Project helps reduce maternal deaths in health centres
MWANZA: THE Safe Births Bundle of Care (SBBC) project has contributed to the reducing deaths of pregnant mothers and infants between 60 and 70per cent respectively in health centres in four regions, the project coordinator Dr Paschal Mdoe said over the weekend .
The 11bn/- project has been implemented in 30 health centres in Mwanza, Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora and Manyara Regions.It has been funded by the Global Financing Facilities division.
A-three-year (2021-2023) SBBC project has been running by the Manyara-based Haydom Lutheran Hospital in collaboration with the Tanzanian government.
According to the Coordinator, before the project, the deaths’ status was 10 deaths of pregnant mothers and at least 10 infants at each health centre monthly.
“Currently, the deaths of pregnant mothers and infants have been reduced to three and four respectively. We are proud of this good development,” said Dr Mdoe.
The Infant Services Assistant Director in the Ministry of Health, Mr Felix Bundala, said the government keeps on improving maternity services, to completely fight maternal deaths.
He urged expectants to consult the experts immediately after they conceive, for timely maternity services in efforts to prevent possible maternal deaths.
A midwife at Geita Regional Hospital, Ms Restuta Bushaijagwe, commented that the project has brought number of benefits, including an increase in medical equipment and facilities at the beneficiary health centres, including premature baby service units.
Some of the maternity services facilities have been renovated, with new buildings also being in place through the SBBC, affirmed the Midwife.
“In totality, we are grateful that the project has been somehow supporting the government’s efforts to create a conducive working environment.”
