HEALTH stakeholders have praised the National Assembly for approving the 2024 Labour Laws (Amendment) Bill, which provides supportive care and development of premature babies.

Tanzania Union of Government and Health Employees (TUGHE),   Doris Mollel Foundation and Hindu Mandal hospital have commended improvements in the legislation.

The bill extends maternity leave for employees who give birth to premature babies, allowing them to take   extended time, a total of 40 weeks.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TUGHE Vice Chairman Dr. Jane Madete expressed gratitude for the government’s decision, saying it will positively impact the country's health sector.

“We sincerely thank the government for extending maternity leave for mothers of premature babies. This will allow mothers the time needed to nurture their babies, leading to better long-term health outcomes,” she said.

Dr. Madete also thanked the media for raising awareness about the challenges faced by mothers of premature babies, acknowledging their role in advocating for the policy change.

Doris Mollel, Director of the Doris Mollel Foundation, welcomed the extension, noting that it would improve   well-being of premature babies in Tanzania.

“The new law gives mothers the opportunity to care for their babies without the fear of losing their job, giving them peace of mind,” she said.

Mollel emphasised that Tanzania is one of the first countries to implement the changes, marking a historic milestone.

On Friday last week, the National Assembly endorsed the proposal to extend maternity leave to employees who give birth to premature babies, allowing them to take leave of 40 weeks.

The amendment also includes a new provision for fathers, entitling them to seven days of paternity leave, up from the previous three days.