Africa-Press – Tanzania. DODOMA Region has made remarkable strides in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths during childbirth thanks to substantial improvements in the healthcare sector.
This progress has been significantly bolstered by aid from the Canadian government through the ‘Basket’ Fund, specifically aimed at enhancing reproductive health services.
This positive development was announced on Monday, by the Dodoma District Commissioner, Jabir Shekimweri during the visit by the Secretary of State (International Development) of the Government of Canada, Randeep Sarai, to Makole Health Centre in the city.
Mr Shekimweri represented the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule at the function.
“The country’s goal is to decrease maternal death rates from 504 per 100,000 live births. Here in Dodoma, we have observed remarkable progress. Last year, we recorded 75 deaths per 100,000 live births, and since January, we have recorded 58, thanks to this fund,” he stated.
Moreover, the Dodoma Regional Medical Officer, Thomas Rutachunzibwa explained that through the ‘Basket Fund’, they received 500m/- for the expansion of maternity facilities. However, as the current facilities are still insufficient to handle the increasing number of patients, they have begun constructing a four-storey building and are seeking further assistance to complete it swiftly.
Earlier, the Head of Nurses at Makole Health Centre, Revocatus Baltazary, provided a brief report on how the funds allocated have been utilised over the past five years.
He stated that the centre received 638m/- with 35 per cent used for purchasing medicines, refurbishing the pharmacy, upgrading laboratories, and constructing medical equipment storage facilities.
Furthermore, 65 per cent of the funds were used to improve various services, including training for healthcare providers, supporting nutrition services, family planning and enhancing both internal and external outreach services.
Mr Sarai’s visit aims to assess ongoing health projects across the country, especially those funded by the Canadian government through the ‘Basket’ Fund, which is providing vital services to the public.
Canada remains one of the leading contributors to the health sector in Tanzania, with Makole Health Centre benefiting significantly from this support.
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