The handover took place today, September 23, 2024, at the office of the Shinyanga Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Yudas Ndungile.Photo: SPC
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: Amref Health Africa-Tanzania, through its Strengthening Midwifery Project, 23rd September 2024 donated 56 smartphones to community health workers in Shinyanga as part of efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Serafina Mkuwa, Program Manager for Maternal, Newborn, and Adolescent Health, emphasized the importance of smartphones in improving the skills and knowledge of health workers.
“These 56 community health workers—33 men and 23 women—have been trained on using the LEAP program, which equips them with training modules on maternal and child health interventions,” said Dr. Mkuwa.
“The smartphones will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but will also improve the overall efficiency of community health service delivery, including referral systems, communication, data collection related to maternal and child health services, and the registration of enhanced Community Health Funds (CHF).”
The smartphone handover is part of the implementation of the Safe Motherhood Project, which collaborates closely with the Ministry of Health and the Local Government Authorities (TAMISEMI) to enhance maternal and child health services. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and supervised by UNFPA, the project aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by increasing the availability of skilled midwives across Tanzania.
Dr. Mkuwa highlighted that the project implements community strategies designed to educate the public about the accessibility, reach, and utilization of maternal and child health services. “This includes empowering community health workers to provide quality and appropriate services for mothers and children,” she added.
The community health workers and their leaders had previously received training, which is ongoing through the LEAP program. Dr. Mkuwa noted that the training, which commenced in August, consists of 13 modules focused on maternal and child health. So far, the workers have completed five modules, and the smartphones will facilitate their continued education and support community health initiatives.
Dr. Yudas Ndungile, the Regional Medical Officer for Shinyanga, praised Amref for collaborating with the government in combating maternal and newborn mortality. He acknowledged the impact of the training provided to community health workers through smartphones.
Dr. Nuru Yunge, the District Medical Officer for Shinyanga, stated that Amref’s project would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates. He expressed confidence that the program would encourage pregnant women to attend clinics more regularly and give birth in safe health facilities due to the education provided.
Community health worker Getruda Emmanuel emphasized that smartphones will greatly assist them in continuing their education and providing the community with essential information on safe motherhood.
“With these tools, we can empower mothers to seek care and ensure safer pregnancies, ultimately saving lives,” she stated. This initiative not only enhances health service delivery but also fosters a culture of informed decision-making among families, significantly contributing to the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths.
Amref Health Africa plays a vital role in transforming communities by strengthening healthcare systems, advocating for health education, and ensuring access to quality health services. By training and supporting local healthcare workers, Amref addresses unique health challenges and promotes sustainable practices that lead to healthier outcomes.
Through empowering health workers and engaging community members, Amref creates a ripple effect that fosters resilience, enhances health literacy, and ultimately transforms lives across Tanzania.