On 29 July 2026, Ifakara Health Institute joined fellow Beginnings Fund partners, including the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, the Health Improvement Project Zanzibar (HIPZ), WAJAMAMA, the Mkapa Foundation, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and other implementing partners, for a courtesy visit to Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Government.

Ifakara was represented by Dr. Donat Shamba, Program Manager for the maternal and newborn health program under the Beginnings Fund investment in Tanzania. He joined fellow partners in presenting the Fund's vision and planned investments in maternal and newborn health across Zanzibar.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss how the program will support the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in strengthening maternal and newborn health services through targeted investments in the improvements in the quality of care, and expanded access to essential maternal and newborn health commodities, physical infrastructure, data systems and  health workforce.

The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration in creating lasting change. Improving maternal and newborn outcomes requires strong partnerships that bring together government leadership, frontline health workers, researchers, and development partners around a common goal.

Ifakara is proud to contribute its expertise to this effort and to support Zanzibar's vision of ensuring that every mother and every newborn receives the care they deserve. Through evidence-driven approaches and sustainable health workforce interventions, the partnership aims to build stronger health systems and healthier futures across the islands.

We extend our sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and the Ministry of Health Zanzibar for their continued leadership and commitment. Together, we are turning a shared vision into action, one that promises a brighter beginning for mothers, newborns, and families throughout Zanzibar.