Joseph Isangura
Tanzania is witnessing a steady improvement in the wellbeing of its people following the implementation of the Long-Term Perspective Plan (LTPP) 2025, with government officials pointing to longer life expectancy and stronger healthcare services as key indicators of progress.
Speaking in Parliament in Dodoma on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, said the country has made remarkable strides in public health over the past two decades. According to official figures, average life expectancy has increased from 51 years in 2000 to 68.3 years in 2022, reflecting improved access to medical services, disease control programs, and investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Prof Mkumbo explained that these gains did not happen by chance but were the result of deliberate long-term planning and sustained funding aimed at strengthening social services across the country.
One of the most striking achievements highlighted was the sharp reduction in maternal mortality. In 2000, Tanzania recorded around 750 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. By 2022, that figure had dropped dramatically to 104 — a milestone many health experts describe as a major public health success.
The government attributes this progress to expanded maternity services, improved emergency care, wider availability of skilled health workers, and community outreach programs that encourage women to seek medical support during pregnancy and childbirth.
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“These improvements show that when planning is consistent and services reach the grassroots, real change happens in people’s lives,” Prof Mkumbo told lawmakers.
Beyond healthcare, the minister noted that the country has also made progress in governance systems and delivery of basic services, which have helped create a more stable environment for social and economic development. Access to clean water, education, and primary healthcare facilities has expanded in both urban and rural areas, supporting healthier communities.
Observers say Tanzania’s experience aligns with broader global development efforts, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to improve health, reduce poverty, and promote wellbeing worldwide by 2030.
While challenges remain — including population growth, resource pressures, and regional inequalities — analysts believe the progress achieved so far demonstrates the impact of long-term planning when paired with political commitment.
As the country prepares to transition into the next phase of its development agenda, officials have emphasized the need to protect the gains already made and continue prioritizing health and social services.
