International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Living standards in Tanzania are suffering as a result of high population numbers, an academic has claimed.

According to Professor Sam Maghimbi, a demographic expert at the University of Dar es Salaam, the number of people in the country is heading upwards, reports Tanzanian newspaper the Guardian.

This, he said, is affecting the standard of living in Tanzania, which in turn is inhibiting the economy's ability to grow.

Professor Maghimbi identified rising fertility rates as a major factor behind this trend and warned this could stop the country achieving its UN Millennium Development Goals.

This is proving to be a particular problem in rural parts of Tanzania, which means the chances of women dying while giving birth are higher in these areas.

"For the economy to grow, the standard of living among citizens needs also to improve," Professor Maghimbi commented.

The warning comes after Tujikomboe Group Founder and Organization Advisor Shamsi Mhina said Tanzania has made great strides in improving its maternal and newborn health provision, the Tanzania Daily News reported.

Posted by Paul Robertson