Tanzania Launches Project to Strengthen Midwifery

- While Tanzania has seen a significant drop in its maternal mortality ratio, from 556 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 to 104 in 2022, challenges in providing quality maternal healthcare persist, especially in rural areas. - A key challenge is the shortage of healthcare workers; in 2022, it was reported that there is approximately one nurse or midwife for every 1,400 people in Tanzania, a ratio significantly higher than the WHO recommendation of one per 500. - Midwives in Tanzania face numerous challenges, including a shortage of essential resources and equipment, which leads to excessive workloads and difficulties in providing adequate care. - The "Start with Her Gates Advocacy Project" is part of a broader push for women-centered care and complements other initiatives, such as the UNFPA-supported "Strengthening Midwifery in Tanzania (SMIT)" project, which is a seven-year program funded by Global Affairs Canada. - The SMIT project focuses on improving midwifery education by updating guidelines, establishing skills labs, and enhancing the capacity of midwifery tutors and students. - There is a recognized need for ongoing professional development for midwives in Tanzania to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to save the lives of women and newborns. - Access to essential maternal health medicines is inconsistent, with a 2024 study in the Mwanza region finding frequent stock-outs of critical drugs like calcium gluconate and misoprostol. - Advocacy efforts by organizations like the Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA) are crucial for promoting midwifery as a distinct profession and ensuring midwives are supported through strong policies and a well-structured healthcare system.