The government has stepped up efforts to improve care for premature babies at health facilities nationwide, reinforcing its commitment to maternal and child health.
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr. Florence Samizi, said this on January 28, 2026, while responding to a question from Special Seats MP Christina Solomon Mndeme in Parliament.
The MP asked about the government’s strategy to expand services for premature babies in Tabora Region.
Dr. Samizi highlighted that the number of health facilities providing care for premature babies has risen from 14 hospitals in 2018 to 362 hospitals across the country by 2025.
In Tabora, services have expanded from zero facilities in 2018 to 33 in 2025, significantly enhancing care for premature and sick newborns.
She attributed the success to key strategies, including distributing medical guidelines and equipment, providing hands-on training for health workers, and extending maternity leave for mothers of premature babies.
“The government will continue improving these services by constructing modern neonatal wards, supplying adequate medical equipment, and offering continuous training to health workers. Our goal is to ensure every premature baby receives quality and safe care across Tanzania, including in Tabora,” Dr. Samizi said.