The NEST360 program, implemented by the Ifakara Health Institute and partners, is participating in the 2nd Human Resources for Health (HRH) Conference at the JNICC Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam. Taking place from July 29-31, the event emphasized the importance of a healthy workforce in improving health outcomes. 

The NEST360 team presented a variety of cutting-edge technologies and human resource strategies aimed at enhancing hospital-based newborn care in Tanzania. These efforts align with the conference theme, "Health Workforce: A Cornerstone to Resilient and Sustainable Development Agenda." Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of these innovations on newborn care, underscoring the program's dedication to saving lives and improving health outcomes.

The three-day conference served as a pre-event to the Mkapa Legacy Summit on July 31, 2024. The summit brought together health sector development stakeholders, including policymakers, multisectoral stakeholders, and health professionals from both within and outside the country, to honor the legacy and vision of the late President His Excellency Benjamin Mkapa.

About NEST360
Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) is a global consortium committed to reducing newborn deaths by 50% in hospitals, currently conducted in Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria. The program is an evidence-based model for sustainable health system change to close the gaps in technology, markets, and human resources for the implementation of quality hospital-based newborn care on a national scale.

In Tanzania, the NEST program works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to improve the quality of comprehensive newborn care units as stipulated in the National guideline for neonatal care and the establishment of neonatal care units.

Phase I of the program started in late 2019 in three tertiary hospitals i.e., Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH Upanga), Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH Mloganzila) and Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. Implementation at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) started in February 2022. The three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam i.e., Mwananyamala, Amana and Temeke started implementation in 2020. The tertiary hospitals will be the ‘learning hubs’ to ensure mentorship and supportive supervision within the selected regions.

For more photos from the event, click here.