DAR ES SALAAM: A groundbreaking research report published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals a remarkable 75 per cent reduction in maternal deaths within seven days of childbirth across five regions of Tanzania: Manyara, Shinyanga, Tabora, Geita and Mwanza.
The study, authored by a team of medical experts, demonstrates that the Safer Births Bundle of Care (SBBC) programme dramatically lowered the maternal mortality rate from 240 deaths per 100,000 live births to just 60 between 2021 and 2023.
A key component of Tanzania’s strategy to improve maternal and neonatal care, the SBBC programme provides healthcare workers (HCWs) with enhanced training, tools and support.
Its success is largely attributed to the Low-Dose, High-Frequency (LDHF) training model, which allows HCWs to refine their skills through frequent, short training sessions.
Simulation-based training, utilising advanced mannequins for realistic practice, is also integral to the programme.
The study further highlights a 40 per cent decrease in neonatal deaths, with Geita and Manyara experiencing even greater reductions of 60-70 per cent.
Newborn deaths (within the first day, including stillbirths) also saw an 18 per cent reduction, thanks to improved neonatal resuscitation training and the availability of specialised medical devices like NeoBeat and the Upright Resuscitator.
Dr Benjamin Kamala, the Principal Investigator of SBBC, emphasised the programme’s holistic approach: “The innovative tools, training, continuous quality improvement and sustainability are what make the SBBC bundle complete. Removing any component reduces the impact.”
He stressed that effective training is crucial for the successful implementation of new tools. The LDHF training model has significantly boosted HCW confidence and competency, particularly in managing postpartum hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths globally.
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Regular hands-on simulation training and comprehensive debriefing sessions have also contributed to this improvement.
Furthermore, the programme has fostered a positive shift in workplace culture, reducing the fear of blame and shame and promoting open communication and accountability among healthcare providers.
“The SBBC has proven effective in the reduction of maternal and neonatal deaths across five Regions in Tanzania,” stated Dr Kamala.
This progress brings Tanzania closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1, which aims to reduce maternal mortality to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
This achievement was also highlighted by Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, at the 74th East, Central and Southern Africa Health Ministers’ Conference (ECSA-HC). She noted the significant contribution of the SBBC programme and other initiatives to Tanzania’s healthcare goals.
Tanzania has made substantial strides in reducing its overall maternal mortality rate. According to the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHSMIS), the national maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 to 104 in 2022, representing an 80 per cent decrease in seven years.
