“UZAZI NI MAISHA WOGGING 2023” OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED IN ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar, 20 June 2023: Amref Health Africa Tanzania in partnership with the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, has today announced the “Uzazi ni Maisha Wogging 2023” (Walk-Jog-Run) event to take place in Zanzibar. The Wogging marathon is set to take place on 26 August 2023 and will be graced by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi. The theme this year is ‘Supporting Medical Equipment and Supplies for Safe Delivery’.

Speaking during the ‘Uzazi ni Maisha Wogging 2023 ’media conference, the Minister of Health in Zanzibar, Hon. Ahmed Mazrui, appreciated the efforts of Amref Tanzania and its stakeholders through the Ministry of Health for the success of the previous event which mobilized and brought together many public institutions, private sector, business companies, various sponsors and individuals who contributed for this initiative.

In his speech, Minister Mazrui recognized all stakeholders who contributed during the 2022 Wogging event whose funds equipped hospitals with TZS 50 million worth of equipment which has been delivered to the targeted health facilities. He noted that equipment worth TZS 221 million is in the procurement process ready to be handed over in the next round.

“If we achieve the set target of funds, this initiative will benefit a total of 28 health centres through medical equipment that will be purchased in phases. The identified 28 health centres are approximately 40.4% of all health centres which are providing reproductive services here in Zanzibar,” he said. He also called upon all Tanzanians, woggers, individuals, and diasporas to continue supporting in cash or kind and participate in the upcoming Wogging in Zanzibar.

According to the Minister, deaths resulting from labour and directly impacting pregnant mothers and their infants are still high in Zanzibar, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 134 deaths per 100,000 births, and an average infant mortality rate of 28 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Dr Florence Temu, Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, said: “ The Uzazi ni Maisha Campaign was officially launched in July 2022 by the First Lady Mama Mariam Mwinyi. Today we are formally officiating the Wogging 2023 as a continuation of the very same efforts geared towards mobilizing resources for saving lives and ensuring that, no woman will die while giving life to a newborn.”

Dr Temu emphasised that Amref and partners will continue supporting government efforts to reduce the current medical equipment gap in the indicated facilities. “With the Uzazi ni Maisha Initiative Amref will continue running this program in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. As we all know, this shortage cannot be solved at once, but we can make great strides in three years of implementing this campaign through awareness and fundraising. This is our

commitment to the public and our government,” Dr Temu said. She appreciated and louded all partners and friends from Tanzania and across the world that have made the initiative a success.

The initiative has so far raised TZS 548 million to support medical equipment and supplies for safe delivery. In addition, the Uzazi Ni Maisha initiative aims at raising over one billion Tanzanian shilling in three consecutive years (2022-2024) to improve safe delivery and maternal health while reducing maternal and child mortality in the identified health facilities in Zanzibar.

Registration for the Uzazi ni Maisha Wogging 2023 has been officially opened at https://wogging.amref.org. Dr. Temu further called upon Tanzanians to continue participating by registering to join the wogging on 26th August 2023 make a donation through Vodacom LIPA NAMBA 5529421, on-online https://wogging.amref.org and Pledge or support by purchasing medical equipment.

Notes to Editors:

About Amref Health Africa Tanzania

With the focus to reach and works 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 in Tanzania’s projects responds to national health priorities and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in addressing the needs of needy 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 in 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: Eliminatha.Paschal@amref.org