Lake Zone records 1,415 births in first 24 hours of 2025

MWANZA: A TOTAL of 1,415 babies were born in the Lake Zone during the first 24 hours of 2025, with all mothers and newborns reported to be in good health.

In the Mwanza region, 415 babies were born, followed by Geita with 285, Kagera with 235, Mara with 224, Shinyanga with 130 and Simiyu with 126.

Health service providers expressed pride in the success of public education campaigns that have encouraged expectant mothers to seek timely medical care at health centres.

While mothers and babies born on New Year’s Day in the Lake Zone were reported to be in good health, annual reports from some regions still show a slight increase in maternal-related deaths over the past year.

Health service providers told the ‘Daily News’ that one of the contributing factors for the occurrence of maternal related deaths is the continued use of traditional practices, with some expectant mothers relying on herbal remedies to hasten labour.

These mothers often spend extended periods using traditional herbs at home in hopes of shortening their time in the delivery room without realising that such herbs could have harmful effects on both the uterus and the unborn child.

“Consequently, many women arrive at hospitals too late, with some ruptures on uterus causing heavy bleeding, either before, during, or after delivery.

In some cases, the unborn child may be already dead upon arrival at the health centre,” explained the Shinyanga Regional Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator (RRCHCo), Ms Hellen Kasakanta.

Between 2023 and 2024, slight increases in maternal deaths were reported in several Lake Zone regions, including Shinyanga, where the number rose from 49 to 57, Mara (49 to 51) and Geita (55 to 59), according to Regional Health Coordinators. In Mwanza, maternal deaths increased from 144 to 169.

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The Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Dr Jesca Lebba explained that the increase was relatively small, given that Bugando Zonal Referral Hospital serves expectant mothers from across the Lake Zone and neighbouring regions, including Tabora and Kigoma.

“However, we are proud that the numbers began to decline in November and December, last year. We are also implementing various approaches to combat maternal deaths, such as identifying expectant mothers with risk factors and providing timely treatments,” Dr Lebba said.

Simiyu region recorded 33 maternal deaths in 2023, a figure that has remained unchanged to date, according to the Regional Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator (RRCHCo) Ms Marry Njau.

In contrast, Kagera region saw a reduction in maternal deaths, from 56 in 2023 to 47 in 2024. The Regional Medical Officer, Dr Samwel Laizer, attributed the decrease to intensified public awareness campaigns.

“The campaigns have encouraged early clinic attendance after pregnancy, ensuring mothers receive necessary health checks and counselling tailored to their individual health conditions,” Dr Laizer explained.

Moreover, he insisted that Kagera ensures the availability of blood transfusion services and essential medical equipment at all health centres for delivery procedures.

“We have also consulted both local and external medical specialists for in-office training, ensuring that our staff is competent in handling reproductive health issues,” he added.