President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed former Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu as Presidential Advisor on Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health.The appointment was announced on June 2, 2026, through a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communications at State House.

In her new position, Mwalimu will serve within the Office of the President and provide advisory support on matters related to reproductive health, maternal healthcare and child wellbeing.

Ummy Mwalimu is a senior leader of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and is one of Tanzania’s most experienced public officials in the health sector.Her government service includes several high-profile Cabinet appointments over the last decade.

She first joined the Cabinet in 2015 under former President John Magufuli, serving as Minister for Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children.

She later held positions as Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment and Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government.In 2022, she returned to lead the Ministry of Health.

Throughout her public service career, Mwalimu has been closely associated with healthcare reforms, programmes aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes, and broader social welfare initiatives.Her appointment is seen as bringing extensive experience in public health policy to the Presidency.

While the government confirmed her new role, it did not immediately provide detailed information regarding her specific responsibilities, mandate or objectives.

The announcement nevertheless highlights continued attention by the government to reproductive, maternal and child health issues as important areas of national development and public welfare.