’s healthcare system is not only resilient but also capable of meeting the needs of all its citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable. With 1,500 experts gathered here, this is a rare opportunity we build new partnerships that can truly transform Tanzania’s healthcare system".
The three-day event will feature discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at breaking down silos and fostering collaboration within the healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that collective efforts can lead to significant improvements in healthcare for all Tanzanians.
UNFPA Tanzania Hosts Health Forum: “Uzazi Salama” Focuses on Innovative Solutions
The UNFPA Tanzania recently held a significant session at the 11th Tanzania Health Summit, themed “Uzazi Salama: Innovative Solutions Beyond Business as Usual.” This session aimed to address maternal health challenges and explore creative approaches to enhance reproductive health services across the country.
Bringing together health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders, the forum highlighted the urgent need for innovative strategies that go beyond traditional methods. Participants engaged in discussions on leveraging technology, community involvement, and public-private partnerships to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
A key focus of the session was the importance of equitable access to quality healthcare services. Experts underscored that addressing barriers to care requires collaborative efforts that incorporate the voices and needs of local communities.
One of the speakers emphasized,
“To achieve the goal of safe motherhood, we must think creatively and adapt our approaches to meet the unique challenges faced by different regions in Tanzania.”
The forum concluded with a call to action, encouraging stakeholders to prioritize innovative solutions that can lead to significant improvements in reproductive health and maternal care, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for Tanzanian women and children. 135 Participated physically and 1037 online participants joined / followed the session through the live stream. UNFPA Tanzania X (Twitter) account.
Young Midwife Showcases Water Birth Innovation at Tanzania Health Forum
During the recent Health Forum at the 11th Tanzania Health Summit, Ms. Agnes Ndunguru, a young midwife representing the Tanzania Midwives Association and supported by UNFPA Tanzania, showcased an innovative solution for improving maternal care: water birth.
Ms. Ndunguru emphasized the benefits of water birth, highlighting how it can provide a calming and supportive environment for laboring women, potentially leading to reduced pain and a more positive birthing experience. Her presentation included insights into the safety, effectiveness, and accessibility of this method, which has gained traction in various healthcare settings globally.
"Water birth is not just about comfort; it's about empowering women to choose their preferred method of delivery while ensuring their safety and that of their newborns," said Ms. Ndunguru.
She called for greater awareness and training on this birthing option among healthcare providers to enhance maternal health outcomes across Tanzania.
The session was well-received, with attendees engaging in lively discussions about integrating water birth into existing maternal health services. The focus on innovative solutions like this aligns with the summit’s broader goal of fostering collaboration and advancing quality healthcare through public-private partnerships.
As the forum concluded, Ms. Ndunguru expressed hope that her presentation would inspire more midwives and healthcare professionals to consider and advocate for innovative practices that support women during childbirth, ultimately contributing to safer and healthier outcomes for mothers and babies in Tanzania.
Media Inquiries:
Dr. Warren Bright
UNFPA Communications Analyst
United Republic of Tanzania
Mobile: +255 764 43 44 45
Email: bwarren@unfpa.org
