The visit aimed to highlight the vital role played by m-mama in
advancing maternal healthcare services and empowering communities across
the region_
ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 23, 2023/ — Vice President of the United
Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango together with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), Ms. Samantha Power, embarked on a joint visit to the m-mama
Arusha Dispatch Center located at the Mount Meru hospital, Arusha. The
visit aimed to highlight the vital role played by m-mama in advancing
maternal healthcare services and empowering communities across the
region.
During the visit, Vice President Mpango and Administrator Power had the
opportunity to witness firsthand the impactful work being done by m-mama
in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Tanzania. They were
greeted by the dedicated team at the center, alongside Vodacom
Tanzania’s Managing Director and key Ministers who provided a
comprehensive overview of the innovative solution and initiatives
implemented by m-mama to tackle maternal healthcare challenges in remote
areas. The high delegation also had the opportunity to speak with
beneficiaries of the program including new mothers, nurses, and
community drivers, who shared their stories and how the program has
impacted their lives, since the launch in Arusha in March 2023.
Vice President Mpango expressed his admiration for the remarkable
achievements of m-mama, stating, “I take this opportunity to thank our
development partners, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation and its partner
Vodafone Foundation, USAID, as well as the implementers of this program
Touch Foundation and Pathfinder International for your cooperation in
implementing the country’s priorities in various sectors including the
health sector, as we see in this strategy to reduce maternal and infant
mortality.”
The m-mama program began its journey in 2013, it was piloted in
Sengerema and Buchosa districts in Mwanza region and later in Shinyanga
region. The pilot revealed significant success, m-mama was able to
reduce maternal mortality by 38% in Shinyanga region alone. Following a
successful pilot, in 2022, USAID and Vodafone committed to scale the
m-mama program within Tanzania. m-mama is available, via a toll-free
number, in 16 regions in Tanzania Mainland and all regions of Zanzibar.
To date, twenty-five thousand emergency transports have been completed
therefore saving more than 700 lives that would have been lost if this
program did not exist.
“This program has proven to be very helpful in reducing maternal and
infant mortality. It is our hope that, when fully implemented throughout
the country, it will enable us to fulfill global and national goals on
reducing maternal and infant mortality. In a special way, I invite all
of you to join us in this victorious journey, ensuring that no mother
and baby die from preventable causes” concluded the Vice President of
Tanzania.
Sharing her experience in various development programs across the world,
the USAID Administrator, noted that m-mama is an exemplary program that
ought to be replicated globally where similar challenges persist.
“I have been to many places around the world but I can think of no
program or project that I have visited anywhere in the world that is as
exciting and cost-effective as m-mama. I would like to recognize the
extraordinary work done by the government of Tanzania in implementing
this impactful program that is going to get more impact with time,
saving lives of mothers and newborns as more people know about it and
more volunteers emerge to help drive vulnerable mothers and their
children to medical care” said Ms. Power.
The Administrator further shared that the success of m-mama is a story
that is being talked about in Asia, Latin America and across sub-Saharan
Africa including Kenya where m-mama was launched on June 21st 2023,
borrowing from the tremendous success it has had in Tanzania,
facilitating twenty-five thousand emergency transports and saving
numerous lives.
Vodacom Tanzania’s Managing Director, Philip Besiimire, echoed these
sentiments, emphasizing the importance of similar initiatives in
promoting sustainable development. “m-mama exemplifies the potential of
leveraging technology to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
It serves as a model for empowering communities and strengthening
healthcare systems, which aligns perfectly with the Government of
Tanzania, Vodacom, and USAID’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth
and wellbeing,” said Besiimire, speaking on behalf of Vodacom Tanzania
and Vodafone Foundation.
“m-mama, a groundbreaking mobile health initiative that ensures no
mother is left isolated or uniformed, transforming her mobile device
into a beacon of hope. This transformative journey would not have been
possible without the commitment of the government and the unwavering
generosity and support of our funding partners Vodafone and USAID. Their
commitment to improving maternal health and empowering communities has
paved the way for this remarkable success story. At Vodacom Tanzania,
leveraging our infrastructure, wealth of knowledge and pioneering
innovation to improve lives is at the core of what we do” concluded
Mr. Besiimire.
The m-mama Dispatch Center provides a range of services, including a
toll-free number for expecting mothers to access healthcare information,
emergency response coordination, and remote medical consultations. The
innovative use of mobile technology and data analytics has significantly
improved access to quality healthcare for expecting mothers and
neonates, particularly in underserved areas, ultimately contributing to
a reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates.
The visit by Vice President Mpango and USAID Administrator Samantha
Power reflects the strong partnership between the Government of
Tanzania, the United States and private sector in addressing critical
healthcare challenges. It highlights their shared commitment to working
with private sector and leveraging innovative approaches and investing
in sustainable solutions for the betterment of Tanzanian communities.
About Vice President Mpango:
Vice President Mpango is a prominent political figure in Tanzania and a
passionate advocate for social and economic development. His visionary
leadership has been instrumental in driving positive change and
advancing key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Tanzanian
citizens.
About USAID Administrator Samantha Power:
Samantha Power serves as the Administrator of the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID). She brings extensive experience
in promoting human rights, development, and democratic governance to her
role, leading USAID’s efforts to address global challenges and foster
sustainable development worldwide.
