Stakeholders implementing the National Integrated Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development Programme (PJT–MMMAM) have met in Morogoro to draw up a joint work plan that will guide delivery of services in health facilities across the country.
The four-day session brings together practitioners from health and community systems to align priorities and standardise approaches to early childhood care.
Opening the workshop, Ephrahim Kafilimbi, Coordinator of Early Childhood Care, Growth and Development Services in the Ministry of Health’s Reproductive and Child Health Section, said the exercise will strengthen knowledge and skills on childcare practices at primary level and improve coordination among service providers.
He said the work plan will support the rollout of dedicated early childhood development corners in health facilities and other service points, giving caregivers access to guidance on nutrition, stimulation and child development.
Clarensi Mkoba, a Social and Child Welfare Officer from the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation, which supports the programme, said the organisation is working with the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to ensure the plan is implemented effectively and reaches intended beneficiaries.
Participants said the programme has already improved service delivery in their respective areas. Mary Shadrack Mtunha, a nursing officer from PMO-RALG, and Sakina Magadi, a regional nutrition officer from Tanga, said the new plan is expected to further strengthen the programme and improve outcomes for children.
The workshop has brought together social welfare officers, nutritionists, nurses and midwives from different regions, reflecting a multi-sector effort to advance early childhood care and development services nationwide.
