Declining Donor Funding Puts Maternal Health at Risk

Tanzania Faces Threat of Severe Maternal Health Shortages Due to Declining Donor Support
March 6, 2025

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – Tanzania is at risk of a critical shortage of essential maternal health supplies, including contraceptives, in the next two to three months, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has warned. The agency highlighted that ongoing declines in donor funding are exacerbating gaps in the country’s reproductive health commodities.

During a recent symposium hosted by Marie Stopes Tanzania, UNFPA representative Ms. Jarrie Kebba expressed concern about the country’s future access to life-saving maternal health supplies, urging for increased financial commitment from the Tanzanian government. She emphasized that without such intervention, sustaining a reliable supply of reproductive health products would become increasingly difficult.

Ms. Kebba further noted that a substantial gap was discovered during a quantification exercise in December, which assessed the country’s needs for reproductive health commodities. The assessment found that Tanzania faces a shortfall of over 25 million essential items, underscoring the urgency of securing these supplies.

“If the current situation continues, Tanzania could face a nationwide shortage of all maternal health commodities, including contraceptives,” Ms. Kebba warned. She acknowledged the impact of declining donor contributions, revealing that fewer donors are supporting the sector, contributing to the widening gap.

While the UNFPA continues to work with the government to address this issue and secure both donor funds and government allocations, Ms. Kebba reiterated that it is crucial for the government to prioritize and allocate sufficient funding to ensure the long-term availability of these vital health resources.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Daud Msasi, Tanzania's chief pharmacist, reassured the public that, in the event of a shortage, the government would act to ensure continued access to essential healthcare services. "It is typical for us to negotiate with donors for a portion of the required medications, while the government covers the remaining costs,” he explained to Mwananchi, The Citizen's sister paper.

Marie Stopes Tanzania’s Head of Research and Monitoring, Ms. Ester Lubambi, highlighted the importance of inclusive reproductive health services, especially for women approaching menopause. She noted that these services have been tailored to address the specific challenges that arise at different life stages, ensuring that women receive comprehensive support in both their personal and professional lives.

As Tanzania grapples with this critical issue, it is clear that both external support and internal government funding will be necessary to prevent a full-scale shortage of maternal health commodities.