The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) has been encouraged to maintain its research collaborations with international academic institutions. This is to improve healthcare for premature and low-birthweight babies, who are at a high risk of death in Tanzania. According to statistics, 17 out of every 100 babies born in the country have either been delivered prematurely or have low birthweight.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines low birthweight as less than 2.5 kilograms at birth. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, made the call at the 18th MUHAS University-Wide Research Dissemination Symposium in Dar es Salaam. The symposium presented findings from the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) study. The study examined feeding practices and growth patterns among moderately low-birthweight infants in Tanzania, India, and Malawi.
Dr Magembe stressed the significance of upholding research collaboration with friendly universities outside the country. This is to address health challenges facing Tanzanians, particularly in reducing newborn mortality. Newborns account for approximately 50 per cent of all deaths among children under five. Their survival is a critical factor in reducing overall child mortality.
Although Tanzania has reduced deaths among under-five children by more than 40 per cent, progress in curbing newborn mortality remains slow. Deaths in this category have declined by only one per cent. Premature and low-birthweight infants face complications such as low body temperature, difficulties in breastfeeding, and a heightened risk of infections.
The LIFE study identified four major challenges in caring for premature and low-birthweight infants in Tanzania. These include delayed breastfeeding, inadequate counselling for mothers, poor clinical record-keeping, and insufficient support for mothers caring for vulnerable newborns. The study found that only 44 per cent of mothers received some form of breastfeeding counselling.
The study's findings will be used to revise existing policies and guidelines. This will incorporate practical instructions to help nurses and other medical personnel manage premature and low-birthweight infants more effectively. The Ministry of Health will also use the findings to train healthcare workers to help mothers express breast milk and feed their infants safely.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Harvard University and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). MUHAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Appolinary Kamuhabwa said the institution will continue conducting research aimed at addressing health challenges facing Tanzanians.
Key points
- Tanzania has reduced deaths among under-five children by more than 40 per cent.
- Newborns account for approximately 50 per cent of all deaths among children under five.
- Only 44 per cent of mothers received some form of breastfeeding counselling.
