Canada–Tanzania Partnership Accelerates Progress in Maternal and Adolescent Health

Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar, 20–22 July 2025 — A high-level mission to Tanzania by Hon. Randeep Sarai, Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, has spotlighted the transformative impact of Canada’s long-standing support to maternal and adolescent health in the country. The visit included a strategic roundtable with development partners in Dar es Salaam, followed by a field mission to Dodoma and Zanzibar, where Canada-supported programmes are equipping young people—especially adolescent girls—with life skills, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and vocational training.

“Canada’s support is a strong pillar in our efforts to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and services they need to thrive. Through these programmes, we are shaping a more empowered and resilient generation,” said Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar.

In Dar es Salaam, UNFPA and key partners joined a roundtable under the theme “Moving the Needle on Health: Canada–Tanzania Collaboration”.  Hosted by the Canadian High Commissioner, the dialogue brought together development partners and civil society to discuss  progress and lessons learned, reaffirming a shared vision of a resilient, inclusive health system that leaves no one behind.

In 2025 alone, Canada contributed an additional USD 851,667 through the UNFPA Supplies Match Fund, boosting contraceptive security and SRH supply chains. With over USD 15.3 million invested to date through the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, Canada remains a top donor in ensuring access to family planning tools and lifesaving health commodities across Tanzania.

“Canada’s support has been truly catalytic,” said Mark Bryan Schreiner, UNFPA Representative to Tanzania. “It’s not just about funding—it’s about a partnership that puts women, girls, and young people at the heart of national development. These investments are helping Tanzania build a resilient, inclusive health system that will serve generations to come.”

The roundtable explored key challenges, including commodity shortages, sustaining youth platforms, and health sector workforce retention. Participants called for continued investment, expansion of high-impact models, and stronger domestic financing and local ownership to ensure long-term results.

In Zanzibar, the HL delegation visited Mwera Pongwe Secondary School, where they were welcomed by Minister Mussa, H.E. Emily Burns, Canadian High Commissioner to Tanzania, and representatives from UNFPA and UNICEF. Student cultural performances and a drama on puberty and menstrual hygiene showcased how life skills and SRHR education are being integrated into the school curriculum. The delegation also engaged with peer educators from the community and youth-friendly service clinic and beneficiaries of the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) programme, learning how young leaders are improving adolescent health and nutrition.

At the ZIPOSA vocational training centre, the team met with young people—particularly girls—gaining practical skills in carpentry, tailoring, hospitality, tourism, and beauty trades.

"Before this programme, I never imagined I could stand up and speak with confidence. Now, I am no longer afraid to talk about my body, my rights, and my future. Every girl in Zanzibar deserves to know that she has the power to choose, to protect herself, and to dream without limits." — Fatma Othman, 17, SRHR Youth Advocate, Zanzibar

Over the past decade, Tanzania has made major strides in maternal, newborn, and adolescent health—gains propelled by national leadership and sustained global partnerships. Canada’s strategic contributions—particularly through the Health Basket Fund and its support to UNFPA and UNICEF—have played a key role in this progress. Aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, this support is grounded in the principles of inclusion, equity, and human dignity.

The results are compelling: maternal mortality has dropped dramatically, from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births (2015–2022); more women are delivering with skilled birth attendants; and adolescents—especially girls—have improved access to SRHR, HIV prevention, and gender-based violence (GBV) services, including in remote areas.

One of the flagship initiatives is the Strengthening Midwifery In Tanzania (SMIT) (2023–2030), where Canada has committed CAD 11.75 million to scale up midwifery services, with a focus on Shinyanga and Dar es Salaam. This project is already enhancing the quality of care and promoting respectful, lifesaving maternity services.

Beyond health, Canada’s commitment extends into holistic, youth-centered programming. Through the GRREAT (2019–2024) and Kijana Imara (2024–2029) initiatives, implemented by UNFPA and UNICEF, over 740,000 adolescents (mostly girls) have accessed critical health and nutrition services. These programmes have also launched youth-friendly clinics, national peer education and GBV prevention guidelines, and digital innovations like “Mrejesho”, a WhatsApp chatbot currently used by over 6,000 young people. Youth networks, such as AfriYAN, are amplifying the voices of adolescents and driving peer-led change.

From policy halls to classrooms and community workshops, the Canada–Tanzania partnership is delivering measurable results and lasting transformation. It stands as a global example of feminist, rights-based development in action—where women, girls, and youth are not only beneficiaries, but leaders shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.