President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged African nations to prioritize domestic healthcare investment, emphasizing the need for stronger local capacity to build resilient health systems.

At the African Union Health Summit in Accra, she highlighted Tanzania's progress in implementing the African Union Health Strategy 2030, which focuses on local pharmaceutical production, improved healthcare systems, and reducing reliance on imported medical supplies.The strategy has led to the establishment of 13 pharmaceutical plants and attracted 149 investors.

Tanzania's Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA) achieved WHO Maturity Level 3 status, boosting confidence in locally produced medicines.

The country has expanded healthcare infrastructure, constructing 119 district hospitals, 649 health centres, and over 2,700 dispensaries, significantly improving access to skilled healthcare services.

Key metrics show increased maternal and child health outcomes, with deliveries at health facilities rising to 86% and under-five child deaths dropping from 147 to 43 per 1,000 live births.

African leaders echoed the call for self-reliance, stressing the importance of domestic investment and regional cooperation to address declining global health funding and ensure sustainable healthcare systems.