Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been honoured with the Global Goalkeepers Award by the Gates Foundation in recognition of her outstanding leadership in advancing public health and social development in Tanzania.
The award was presented to the Head of State during a ceremony held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dar es Salaam on February 4, 2025.
The Global Goalkeepers Award is bestowed upon global leaders who drive significant positive change through innovation, collaboration, and exemplary governance.
President Hassan’s recognition comes in light of her administration’s notable achievements in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and promoting gender equality.
The event was attended by Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Tulia Ackson, former Presidents Jakaya Kikwete and Amani Abeid Karume, Health Minister Jenista Mhagama, and other high-ranking government officials.
Also present was Dr Anita Zaidi, President of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation, who presented the award to President Hassan.
Dr Zaidi said it was encouraging to see that more and more children live to their 5th birthday in Tanzania.
“Tanzania is one of those countries that are on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goals that have to do with the health and well-being of all its citizens. And you can see the fruit of that promise with the fact that more pregnant women now live to be mothers of their children,” Dr Zaidi noted.
The Minister for Health, Ms Jenista Mhagama, said the award was well deserved due to President Hassan’s leadership in delivering healthcare in Tanzania.
“This award reflects the tangible impact of policies that prioritise maternal and child health, universal health access and the fight against non-communicable and communicable diseases,” Ms Mhagama noted.
Director of Maternal Newborn Child Nutrition and Health at the Gates Foundation, Dr Rasa Izadneghdar, said Tanzania has made significant achievements in reducing maternal mortality and that the road ahead is full of opportunities to make further advances in ensuring delivery of life becomes a celebratory event.
“Martenity mortality is often described as an indicator of the health system itself,” he said.
Speaking ahead of receiving the award, President Hassan she said the award is a recognition of the collective leadership and commitment of the Tanzanian people who work tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children.
She noted that reducing maternal, newborn child and adolescent mortality and improving nutrition have always been at the core of the national development agenda.
“As the Head of State I also happen to be a mother, and so investment in maternal health is something that is very dear to me. That is why upon assuming office I pledged that in addition to investing in health facilities we would prioritise maternal health,” President Hassan remarked.
Tanzania’s milestone in public health
The award acknowledges President Hassan’s instrumental role in improving maternal and child health services, a priority reflected in the government’s policies and increased investment in the health sector.
Under her leadership, Tanzania has recorded an 80 percent reduction in maternal mortality, as highlighted in the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey.
A historic first for Tanzania and Africa
President Hassan becomes the first African leader to receive this distinguished award, a milestone that elevates Tanzania’s profile on the global stage.
The decision to hold the award ceremony in Tanzania, marking the first time it has been hosted outside the US, further highlights the country’s growing recognition in global health and development.
