Telecommunications company Yas Tanzania has extended its Tumaini Campaign to Morogoro Region, donating medical equipment and maternity supplies to Kibaoni Health Centre in Ifakara to support maternal healthcare services.
The donation makes Kibaoni Health Centre the second health facility to benefit from the campaign, which was launched in Dar es Salaam last week through contributions from Yas employees.
The equipment and supplies include delivery beds, wheelchairs, bedsheets, khangas, aprons and maternity kits containing essential items used during childbirth.
Receiving the donation, Kilombero District Commissioner Dustan Kyobya commended the partnership between the Government and the private sector, saying such collaboration was critical to addressing challenges affecting communities, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
He said support from private-sector stakeholders could complement government efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Yas Southern Zone Regional Director Joseph Mutalemwa said the Tumaini Campaign was initiated by employees who decided to pool their resources to support communities directly.
“We recognise that welcoming a child into the world is a moment of joy and hope for every family, but it is also a time when a mother needs quality care, close attention and a safe environment in which to give birth,” Mr Mutalemwa said.
He said the donation was part of Yas’ contribution towards strengthening maternity services at Kibaoni Health Centre.
Mr Mutalemwa added that while Yas’ primary role was to connect Tanzanians through telecommunications services, the company also recognised its responsibility to contribute to initiatives that improve community wellbeing.
“Just as we pride ourselves on being a network of high standards, we believe those standards should not end with the telecommunications services we provide. They should also be reflected in how we fulfil our responsibility to the communities we serve,” he said.
He said the Tumaini Campaign would continue to expand to other districts and regions, following its initial rollout in Dar es Salaam and its subsequent extension to Ifakara.
Ifakara Town Council Director Pili Kitwana said the donation would help address shortages of essential equipment needed to provide maternity services at the health centre.
Ms Kitwana said Kibaoni Health Centre serves a large population, resulting in growing demand for medical equipment and other healthcare infrastructure.
She said the newly donated equipment would help strengthen the facility’s capacity to provide services to expectant mothers and women coming to the centre to deliver.
Residents who attended the handover ceremony also welcomed the initiative. Kibaoni Ward Councillor Rashidi Namtuka said the donation would contribute to creating a better environment for expectant mothers and women receiving maternity care at the facility.