The women saving mothers’ lives in rural communities

AS dawn breaks over a remote health facility, midwife Saraphina prepares for another long shift in the labour ward.

For her, every birth is more than a medical procedure; it is a chance to save two lives and help secure the future of a family.

Working in a setting where resources can be limited and challenges immense, Saraphina carries with her a simple but powerful mission, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to experience a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

“My vision is to ensure that every woman in the community knows the importance of going to a health facility as soon as they become pregnant,” she says. “They should follow the advice offered by healthcare providers because the baby she is carrying is the nation of tomorrow.”

Across Tanzania’s rural communities, thousands of nurses and midwives like Saraphina are quietly transforming maternal healthcare. Their dedication, compassion and expertise are contributing to one of the country’s most remarkable public health achievements, a significant reduction in maternal deaths over the past several years.

The progress has been substantial. Between 2016 and 2022, Tanzania recorded a dramatic decline in maternal mortality, bringing the country closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals target of fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

This progress also aligns with the country’s Health Sector Strategic Plan V (2021– 2026), which prioritises reducing maternal and newborn mortality.

Behind these encouraging statistics are women like Saraphina, who spend countless hours monitoring pregnancies, assisting deliveries and offering emotional support to mothers during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Using improved skills and tools, including labour care guides that help monitor all stages of labour and delivery, Saraphina works to identify complications early and reduce risks, even in remote and low-resource settings.

Her commitment has made a profound difference in the lives of many women, including Herena, a mother of twins who chose to deliver her babies at a health facility.

“What made me come here is to get good service and give birth safely,” Herena says with a smile. “I am grateful to the nurse who helped me during delivery, giving me words of encouragement and even making me laugh.”

For Herena, the decision to seek skilled care meant not only a safer delivery but also reassurance and comfort during a life-changing experience.

Her story reflects a growing trend across the country, where an increasing number of women are choosing to deliver in health facilities under the care of skilled birth attendants.

According to the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2022, approximately 85 per cent of births in the country are now assisted by skilled health providers, marking a significant milestone in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

For another dedicated midwife, Janeth, the motivation to serve mothers and newborns comes from deeply personal experiences.

“I’ve volunteered my life to help pregnant women,” she says. “From a young age, I have always loved this work because I saw the challenges my mother went through in motherhood and the experiences she shared with me.”

Those childhood experiences shaped Janeth’s career path and strengthened her determination to ensure that other women receive the care, support and dignity they deserve during pregnancy and childbirth.

Every day, she works tirelessly to provide compassionate care, often going beyond her formal responsibilities to reassure expectant mothers and support families facing uncertainty and fear.

The work of healthcare professionals like Saraphina and Janeth is being strengthened through various initiatives aimed at improving maternal and reproductive health services, particularly in underserved communities.

Among these is the 2gether 4 SRHR programme, a regional initiative supported by Sweden that seeks to expand access to sexual and reproductive health services, HIV prevention and response services, and genderbased violence interventions.

The programme has supported healthcare workers through training, improved service delivery approaches and the introduction of evidence-based healthcare practices. Areas of focus include intrapartum care, postpartum family planning and comprehensive maternal healthcare services.

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Yet, despite the support of programmes and policies, healthcare workers insist that the greatest reward comes not from statistics or recognition, but from seeing mothers and babies survive and thrive.

“I work hard to help save the lives of mothers and babies,” Saraphina says quietly.

Her words capture the spirit of thousands of nurses and midwives serving across Tanzania’s villages, towns and remote communities. While their work often goes unnoticed, their contribution is immeasurable.

Every healthy mother who returns home with her newborn child, every complication prevented, and every life saved is a testament to their commitment.

As Tanzania continues its journey towards ending preventable maternal deaths, one thing remains clear, behind every success story are women like Saraphina and Janeth, whose compassion, dedication and courage are helping to build a healthier future, one birth at a time.