Norwegian Minister of Health visits Tanzania

OSLO, Norway - To improve the health of mothers and newborn babies is the goal for a special partnership between Tanzania and Norway. This week the Norwegian Minister of Health, Ms Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen is here to learn about Tanzania's progress.

Norway Tanzania Partnership Initiative (NTPI) was launched in 2007 as a result of dialogue between Norwegian Prime Minister Stoltenberg and Tanzania's President Kikwete. Norway provides approximately 8.5 million USD annually. The focus on the partnership is Millennium Development Goal 4 & 5 on improving women's and children's health.

Over the last years Tanzania has reduced its child mortality rate (number of children who die before they are five years old) with more than 25 %. This achievement is made possible by increased vaccination and distribution of mosquito nets.

- I am very impressed to learn that Tanzania is on track to reach the Millennium Development Goal on child health. But more must be done to increase the number of women who give birth with skilled health personnel present. This is why we together have piloted a new system whereby health personnel get a bonus for every child birth they attend, says Norwegian Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen.

With increased efforts Tanzania can also meet the Millennium Development Goal on maternal health. Today only 47% of deliveries happen in health facilities, but the Minister has learned that Tanzania is determined to increase the number.

The Minister started her programme in Tanzania in Arusha and will continue to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar where she will meet among others the President of Zanzibar, His Excellency Dr Shein and Tanzania's Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

The Minister is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Bente Angell-Hansen. Ms. Angell-Hansen was recently appointed member of the advisory board of the organisation Femmes Afrique Soldarité.