The government is looking to improve survival and growth chances for premature and low-birthweight babies through a new feeding support package targeting health facilities.
The initiative follows research conducted in Tanzania, Malawi and India, which has provided further evidence on breastfeeding, child growth and health risks facing babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than expected.
The findings were presented on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during a research dissemination conference at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, where the Ministry of Health also launched the Facility-Based Feeding Support Package Plus (FSB Plus).
Opening the conference, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Dr Grace Magembe, said research findings should translate into practical improvements in healthcare delivery, particularly for newborns who face a higher risk of infections and other complications.
“Research conducted in Tanzania, Malawi and India has increased our understanding of breastfeeding, growth and health challenges among premature and low-birthweight babies. It is important to ensure that every child receives appropriate care from birth to improve their chances of survival and healthy growth,” she said.
The new package is intended to strengthen feeding support for vulnerable newborns in health facilities, including those unable to breastfeed directly.
Dr Magembe urged healthcare workers to help mothers initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after delivery and provide appropriate feeding guidance where babies cannot suckle on their own.
She said the Ministry would review the research findings and consider how they could inform improvements to existing healthcare guidelines and service delivery procedures.
However, she challenged health professionals to move beyond receiving research findings and apply scientific evidence in their daily work.
She also called on healthcare workers to report challenges encountered during implementation to help improve the delivery of newborn services.
“Parents and caregivers should be educated on how these interventions help protect the health and lives of their children. The government continues to expand newborn healthcare services to ensure that babies receive appropriate care regardless of where they are born,” she said.
Dr Magembe urged researchers, students and healthcare professionals to continue generating evidence that can address challenges in maternal and newborn healthcare.
She said translating research into practice was essential for informed decisions and better health outcomes for mothers and children.