Fifteen million pounds (€17.5 million) will be spent over five years to reduce preventable deaths, combat disease outbreaks, and improve the quality and accessibility of primary health care services, especially for mothers and children.
A further £12 million (€14 million) will ensure the extension of the Family Planning Strengthening Program for a further two years, to support cooperation on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
This program benefits four million people, and according to the British Foreign Office, it would prevent 1,400 maternal deaths, one million unwanted pregnancies, and more than 200,000 unsafe abortions in Tanzania.
Finally, £5.5 million (€6.4 million) has been allocated to support projects related to climate change and the environment until 2026, in particular promoting clean cooking technologies, access to clean energy and urban resilience.
According to the British government, Tanzania has suffered from the impact of climate change, which has been exacerbated by the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon.
In recent months, heavy rains have caused floods and landslides, displaced thousands of people and affected social services, livelihoods and infrastructure.
It also stated in a statement that half of Tanzania's population is under 15 years of age and that the demand for sexual and reproductive health services is high and will increase in the coming years.
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Andrew Mitchell, who is visiting the African country, said: “The UK funding announced today will help reduce maternal deaths in Tanzania, creating a safer environment for women and their babies.”
“Multiple disease threats and high population growth in Tanzania are putting enormous pressure on the healthcare system, meaning many women cannot access the family planning services they want and need, leaving them vulnerable to unsafe abortions – and putting their health and lives at risk. He stressed that he was in danger.
Following his visit to Tanzania, Mitchell will travel to Rwanda, where he will participate in commemorations of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis and visit the Nyakabingo tungsten mine, demonstrating the UK's interest in Rwanda's vital minerals sector.
