Tanzania's president urges women to have fewer babies

Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, has voiced alarm over the nation's high birth rate and urged people to use birth control.

It represents a significant shift from the attitude of her late predecessor, John Magufuli, who openly urged women not to use contraception.

During a weekend visit to the western part of Geita, President Samia addressed the nation's birth boom.

I was informed yesterday that one (health) center in the Buselesele ward of the Geita region generates 1,000 children per month.

"So, after three years, how many classes will be required? How many health centers will be required to service all of these kids? How much food, in tonnes, will be required? The president encouraged, "Let's slow down and keep things under control.

In 2018, former president Magufuli referred to those who use contraception as lazy while speaking at a gathering in western Tanzania.

In addition, he declared in 2016 that women might discard their contraceptives after the country introduces free elementary and secondary education. Today, education is free.

Tanzania's fertility rate was estimated by the World Bank to be 4.8 births per woman in 2020. Early marriages and low use of contraception were blamed for the high birth rate.

According to World Bank data, it has been declining over the past 30 years, but not as quickly as other nations in the region like Kenya and Ethiopia.

Around 60 million people call Tanzania home, and 49% of them make less than $2 (£1.77) every day.