4th October 2024, Zanzibar: In a landmark demonstration of support for maternal and child health, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, spearheaded the Uzazi Ni Maisha Appreciation and Reception at the State House in Zanzibar. With the focus to “Support Medical Equipment and Supplies for Safe Delivery,” the Uzazi ni Maisha Appreciation event was organized by Amref Health Africa – Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar and Absa Bank Tanzania, as part of the third phase of this unique Initiative.
The reception drew over 400 distinguished guests, including corporate leaders, diplomats, government officials, development partners, and media representatives. The event not only celebrated the achievements of all partners involved but also aimed to raise additional funds to support Zanzibar’s mission to provide vital medical equipment and supplies for safe childbirth. President Dr. Mwinyi lauded Amref Health Africa- Tanzania, together with Absa Bank Tanzania main partner in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Zanzibar for its pivotal role in driving the initiative, expressing deep appreciation to all sponsors and individual givers for their commitment. He underscored the significant impact of these efforts in safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns and called for continued support from corporate companies and organizations.
“Today marks a critical milestone in our journey to reduce maternal and child mortality,” President Mwinyi remarked. “We are working towards ambitious goals: reducing maternal mortality to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality to 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. Despite progress, challenges remain, particularly in securing adequate medical resources. I encourage more partners to join us in this crucial mission to meet these targets.”
Anthony Chamungwana, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Amref Health Africa Tanzania, highlighted the alignment of the initiative with the organization’s 2023-2030 strategic plan. “Our strategy is rooted in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in relation to health and the impact of climate change. We remain dedicated to enhancing health services through the use of data and technology to amplify our impact.”2
Dr. Florence Temu, Country Director of Amref Health Africa Tanzania, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners who have supported the Uzazi Ni Maisha Initiative since the launch of this life saving initiative. She reaffirmed Amref’s unwavering commitment to improving maternal and child health in Zanzibar, emphasizing the importance of availability of enough medical equipment and supplies for preventing and reducing mortality rates in health facilities across the region.
Obedi S. Laiser, Managing Director of Absa Bank Tanzania, also spoke at the event, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to social change. “Absa Bank Tanzania is proud to support the Uzazi Ni Maisha Initiative, as we believe it will lead to significant improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes in Zanzibar. Our contribution in this initiative reflects our dedication to empowering the future of Tanzania and ensuring access to quality healthcare.”
To date, the Uzazi Ni Maisha program has been able to collect pledges totaling over 900 million TZS of which a total of over 700 million TZS in cash has already been received, which have enabled access to medical equipment in 28 health centers in Zanzibar to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers and infants. This program has set itself the goal of collecting at least one billion shillings, donations and various pledges to support the availability of medical equipment. The program remains active open for one year until 2025, and supporters are encouraged to continue contributing to reach the target. Donations can be made via Vodacom Lipa at number 5529421 or through the Wogging donation portal at wogging.amref.org.
A special thanks was extended to key partners, including Absa Bank, AstraZeneca, Nbc Bank, Amref Health Innovation, Nmb Bank ,Itv/Capital Radio/Radio One, Flying Doctors Society of Africa (FSDA), M&D Chemical and Surgical Limited , CRDB Bank , Strategis Insurance, Kemil Healthcare Limited, Mehta’s Hospital, Amref Flying Doctors, Climate for Action Network Tanzania, EATV, GT Bank Tanzania, Axum, Hotel Verde, Zara Pharmaceuticals (Tz) Ltd, SGA Security, Medical Stores Department(MSD), TCDC, Bio Solution, Zanzibar Serena Hotel, Numpe Industries, Z-group, Perfect Infotech, ZBC, Nam Enterprises, Mama Mia, Bon Catering, Switzerland-Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Ozone International, Tanzania Health Summit, Aaph – Africa Academy for Public Health, Oceanic Group, Shdepha, Liaison Group, Najram Group, Maru Maru Hotel, Irab Limited.
Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation, Tanzania Ports Authority, Nebula Healthcare, Swahili Sweatshop, Coconut Fm, Siemens Healthineers, Hotel Verde, Deity Company Ltd, Titching Pharm Access International, Medical Teams International, Cornerstone, KCB Bank, Multichoice Tanzania Limited, PWC, Madinat Hotel, Fortes Africa Ltd, Zanzibar Food & Drug, NHC, Jeel International, Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), TAYOA, Elizabeth Glaser Foundation (EGPAF), Naivera Complex, Notus, Quality Building Ltd, Zanzibar Revenue Board, Meraas Perfume, Antelope Safaris, Swala Air Cargo, Zahari Tours, Amref International University, Agota, Hai Garage, Labsol Trading, Lal Garage, Laurent & Augustine, Mambo Leo Digital, Mazars, Mediwinners Enterprises, Princess Business Centre, Rena Tours & logistics, Coca Cola, Anglican Church of Zanzibar, Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, Turkys Group of Company (Virgo), Target Lounge, Anudha Limited, Apechi, Engage Consult Co.Ltd, Myservice, Nacopha, Transcend Group of Companies, Africai, Dinari, Security Printers Ltd, Elpis Company Limited, Pi Trading and Logistics, Shamea Enterprises, Super Kitasa Jr Motors Limited, Tanpack and and all other supporters whose contributions have been instrumental in the success of the Uzazi Ni Maisha Initiative.3
Notes to Editors:
About Amref Health Africa in Tanzania
With the focus to reach and work with the most vulnerable African communities to achieve lasting health change, Amref Health Africa has been active in Tanzania since 1957 and in 1987 the country office was established in Dar es Salaam. Since then, Amref Health Africa in Tanzania has been among the major supporters of the Government of Tanzania’s health care initiatives particularly the Ministry of Health, and President Office Region Authority and Local Government. Amref has supported the development of a number of national health policies, strategies, and guidelines for equitable health service delivery. Amref Health Africa-Tanzania’s projects respond to national health priorities and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in addressing the needs of underserved communities – mostly women and children. We work to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of health services by strengthening health systems, improving access to services, advocating stronger community health systems, and influencing health policies. Amref Health Africa- Tanzania remains a strong supporter of the Universal Health Coverage Agenda.
Learn more about Amref Health Africa through www.amref.org
Press Contacts
Eliminatha Paschal; Head of Communication & Partnerships
Amref Health Africa in Tanzania
Email: [email protected]
About Absa Bank Tanzania
Absa Bank Tanzania Limited is one of Tanzania’s leading financial institutions offering an integrated set of products and services across Corporate and Investment Banking, Business Banking with solutions for SMEs, and Retail Banking. Backed by its 24-year legacy in Tanzania and inspired by the people it serves, Absa is committed to finding local solutions to uniquely local challenges and everything we do is focused on bringing possibility to life.
Absa Bank Tanzania is part of Absa Group Limited, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services groups.
For more about Absa Bank Tanzania, its products and services, visit www.absa.co.tz