THE government in collaboration with the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and other partners yesterday launched the second phase of the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) programme backed by investment of $7.1 million (18bn/-) to further cut newborn deaths.

The launch of the programme which will be implemented for the next five years builds on the government’s commitment to improving maternal health and newborn survival.

Speaking during the launching event in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr Grace Magembe said the initiative which involves procurement and supply of modern medical tools, medicines as well as training to personnel, is set to reach 21 facilities, including district and strategic health centres.

She said health facilities on the list are based in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro and Mwanza regions as well as three hospitals in Zanzibar.

She thanked partners that have funded the programme, saying that their aim is to save lives and bring smiles on the faces of families.

Dr Magembe noted that nearly half of all childhood deaths occur during the first four weeks of life, with the riskiest day being the first day after birth, so the programme will address the situation.

According to her, previously only one public hospital (Muhimbili National Hospital) had a special ward for neonatal services in Dar es Salaam Region before the service was established in other hospitals.

“The situation was bad and deaths were surging, but today we can all testify that a number of major hospitals in the city have the capacity to serve over 80 new-borns with challenges unlike the capacity of serving five to seven newborns,” she said.

Dr Mohamed Mang’una, Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer said over 430 children are born every day in the region with over 100 of them requiring extra newborn care due to various challenges.

He said the project which will be implemented in various areas including health centres and district hospitals will greatly improve service provision to the newborns.

Dr Honorati Masanja, IHI Chief Executive Director and NEST360 Country Lead, said the initiative focuses on three critical pillars to ensure implementation of a health systems package that encompasses not only the provision of life-saving equipment but also effective utilisation and integration for sustainability.

He said the investment will be employed for infrastructure renovations, medical equipment procurement, capacity building for clinicians and biomedical engineers.

Reginald DesRoches, Rice University President, said that newborns face very different chances of survival around the world, simply due to where they were born.

“Small and sick babies are especially vulnerable as they can require round-the-clock care involving more than one medical device or procedures to sustain vital functions like breathing, thermoregulation, or to fight infection,” he said.