The NEST360 program, implemented in Tanzania by the Ifakara Health Institute along with other Ifakara staff working in maternal and newborn health, was part of the vibrant gathering at the International Maternal and Newborn Health Conference (IMNHC) 2026, held from 23–26 March in Nairobi, Kenya.

The conference, themed “Moving Forward. Together,” brought together global experts, policymakers, researchers, and civil society to share evidence, best practices, and strategies for advancing maternal and newborn health and accelerating progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Showcasing livesaving innovations

At the event, the team hosted a booth showcasing innovative tools and machines used to save newborns, with Hope David, Biomedical Engineer, presenting the equipment. Attendees had the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s practical solutions firsthand, highlighting how technology is being applied to improve the quality of care and outcomes for newborns.

Presenting evidence in transforming newborn care

Following the booth presentations, Jitihada Baraka, a research scientist with NEST360, delivered a compelling talk titled “From Barriers to Breakthrough: Transforming Newborn Care in Tanzania Through the Positive Outlier”. Her session, moderated by Prof. Mike English, a global leader in health systems research, explored how Tanzania has leveraged lessons from high-performing “positive outlier” hospitals to overcome systemic barriers and improve newborn survival.

Beyond presentations and the booth, the NEST360 team actively participated in meetings and discussions with global stakeholders, contributing insights, exchanging ideas, and engaging in strategic dialogues aimed at advancing maternal and newborn health in Tanzania and across the region.

About the conference 

IMNHC 2026 marked a pivotal moment for the maternal and newborn health community. Delegates collectively examined progress and challenges, exchanged evidence-based strategies, and explored new partnerships to ensure mothers and newborns worldwide not only survive but thrive. By fostering accountability, sharing best practices, and unlocking resources, the conference aimed to drive urgent action toward reducing maternal and newborn mortality and preventing stillbirths.

The NEST360 Tanzania team’s participation reinforced the country’s commitment to advancing newborn care and showcased Tanzania’s role in shaping solutions that can transform health outcomes for the most vulnerable populations.