Canada International Development minister, Christian Paradis
The Canadian government has pledged to collaborate with the Tanzanian government to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNHC) provision in the country using innovative approaches to improve country’s health systems.
Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam at a round table meeting, Canada International Development minister, Christian Paradis said the reduction of maternal, newborn and child deaths is an important goal which needs much more effort and collaboration if it is to be achieved.
He said, working in close partnership with the Ministry of health and social welfare of Tanzania, the Canadian government will focus on improving hospital infrastructure, increasing number of highly skilled nurses, midwives and doctors and help set standards for the quality of medical care and education for health professionals.
“The issue of maternal and child health take priority in any country’s development,” said the minister “…as such, health care must be improved and advanced enough to give quality services, we will collaborate in this, making sure that infrastructures in the hospitals are good,” Paradis pledged.
Minister of health and social welfare Seif Rashid acknowledged that Tanzania has achieved impressive gain in reducing child mortality and improving maternal health.
“Between 1999 and 2009/10, child mortality has declined from 147 to 81 per 100, 0000 children, which is a reduction of 45%, this is an indicator of improving performance in the sector,” Minister Rashid said emphasizing that maternal and child health are priorities in the country’s development strategies, Development Vision 2025 and the national strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction.
The Minister commended Canada’s consistent support to the health basket fund which goes a long way aiding implementation at district level.
Aga Khan Resident Representative, Amir Kurji said that Aga khan Development Network (AKDN) underscored their continued contribution to the health sector in Tanzania and other 50 countries.
He pointed out that this has been made possible through combined efforts with the Aga khan university and Aga khan Foundation in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and social welfare in improving health services.