Tanzania

We have been working in the same region of Tanzania since 2018, establishing long lasting relationships with maternity clinics.

Now, the WotW Foundation is dedicated to supporting community-led initiatives to support better maternal healthcare.

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MATERNAL HEALTH IN TANZANIA:
KEY CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

Maternal Mortality: As of 2019, Tanzania faces a high maternal mortality ratio of 556 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Global Context: The World Health Organization notes that 70% of global maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa, with Tanzania being significantly impacted.

Geographical Challenges: The vast and rural geography of Tanzania makes accessing healthcare facilities difficult. Many expecting mothers must travel long distances for care, leading to delays and increased risk of complications.

Healthcare Facility Limitations: Even when care is reached timely, facilities often lack the necessary medical equipment, supplies, and infrastructure for emergency obstetric care.

Strategies for Improvement:

Infrastructure Investment: Enhance healthcare infrastructure to support emergency obstetric care effectively.
Professional Training: Invest in the training of healthcare professionals to improve the quality of maternal care.
Transportation Improvements: Develop better transportation systems to facilitate quicker access to healthcare facilities.
Prenatal Care Services: Strengthen prenatal care services to ensure expecting mothers receive consistent, quality care throughout their pregnancy.
Community Education: Promote education and awareness about the importance of maternal healthcare to encourage early and regular care- seeking behaviors.

Wombs of the World Impact Timeline

2019

In 2019 we partnered with SAFE WATER NOW and brought fifty water filters to clinics to send home with mothers and nurses. We also partnered with BOMA LA MAMA to offer reusable menstrual pads and soap to the postpartum mothers.. The Karatu Health Center explained that their number one need was an ultrasound machine. They serve over 150 birthing women each month, and when something is presenting as complicated they must refer the patient to a different clinic with the proper technology. This means a pregnant or laboring mother might have to travel down bumpy roads for the care she needs.

2020

We raised $17,000 to purchase an ultrasound machine for Karatu District Hospital. It was quite a journey, and so grateful for Saja Erens (an amazing Deutch midwife) at Stitching Mount Meru for providing sonography training to Dr. Simpa so that he can be of service to the patients at the hospital.

It is imperative when we purchase equipment that there is properly trained staff that will be able to use it, and that the technology is compliant with the environment at the clinics (open air, power source, etc).

Now the ultrasound machine is fully operational and a literal life saver for many mothers and infants in the community.

2023

After a long covid hiatus, we were finally able to return to Tanzania and reconnect with the hospitals and the community.

We started supporting a community of Maasai Women seeking funding to their bead collective off the ground.

When you invest in women, they in turn invest in their families and communities.

Through crowdfunding we were able to help them purchase the material they needed, as well as many goats to continue financially supporting their initiatives.

Much more to come!

2024

In 2024 we made great progress with the speciality referral hospital, Karatu Lutheran Hospital.

Thanks to your generous support, we were able to acquire 3 medical oxygen concentrators, 3 oxygen splinters for neonates, 2 overhead heat lamps, and 4 fetal dopplers

We are continuing to work closely with these clinics to get them more of what they need.

Immediate needs are neonatal incubators, a vaginal ultrasound machine, and phototherapy lights.

"Every month, we see women and families whose lives are forever changed by the kind of care they receive—or don't. The difference between joy and tragedy often comes down to the presence of skilled and compassionate care during childbirth. This isn't just about numbers; it's about real lives, hopes, and the future of our communities."

Dr Heriel, Director of Karatu District Hospital, Tanzania

Looking Ahead

Improving birth outcomes is at the heart of our mission, with a focus on expanding neonatal care to address the high infant mortality rate in Tanzania. By funding supplemental training for hospital staff at the Karatu District Hospital and purchasing essential equipment for high-risk births, we aim to enhance care for distressed infants. Additionally, updating the model of care through evidence-based practices is critical. We plan to introduce workshops led by guest teachers on crucial topics like infant resuscitation and shoulder dystocia, while also providing scholarships for further education of hospital staff.