World Vision Canada

Published purpose

The project seeks to implement evidence-based maternal newborn and child health (MNCH) interventions to reduce mortality and morbidity of pregnant women and newborns in underserved districts of Kigoma region, Tanzania. This goal is achieved by improving the availability of quality MNCH services in underserved districts and increasing the utilization of maternal and newborn health services by women and their families in targeted districts. The project also aims to strengthen the capacity of council and health facility management teams to deliver services by training local health managers on evidence-informed program planning and decision making. Project activities include: (1) training 190 local health managers and Council Health Management Teams (CHMTs) on evidence-based planning and budgeting, leadership, supportive supervision, and supply chain management of essential pharmaceuticals and contraceptives; (2) supporting the CHMTs to develop and implement a data quality assurance and maternal and newborn mortality review system at district and health facility levels; (3) training and mentoring 335 frontline health workers to enhance their clinical capacity on emergency obstetric and neonatal care and family planning; (4) strengthening referral networks and supporting quarterly mobile outreach MNCH clinics and supportive supervision visits to hard-to-reach areas; (5) upgrading and equipping 26 health facilities with medical equipment and WASH facilities to provide Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services; and (6) conducting awareness sessions and community conversations with men and women support groups to discuss family planning issues and address concerns around the use of contraceptives, antenatal care and men’s role in supporting pregnant women and newborns. The project is implemented in collaboration with World Vision Tanzania and the Centre for Global Child Health – SickKids.