Intensify awareness campaigns for M-Mama service, MPs advised

DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament have been asked to intensify awareness campaigns in their constituencies to have their area residents understand the importance of using Mobile Maternity Transport Service M-Mama, in joint efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

The call was made in parliament on Friday by Deputy Minister for Health, Dr Godwin Mollel when responding to a main question by Special Seats MP, Subira Khamis (CCM) who had wanted to know if there were plans so far to introduce the M-Mama initiative in the districts of Mkuranga, Mafia and Kibiti in the Coast Region so as to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

Responding, Dr Mollel noted that the Coast region started using the M-Mama system on September 15, 2023.

“This region entered into a contract with 112 drivers at the community level, involving 14 boat drivers from Kibiti and Mafia District Councils,’’ he said.

ALSO READ: Over 200m/- set aside for M-MAMA programme in Geita

In addition, it offers services to neonatal patients who need to get to a hospital or treatment centre.

The programme was co-created by Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, Vodafone Foundation and the Government of Tanzania and was successfully piloted in six Tanzanian districts including Shinyanga and Sengerema.

Launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in April 2022, the system now operates in all 31 regions of Tanzania, including the five regions in Zanzibar. M-Mama is designed to address delays in providing emergency care to expectant mothers and newborns at risk of death and severe complications.

The system uses a centralised ‘Dispatch and Control’ system for managing emergency transportation, optimising the use of government ambulances supplemented with community drivers.

M-Mama is data-driven, built on simple, robust technology that can be practically used in rural and semi-rural settings. In parliament yesterday, Dr Mollel asked members to sensitise their electorates to use the endeavour. Whoever needs M-Mama services is only required to dial 115 for free.