Accra. Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged African countries to step up internal investment in the healthcare sector to build strong, sustainable, and self-reliant systems.
She made the remarks on July 22, 2026 during a address to the African Union Special Summit of Heads of State and Government on Health in Accra, Ghana.
The high-level summit focused on accelerating the implementation of the Africa Health Agenda.
Key discussions centered on equitable access to care, universal health coverage, the eradication of HIV/AIDS, maternal and child healthcare improvements, and tackling non-communicable and neglected tropical diseases.
President Samia confirmed that Tanzania has aligned its strategic goals with the AU Health Roadmap 2030 through its Five-Year National Development Plan 2026/2027 – 2030/2031.
She highlighted priority areas including domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, structural health enhancements, and reduced reliance on external assistance.
Africa possesses the requisite knowledge, human capital, and capability to transform its healthcare delivery systems.
Political determination, increased domestic capital, and continental solidarity remain essential to achieving these structural targets.
Tanzania has implemented policy and regulatory reforms to streamline trade and attract private investment.
These efforts have facilitated the establishment of 13 local pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, whilst 149 prospective investors have registered interest.
Furthermore, the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) reached WHO Maturity Level 3 status, bolstering local manufacturing standards and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
To improve service delivery, the Tanzanian government increased its national health budget from Sh1.8 trillion in 2024/25 to Sh3.1 trillion for the 2026/27 financial year.
The government also introduced Universal Health Insurance to ensure affordable healthcare access for low-income citizens.
Infrastructure expansion has progressed across the country. Construction completed on 119 district hospitals, 649 health centres, and over 2,700 dispensaries, raising total active health facilities from roughly 10,000 to 13,700 by March 2026.
These initiatives have led to measurable health outcomes.
Facility-based deliveries increased from 65 percent to 86 percent, whilst births attended by skilled personnel rose from 66 percent to 85 percent.
Under-five mortality rates declined from 147 to 43 deaths per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality dropped from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Opening the summit, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama stated that declining global health funding must serve as an opportunity for Africa to strengthen internal investments.
President Mahama committed to supporting President Samia in her role as the AU Champion for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health.
African Union Chairperson and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye called on member states to prioritize primary healthcare and disease surveillance capabilities.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that decisive action now will secure the future of health across the continent, while AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged member states to accelerate local health supply chains for essential medicines and vaccines.
