The Chief Government Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Magembe, has reassured Tanzanians about the safety and quality of maternal health services following a viral video that caused concern online.
Dr. Magembe clarified that the video, which showed a nurse and a police officer in a hospital setting, misrepresented events at Kibondo District Hospital.
The mother featured had safely delivered her baby via surgery on August 28, 2025, and was discharged in good health after proper postnatal care.
“The incident did not occur in a delivery or surgical room as some reports suggested. The mother’s delivery was handled professionally in the operating theatre,” she explained.
The Chief Medical Officer also addressed rumors surrounding hospital staff, noting that reports of a nurse requesting a bribe were part of a management intervention to ensure transparency.
“Hospital management acted promptly to verify the situation, which unfortunately caused temporary confusion,” Dr. Magembe said.
She emphasized that health workers follow strict safety protocols, such as wearing gloves, to protect both patients and staff during medical procedures.
Highlighting the progress in maternal care, Dr. Magembe said Tanzania has seen a sharp decline in maternal and newborn deaths. Between 2021 and 2024, maternal mortality fell from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“These improvements reflect the government’s commitment to providing safe and reliable maternal health services across the country,” she said.
Dr. Magembe reassured citizens that despite viral claims, hospitals remain safe spaces for childbirth and encouraged families to continue accessing maternal and newborn care without fear.