Mwanza Region Sees 129 Maternal Deaths in Nine Months as New Initiative Aims to Improve Childbirth Care

The Mwanza Region in Tanzania has recorded 129 maternal deaths between January and September 2026. This development has prompted the launch of a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths by allowing pregnant women to have trusted companions during labour and childbirth. The initiative, which seeks to promote facility deliveries and improve the quality of maternity care, was launched on November 13, 2026. According to Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary Dr. Fatuma Mganga, the region has been experiencing persistent maternal deaths over the past five years.

The region saw 165 maternal deaths in 2022, 144 in 2023, 165 in 2024, and 144 in 2025. Dr. Mganga identified severe bleeding during or after childbirth, eclampsia, and sepsis as leading causes of maternal deaths. She urged health facilities to strengthen emergency response systems, ensuring that women in critical condition receive immediate attention. Dr. Mganga also called for adequate medical equipment and skilled personnel to be available at all times, stressing that investments in health infrastructure and staff training must translate into timely, quality services.

The initiative, implemented by Thamini Uhai in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Mwanza regional authorities, aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. It promotes quality, respectful maternity care and provides support to women during childbirth. The programme allows women to choose a companion, such as their husbands or relatives, to provide emotional support throughout childbirth. This companion will be permitted in delivery areas, subject to health facility procedures and requirements.

Mwanza Regional Medical Officer Dr. Kheri Kagya said the birth companionship initiative would encourage more women to give birth in health facilities. The programme was initially piloted in two health facilities and will be extended to 12 additional facilities to reach more expectant mothers. Dr. Kagya stated that the initiative would complement government efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths while strengthening accountability in the provision of maternity services.

On newborn deaths, Dr. Mganga reported that Mwanza recorded 793 deaths in 2022, 779 in 2023, 700 in 2024, and 722 in 2025. A further 492 deaths involving babies aged between zero and 28 days were reported between January and September 2026. The initiative also aims to address newborn deaths by providing support to women during childbirth and ensuring that they receive quality care.

Ministry of Health representative Fidea Obimbo emphasized the importance of respectful maternity care, founded on dignity and respect. She commended Thamini Uhai for introducing the initiative in Mwanza and urged regional and local government authorities to support its expansion to more health facilities. Obimbo stated that the approach should extend across the entire reproductive health journey, from pre-pregnancy and antenatal care to childbirth and the postnatal period.

Thamini Uhai Executive Director Banzi Msumi said the organisation had worked with the government since 2008 to improve maternal and child health and reduce preventable deaths. The organisation began piloting birth companionship in nine health facilities in Kigoma Region in 2017, with encouraging results. Msumi stated that extending the initiative to Mwanza was part of efforts to build on the Kigoma experience and improve the quality of services available to mothers and newborns.

Key points

• The initiative allows pregnant women to have trusted companions during labour and childbirth to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
• Mwanza Region recorded 129 maternal deaths between January and September 2026.
• The programme aims to promote quality, respectful maternity care and provide support to women during childbirth.