Ministry, BMF patner to strengthen community health system
DODOMA: AS the government intensifies efforts to strengthen the country’s community health system, the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF) has partnered with the Ministry of Health to conduct a comprehensive joint supervision exercise across ten regions.
According to the latest BMF report, the exercise was carried out in Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma, Tabora, Kigoma, Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, Geita and Kagera regions.
The supervision aimed to assess progress in implementing the Community Health Worker (CHW) programme, evaluate the quality-of-service delivery at the community level and identify opportunities and challenges in sustaining integrated health interventions.
Conducted over several weeks, the field visits brought together a multi sectoral team comprising government officials, regional and district health management teams, and BMF technical experts.
The team worked closely with CHW coordinators, health facility in-charges and community members to gain firsthand insights into the programme’s impact.
“These visits are not only assessments, but also moments of learning, connection and reaffirmation of our shared goal: ensuring quality health services reach every household in Tanzania,” the Foundation noted in the report published on its website.
Across all ten regions, CHWs were found to play a pivotal role in delivering preventive and promotive health services, including maternal and child health, nutrition, immunisation, family planning and health education.
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The supervision teams reported significant progress in community engagement and data reporting, supported by the integration of digital tools and improved coordination with health facilities.
In Mtwara, Lindi and Ruvuma, strong collaboration between CHWs and health facility staff was observed, resulting in improved referrals and timely follow-up of maternal and newborn cases.
In Tabora and Kigoma, the supervision highlighted the dedication of CHWs serving remote communities, despite facing logistical and resour cerelated challenges.
Njombe and Iringa demonstrated exemplary mentorship and robust community participation, which have contributed to sustained behaviour change in hygiene and nutrition practices.
The BMF is a trust and non-profit organisation committed to building resilient and sustainable healthcare systems, particularly in under served communities.
Its core mission is to supplement and complement the development efforts of the government.
BMF was founded by the late former President Benjamin Mkapa to help build a healthier, more prosperous, inclusive and resilient society.
Guided by its mission, “Bringing Hope to the Underserved,” the Foundation continues to champion innovative, compassionate solutions that ensure no community is left behind.
