DODOMA: TANZANIA and Africa have every reason to celebrate following the appointment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health.
The prestigious responsibility, announced last week, is seen as recognition of her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the well-being of women and children across the continent.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ from Australia, Dr Joseph Masika OAM, a Public Health Specialist and Tanzanian diaspora leader, described the appointment as ‘a proud moment for Tanzania and Africa.’
“This is not only an honour for Tanzania, but also a significant milestone for Africa’s collective journey toward stronger health systems, healthier families and sustainable development,” Dr Masika said.
He noted that maternal and child health remains one of Africa’s most urgent priorities.
Despite progress in recent decades, the continent still carries a disproportionate burden of preventable maternal deaths and under-five mortality.
Many women continue to face life-threatening risks during pregnancy and childbirth, while children die from avoidable causes such as malnutrition, infectious diseases and limited access to quality healthcare.
Dr Masika said President Samia’s appointment comes at a critical time, offering renewed momentum for the African Union and its Member States to accelerate efforts that protect mothers, safeguard children and strengthen health outcomes for future generations.
He outlined several key considerations that could guide the mission. Strengthening health systems must remain central, he said, noting that maternal and child health outcomes are a direct reflection of the quality, accessibility and resilience of healthcare services.
Skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric care, antenatal and postnatal services, immunisation programmes and newborn care must reach every woman and child, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Dr Masika emphasised the need for investment in training, retention and equitable distribution of midwives, nurses, doctors and community health workers.
“Without sufficient and supported health personnel, progress will remain limited,” he said.
He further stressed that sustainable financing and political accountability are essential.
“Improving maternal and child health requires more than good intentions; it requires domestic investment. Governments must prioritise health in national budgets, strengthen supply chains for essential medicines, and ensure that resources are used efficiently and transparently,” he said.
According to Dr Masika, maternal and child health cannot be separated from broader social determinants such as nutrition, clean water, sanitation, education, gender equality and poverty reduction.
“A mother cannot thrive where hunger persists. A child cannot survive where basic services are absent,” he said, calling for coordinated action across sectors.
Partnerships will also be key. He said governments, the African Union, civil society organisations, faith leaders, women’s groups and international partners such as WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA all have crucial roles to play.
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Community engagement, he added, must be prioritised to ensure policies are effective and culturally relevant. Importantly, Dr Masika highlighted the role of the African diaspora.
“Millions of Africans living abroad represent a valuable resource of expertise, networks and goodwill. Diaspora health professionals can contribute through training, mentoring, research collaboration, telemedicine, and investment in community-based maternal and child health initiatives,” he said.
He added that diaspora organisations can advocate globally for Africa’s health priorities, mobilise resources and support innovative programmes aligned with national and continental goals.
Dr Masika reiterated that President Samia’s appointment symbolises hope and renewed determination.
“Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, and the wellbeing of mothers and children will define the continent’s long-term development and prosperity,” he said.
He praised President Samia’s leadership, saying she has already demonstrated that transformative leadership is possible.
“As AU Champion for Maternal and Child Health, she now carries a platform to inspire unity, champion innovation and accelerate progress toward an Africa where no woman dies giving life and every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive,” he said.
Dr Masika extended his congratulations to President Samia, describing the appointment as well-deserved.
“May her leadership in this role leave a lasting legacy for Tanzania, Africa and generations to come,” he said.
President Samia’s appointment was formally announced in a statement issued by the Director of Presidential Communication at State House, Bakari Machumu.
The statement explained that her endorsement was made during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, held in Addis Ababa on Saturday.
The decision followed recommendations contained in the 2025 report of the Committee of Heads of State and Government overseeing the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)