DAR ES SALAAM (5 February 2025) – President Samia Suluhu Hassan was presented the Global Goalkeeper Award by the Gates Foundation in recognition of Tanzania’s remarkable achievements in maternal, newborn, child nutrition and health (MNCNH). It was presented in person by Dr. Anita Zaidi, president of the Gender Equality Division.
The annual Global Goalkeeper Award celebrates leadership and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) by 2030, recognizing impactful actions that drive progress both nationally and globally.
Tanzania has made great strides in healthcare, driven by strategic investments and innovative programs that have significantly improved maternal and child survival rates over the past two decades. This includes an 80% reduction in the maternal mortality ration and a one-third reduction in the under-five mortality rate within a decade, according to the country’s most recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 2022).
These transformative gains are a testament to Tanzania’s comprehensive approach to maternal, newborn and child health, supported by groundbreaking initiatives such as:
- Expanding access to healthcare: Nearly 2,000 new health facilities have been established, bringing quality care closer to communities. As a result, more women are now receiving care from skilled providers during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Innovative solutions like m-Mama: This initiative has ensured that more mothers deliver their babies safely in health facilities, addressing critical gaps in emergency transportation and maternal care.
- Combating malnutrition: Programs targeting stunting, malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies have laid the foundation for better health outcomes for women and children across the country.
Presenting the award, Dr. Anita Zaidi, president of the Gender Equality Division at the Gates Foundation, emphasized:
“Investing in women and children is an investment in healthy families, resilient communities and a growing economy. In order to do well, you have to be well. When women have access to the tools and services they need to live healthy, productive lives, all of society benefits.”
Tanzania’s achievements in antenatal care (ANC) and institutional births have further solidified its progress. The widespread provision of skilled care during pregnancy and delivery, combined with robust initiatives to improve child nutrition and health, has positioned Tanzania as a global leader in advancing maternal and child well-being.
For more than 20 years, the Gates Foundation has proudly partnered with Tanzania, supporting its journey toward improved health, nutrition, agriculture, and financial inclusion. The foundation looks forward to supporting Tanzania in its next chapter of progress for women and children’s health, including expanding access to proven tools like comprehensive prenatal vitamins, management of post-partum haemorrhage and staple foods fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients.
Media contact: media@gatesfoundation.org
About the Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we work with partners to create impactful solutions so that people can take charge of their futures and achieve their full potential. In the United States, we aim to ensure that everyone—especially those with the fewest resources—has access to the opportunities needed to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.
About Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers is the foundation's campaign to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals). By sharing stories and data behind the Global Goals through an annual report, the Gates Foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of leaders—Goalkeepers who raise awareness of progress, hold their leaders accountable, and drive action to achieve the Global Goals.
The full text of the 2024 Goalkeepers report can be found here.
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