A Joint initiative involving UNFPA, AMREF, and the Canadian Association of Midwives has initiated a midwifery project to reduce maternal deaths and newborn mortality in the country. Billed at $12m the project is intended to reduce maternal and newborn mortality by increasing the availability of skilled midwives, working with the Tanzania Midwives Association to strengthen their capacity to advance the midwifery profession. The main part of the project is to develop a robust training program for midwifery tutors, refurbish learning and teaching infrastructure in training institutions such as computer labs, classrooms, libraries, preceptors’ corners and skills labs. Albert Chalamila, the city regional commissioner, urged the Health ministry and the regional secretariat to ensure that the project is successful. Regional and district council health teams need to work with teams sent to particular places where the project is implemented to supervise the proper use of resources, he stated. Mellissa McNeil-Barrett, the UNFPA deputy representative, said that the project is geared to increase the availability of skilled midwives. It will strengthen local capacity to advance the midwifery profession and develop a robust training programme for midwifery tutors, she explained. Midwives do not only need supplies and equipment. They also require extensive training to safely manage childbirth and to be able to recognize life-threatening complications, she stated.
Source: UNFPA Tanzania | IPP Media
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