Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has made significant strides in reducing maternal and child mortality rates at the Nduta Refugee Camp, located in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region. The organization’s efforts have led to a notable improvement in health outcomes for pregnant women and young children in the camp.
Elda Kyando, the MSF Team Leader in Kibondo, expressed her satisfaction with the progress achieved. She noted that seeing pregnant women leave the hospital with smiles on their faces, holding their newborns, is a testament to the positive impact of MSF’s work.
Sabina Kwezi, the supervisor of maternal health services at Nduta Camp, shared her insights on the ongoing efforts to combat mortality rates among pregnant women and children under five. She manages a team providing comprehensive maternal and neonatal care, including emergency services for both mothers and children.
“Our services cover a wide range of needs, including delivery rooms, emergency care, and postnatal care,” Kwezi explained. “We also refer high-risk pregnancies to specialized health facilities promptly to ensure they receive the necessary emergency care.”
Kwezi emphasized that their referral system to Kibondo District Hospital is part of their strategy to deliver high-quality maternal health services, aiming for improved outcomes in the refugee camp and among the local population.
To reduce maternal and child mortality, MSF focuses on enhancing healthcare delivery, which includes monitoring during delivery and timely referrals for high-risk pregnancies. The goal is to continue reducing mortality rates in the camp.
Challenges such as postpartum hemorrhage, hypertension, and proteinuria in pregnant women, as well as severe immune responses to infections, contribute to mortality. MSF’s community health programs have increased awareness and encouraged women to seek early medical care.
Collaboration with international health institutions like Medical Teams International, the International Rescue Committee, and Kibondo District Hospital has ensured that high-risk cases receive priority treatment.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. MSF’s initiatives create a more favorable environment for emergency health services, improving outcomes for pregnant women and newborns. On average, MSF refers about 40 cases monthly to Kibondo District Hospital, having referred 191 cases this year alone.
In terms of infrastructure, Nduta Hospital is equipped with 15 beds for maternal health out of a total of 74. It is well-stocked with medicines, equipment, and skilled personnel. The hospital follows guidelines from the Ministry of Health and MSF, and has a well-established referral system for high-risk cases, including a blood bank that has proven crucial in saving lives.
Sabina recalled a particular case where a woman in critical condition was saved using the hospital’s blood bank. This year, the hospital has referred 191 cases of maternal emergencies, totaling 624 referrals since January.
Local resident Lilian Fabian, who has benefitted from the free, high-quality maternal health services at Nduta Hospital, expressed her gratitude. Fabian, who has delivered all her three children at Nduta, praised the hospital’s services and the supportive staff.
Notable achievements include successful deliveries of twins and a Caesarean section for a woman with a history of multiple previous surgeries.
Despite the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality, the role of private sector initiatives like MSF’s cannot be understated. Since 1993, MSF has been providing emergency health services in the region, including malaria control, clean water access, and primary healthcare.
Over the years, MSF has expanded its efforts to include cholera preparedness, HIV and malaria control, and emergency response for outbreaks. In recent years, the organization has continued to address various health emergencies and improve maternal and child health services.
In 2024, MSF is also tackling a cholera outbreak in Nanjilinji, Lindi, while continuing to improve primary and maternal health services in Liwale District, Southern Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. This integrated approach ensures the sustainability and continuity of essential health services.
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