Zanzibar boosts maternal care oversight
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through a comprehensive overhaul of healthcare monitoring, backed by new investments, improved infrastructure and enhanced frontline supervision.
The government of Zanzibar is now shifting from passive oversight to a proactive monitoring system that tracks healthcare delivery in real time, enabling authorities to identify service gaps early and respond swiftly to save lives.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Mngereza Miraji Mzee, announced the reforms while handing over five vehicles worth 750m/-, funded by the World Bank, during a ceremony at the ministry headquarters in Mnazi Mmoja.
He said the vehicles will enable specialised ministry teams to conduct regular inspections across districts and regions to ensure health facilities comply with national standards, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
“The government has decided to invest more in close monitoring so that our teams can directly assess service delivery on the ground and address challenges that may put mothers and children at risk,” he said.
Under the new system, Maternal and Child Health Unit will investigate every reported maternal and child death to establish the causes and recommend preventive measures.
Weekly monitoring reports will also guide timely policy and operational decisions. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen accountability among health workers, improve service quality and significantly reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.
Over the past five years, President Dr Hussein Mwinyi’s administration has invested 130bn/- in the health sector, including the construction of ten district hospitals, a regional hospital in Lumumba and the procurement of modern medical equipment.
The government plans to invest 1.016tri/- in the sector by 2030, including the construction of four regional hospitals and a national referral hospital at Binguni.
ALSO READ: Tanzania launches Thamini Uhai project in a move to reduce newborn deaths
Health officials in Pemba welcomed the initiative, saying the vehicles will improve outreach services and strengthen efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality. Community-based interventions are also being reinforced.
During a visit to IJitimai District Hospital, Director of Community Development, Gender and Children, Ms Siti Abass Ali urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly and deliver at health facilities to reduce childbirth-related risks.
She also stressed the importance of proper breastfeeding, commending health workers for their commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare.
Medical staff at IJitimai District Hospital encouraged expectant mothers to use nearby health facilities for delivery to ease pressure on referral hospitals, while mothers expressed appreciation for improvements that have made childbirth safer.
With strengthened monitoring, sustained investment and greater community engagement, Zanzibar aims to accelerate progress in safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns.
