Health
Today, Tanzanian children stand a better chance of surviving past their fifth birthday than ever before.
Context
Despite progress in children’s survival, Tanzania’s journey to provide all children and adolescents with an equitable chance to survive and thrive is still ongoing. Tanzania has brought its under-5 mortality rate to less than one-third of its 1990 level, but the pace of mortality reduction has slowed in recent years, and maternal and neonatal mortality remain high with adolescent pregnancy rates and poor adolescent and maternal nutrition contributing to these deaths.
Infrastructure projects have increased the quantity of health services in recent years and improvements in the availability of essential medicines and commodities have been made, however, the quality of primary health care services, availability of human resources, social norms and practices remain a challenge. Providing adequate and high-quality healthcare is crucial to improve the survival and health of babies, children, and new mothers, particularly for vulnerable groups.
UNICEF in action
UNICEF seeks to improve the health and well-being of mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents by enhancing healthcare services and supporting government efforts to strengthen early childhood development, reduce preventable deaths, and promote sexual and reproductive health for adolescents.
UNICEF empowers communities to adopt healthy behaviours, with a focus on gender equality. UNICEF advocates for sustainable financing, improved human resources, and reliable resources for primary healthcare. The quality and effectiveness of healthcare delivery is enhanced, ensuring it is safe, responsive, and meets community needs. UNICEF also explores opportunities for sustainable energy use in healthcare facilities.