The Tanzanian government has announced plans to strengthen newborn care services by utilizing research findings to improve healthcare, breastfeeding support, and infection prevention for vulnerable infants. According to Dr. Grace Magembe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the government will use research results to develop guidelines for caring for premature and low-weight babies who are at high risk of infection, feeding challenges, and heat loss. This initiative was launched during the 18th Research Congress of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam.
Despite progress in reducing child mortality rates under the age of five, newborn deaths remain a significant challenge in Tanzania. Dr. Magembe stated that newborns account for nearly half of all child deaths under five years old, emphasizing the importance of improving early-life care to reduce overall child mortality. The Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen guidelines on breastfeeding support and Kangaroo Mother Care, which involves skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother. Dr. Magembe encouraged parents and caregivers to disregard misconceptions that prevent women from expressing breast milk.
A recent study, Low Birth Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE), identified challenges in providing newborn care services in Tanzania, India, and Malawi. The study, conducted at the National Hospital, Amana Hospital, and Temeke Hospital, found four main challenges: delayed breastfeeding initiation, inadequate counseling for mothers, weak medical record-keeping, and insufficient support for mothers caring for vulnerable infants. The research revealed that only 5% of newborns received breast milk within the first hour of birth, and 44% of mothers received some breastfeeding advice.
The study also found that mothers with premature or low-weight babies often require practical assistance with expressing breast milk, storing it safely, and feeding their babies appropriately. However, the research noted weaknesses in record-keeping, making it difficult for healthcare providers to monitor growth and identify feeding challenges early. Professor Karim Manji, a pediatric specialist, emphasized that maintaining body temperature, preventing infections, and ensuring adequate nutrition are crucial for increasing the survival and healthy growth of vulnerable infants.
The research findings are expected to inform improvements in newborn care services, enhance healthcare provider skills, and increase support for mothers with infants requiring special care. MUHAS Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Apollinary Kamuhabwa, stressed the importance of translating research into practical healthcare improvements. He highlighted the value of collaboration with international institutions, such as Harvard University and Swedish research partners, in generating evidence to address Tanzania's health challenges.
The study's results will contribute to the development of guidelines and interventions aimed at improving newborn care services in Tanzania. By addressing the identified challenges, the government aims to reduce newborn mortality rates and promote healthy growth and development among infants. The Ministry of Health will work to implement these recommendations, ensuring that newborns receive high-quality care and support.
The initiative to strengthen newborn care services is a significant step towards achieving Tanzania's health goals. By focusing on evidence-based interventions and collaboration with international partners, the government is committed to improving healthcare outcomes for newborns and reducing child mortality rates. The research findings will inform policy and practice changes, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more thriving population.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government will use research findings to develop guidelines for caring for premature and low-weight babies.
- Newborns account for nearly half of all child deaths under five years old in Tanzania.
- The study found that only 5% of newborns received breast milk within the first hour of birth.
