The Tanzanian government is partnering with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) on a USD 14.5 million initiative aimed at strengthening intensive care services for mothers and newborns in Dar es Salaam, a move analysts say could significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the city.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health offices on February 3, Permanent Secretary Dr Seif Shekalaghe said the project will target three regional referral hospitals—Amana, Mwananyamala and Temeke—and focus on high-risk cases requiring specialised care.
“This initiative is part of our broader efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Dar es Salaam,” Dr Shekalaghe said. “We are enhancing ICU capacity, improving emergency referrals, and ensuring patients can access timely transport.”
Under the plan, eight ambulances will be procured. “Each hospital will receive three ambulances, while two will support the m-Mama emergency transport programme, which ensures women in critical condition are quickly referred for care,” he explained.
KOICA presented the project’s framework, which includes establishing specialised intensive care units at Amana and Mwananyamala hospitals, supplying modern maternal and neonatal medical equipment across all three hospitals, and providing targeted training to healthcare workers.
“The training will focus on strengthening intensive and emergency care services, which are critical in reducing preventable deaths among mothers and newborns,” Dr Shekalaghe added.
Health sector analysts say the project addresses urgent gaps in urban maternal and neonatal care.
“Dar es Salaam faces increasing demand for specialised services, and improving ICU capacity and emergency transport is vital for saving lives,” said a senior health expert familiar with the project.
If implemented effectively, the KOICA-supported initiative is expected to complement ongoing government reforms aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality while enhancing the resilience of the city’s referral health system.
“This partnership shows how international collaboration can translate into tangible improvements for citizens,” Dr Shekalaghe said, “and aligns with Tanzania’s priority to ensure access to quality healthcare for all.”
