Kigoma Region - In rural areas of Kigoma region in Tanzania, access to quality health services for pregnant women are constrained by distance, cost, unreliable diagnostic equipment, and inadequate transportation to referral hospitals. This has led to high numbers of maternal and perinatal deaths during pregnancy. 

In 2020, the region recorded 119 maternal deaths, this declined to 75 in 2021 and subsequently increased to 102 in 2022, Subsequently, 127 perinatal deaths were recorded in 2021 and as of 31st May 2023, already 26 women have died while giving birth, and 289 newborn died due to pregnancy-related complications. 

WHO’s engagement with local health authorities lead to identification of lack of adequate transport facilities as one of the main reasons for these avoidable deaths. With funds provided by the Norwegian Embassy as part of the Kigoma Joint Programme to WHO for improving health indicators in Kigoma region, WHO prioritized the procurement of two fully equipped ambulances which are now handed over to the regional authorities. There is no doubt that this logistic support will easy transportation issues during medical referrals and offer access to urgent medical services to the benefit of the population spread out in the rural areas of Kigoma region.

Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative, Dr Iriya Nemes underscored that the maternal and perinatal deaths recorded in the Region require immediate action and intervention. 

“For WHO, the handing over of the ambulances is part of the many other interventions being undertaken in this region. This support to the Kigoma region showcases our firm commitment and compassion towards the well-being of mothers and newborns in the Kigoma Region”, he noted.

As part of a joint mission hosted by the UN in Tanzania led by UNHCR on behalf of the Resident Coordinator, the donation was conducted at the Kigondo dispensary which annually serves approximately 6,000 people with over 400 deliveries in the Kasulu Town Council. The Kasulu Town Council is one of the most populous towns in the Kigoma Region, with a population of over 537,000 (per 2022 Census). The delegates for the mission included Heads of UN Agencies and Ambassadors from the United States, Japan, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, South Korea, Finland, and Italy.

The Kigoma Regional Commissioner, the Honorable Thobias Andengenye, underscored that; this support has come at a very opportune time when the need for immediate health care service is on the rise. He assured partners that the community will efficiently utilize these provided ambulances to benefit all.

“A good health requires timely and efficient delivery of health care services. We have as a community been battling with pockets of deaths as a result of the lack of some amenities. Today is indeed a joyous day as we receive this great support from the United Nations. Thank you for your continuous support to develop the Kasulu district and the Kigoma Region.”

In addition to the handing of the two vehicles, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with funding from Ireland also handed over a maternity ward to the Regional Commissioner. The maternity ward is among 17 maternity wards which are built under the Ujana Wangu Nguvu Yangu, ‘My Youth, My Power’ Project. For Ms Mdulu Makai, a young mother from Kigondo village could not stop smiling: “These donations are going to benefit the community and the entire region. We are grateful” she said.

The Kigoma Joint Programme is an area-based UN programme that cuts across multiple sectors to improve development and humanitarian operation in Kigoma. The programme involves 16 different UN Agencies and was developed in cooperation with the regional and district authorities based on the development needs of Kigoma and the capacities of the UN in Tanzania.

So far, WHO has been supporting the region with health-related interventions including, the distribution of 15 ultrasound machines to 15 health facilities which provide comprehensive maternal health services, to detect pregnancy anomalies at the earliest stage of pregnancy development. To reinforce the continued effort, WHO supported the training of 103 healthcare providers on the management of emergency obstetric complications. This is part of WHO support for the Region's contingency plan to avert the maternal mortality rate in the region, which its development was partly supported by WHO.