On November 17, 2024, as the global community observes World Prematurity Day, the Doris Mollel Foundation has introduced the National Preterm Babies’ Family Network in Tanzania. This initiative is designed to support the Tanzanian Government’s efforts to reduce infant mortality, tackle policy issues, and enhance public awareness regarding preterm infants.
During the launch event in Dar es Salaam, pediatrician Dr. Albert Chota, a board member of the foundation, highlighted the critical need to increase the number of healthcare professionals.
He advocated for achieving a one-to-one ratio of nurses to preterm infants to enhance survival rates.
Dr. Sylvia Ruambo, speaking on behalf of the foundation’s founder Doris Mollel, noted that the foundation has successfully impacted 85 hospitals across the country, providing essential medical equipment, including ventilators and beds, valued at over TZ shs1.5 billion.
This significant achievement highlights the foundation’s dedication to tackling the difficulties encountered by preterm infants and their families, while also bolstering the government’s healthcare efforts.
The foundation has been running for nine years.
According to the Tanzania Society of Pediatric Nurses (TSPN), since 2018, Tanzania has increased the number of neonatal care units (NCU) by more than 92%, supporting the Tanzanian government to achieve this significant milestone.
Neonatal Care Units (NCUs) are specialized units that provide basic to advanced health care for sick, small, including premature newborns.
