In late June at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Conference, there was excitement and enthusiasm about a lifesaving program that is helping to save the lives of mothers and babies on the day of birth in over 150 health facilties in Tanzania. The Safer Births Bundle of Care (SBBC) became a buzz at the Mloganzila Campus as key program partners Haydom Lutheran Hospital and Laerdal Global Health joined forces to showcase the bundle.
The team demonstrated innovative training and clinical tools, and highlighted the sustainability and continuous quality improvement elements of the program.
Many visited the stand to learn more about the program, including Professor Mohamed Janabi, Executive Director of Muhimbili, Professor Appolinary Kamuhabwa, Vice-Chancellor of MUHAS, and the Director of Preventive Services from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe.
So impressed were the professors that they extended an invitation to the program team members to present at Muhimbili National Hospital in early July to their OBGY department. They specifically requested a deep dive into the technical use of data for quality improvement and simulation training aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
“We were all proud to share the mission to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality at the conference. Collaboration is at the centre of this program – with the Ministry of Health already very engaged in its implementation. I think around 150 healthcare providers, scientists and students must have attended the SBBC stand over the conference days, so it feels great that more people know about this program – particularly as we aim to scale it nationally.”
Ivony Kamala, Laerdal Global Health
Highlights
- Lifesaving innovations: The SBBC booth drew crowds with active, hands-on simulation training sessions
- Positive attitudes: Emphasis on respectful maternal care and continuous quality improvement
The event, which was titled “Science as a Story of Life: The Power of Research, Innovation, and Collaboration in Improving Resilient Health Systems ” celebrated collaboration and innovation, planting seeds for a healthier future in Tanzania.