Dar picks 36 health facilities to pilot maternal, child health services

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government has begun to implement an integrated maternal and child health services package in a bid to improve the quality of health services and reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Speaking at a launch event for the program held in Dar es Salaam, the Regional Administrative Secretary, Abdul Mhinte, said the program is part of the Government’s efforts to accelerate the reduction of maternal and infant mortality by improving services in health facilities.

He said that in the implementation of the program, a total of 36 health facilities have been selected in Dar es Salaam Region to become model centers that will demonstrate the best implementation of maternal and child health services.

In addition, the program also involves the distribution of medical equipment to health care facilities as well as the provision of training and on-the-job training to service providers to ensure that the services provided are in line with national and international standards.

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According to health officials, the package will focus on four key areas of care, namely antenatal care, newborn care, and postnatal care.

The measure aims to ensure that mothers and children receive safe and quality care from the period of pregnancy to postpartum.

The government, through the Ministry of Health, has stated that it will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders in the health sector to ensure that the implementation of the plan brings positive results in improving maternal and child health and reducing preventable deaths.