On June 18, 2025, the NEST360 program implemented by Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania had the pleasure of hosting representatives from the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies. The visit served as a valuable opportunity to exchange insights of phase II of the program implementation and share experiences from the field. 

The visiting team included Ms. Michelle Nodskov, Assistant Director of GLHT Education Programs, and Dr. Sonali Korde, Visiting Fellow at the NEST360 Tanzania Office.

Expanded neonatal unit at Amana Hospital

As part of their visit, the team toured Amana Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, one of NEST360’s Phase 1 implementation sites. They were warmly received by Dr. Bryceson Kiwelu, Medical Officer in Charge, and Dr. Grace Mhando, Head of the Neonatal Care Unit. 

The tour included a walkthrough of the hospital’s newly expanded neonatal facility—an achievement made possible through the collaborative efforts of NEST360 and Amana RRH, with support from Matching Funds.

“We were proud to showcase the tangible progress being made on the ground and deeply appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the impact of our shared commitment to improving newborn health outcomes,” remarked Jitihada Baraka, the NEST360 Tz Communications Liasion Officer.

About NEST 360

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.