On 21 July 2026, the NEST360 programme brought together more than 100 healthcare professionals and government representatives from Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro regions for a progress review meeting in Dar es Salaam focused on strengthening newborn care services.

The meeting brought together teams from 15 NEST360-supported health facilities (10 in Dar es Salaam and five in Kilimanjaro), alongside district and regional health leaders, to review achievements, share lessons, address challenges, and identify opportunities to strengthen newborn health outcomes.

Across Africa, more than 1.1 million newborns die each year. In Tanzania, newborn mortality remains a significant public health challenge, with approximately 24 deaths per 1,000 live births recorded annually. Through partnerships with the Government of Tanzania, donors, and technical partners, NEST360 is working to accelerate progress in preventing avoidable newborn deaths and strengthening health systems to improve newborn care.

Collaboration to save newborn lives

In welcoming remarks, NEST360 Country Lead and Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Chief Executive Director, Dr Honorati Masanja, highlighted the importance of collective learning and collaboration in improving newborn health outcomes.

Representing the Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer (RMO), Acting Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Ayoub Kibao, highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and continuous learning in advancing efforts to improve newborn survival.

Dr Yahaya Hussein, National Coordinator for the Child, Reproductive, and Maternal Health Programme in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Government and Local Governments, also commended the NEST360 teams and regional partners for their commitment and achievements in implementing the programme.

NEST360 reviews progress and lessons learned

During the programme updates, Dr Mariam Johari, NEST360 Country Liaison, presented progress from NEST360 Phase 1 and Phase 2, highlighting key achievements and implementation milestones.

Additional presentations covered training progress by Josephat Mutakyamilwa, Clinical Training Coordinator, and data quality and dashboard updates by Josephine Shabani, Data Scientist.

These sessions provided participants with insights into programme performance, areas requiring further attention, and opportunities to strengthen implementation across supported facilities.

Using data to drive quality improvement

Healthcare teams from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Hai District Hospital, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, and Amana Regional Referral Hospital shared experiences on how data use has improved the quality of newborn care services.

The facilities highlighted the importance of reliable data collection and reporting, regular data review and analysis to guide decision-making, continuous training of healthcare workers, and teamwork in implementing quality improvement initiatives.

Participants also reviewed Biomedical Engineering Monitoring and Evaluation (BME M&E) findings, focusing on Acute Care Systems (ACS), equipment management, and sustainability planning. The session was facilitated by the programme’s biomedical engineers, Hope David and Elizabeth Ngowi.

Through group discussions, teams identified challenges and developed strategies to improve equipment availability and strengthen newborn care services.

Ifakara is proud to continue this important work alongside the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and other partners working to strengthen newborn health in Tanzania under the NEST360 programme.

We appreciate all participating health facilities for sharing their insights and experiences, including Muhimbili National Hospital (Upanga and Mloganzila), Amana Regional Referral Hospital, Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital, Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, Mabwepande District Hospital, Ubungo District Hospital, Kigamboni District Hospital, Kivule District Hospital, Yombo Vituka Health Centre, Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, Rombo District Hospital, Hai District Hospital, Same District Hospital, and Siha District Hospital.

The meeting concluded with regional feedback sessions, key lessons, and closing remarks from the NEST360 team. Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening newborn care systems, improving the quality of services, and reducing preventable newborn deaths in Tanzania.