From May 20-25, 2024, the NEST 360 Program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and under the auspices of the Ifakara Health Institute, conducted a six-day Neotechnologies training at the National Training and Calibration Center within Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital. 

This training aimed to enhance the technical skills of Biomedical Engineers and Technicians from the Muhimbili National Hospitals, regional referral hospitals, and district hospitals across Dar es Salaam in maintaining newborn care technologies.

The event commenced on May 20, 2024, with an opening address by Dr. Paul S. Lawala, Executive Director of MNMH. The facilitators then provided in-depth practical demonstrations on the maintenance and troubleshooting of various pieces of equipment.

Participants also engaged in discussions on data systems, including the Medical Equipment and Infrastructure Management System (MEIMS), and explored ways to improve equipment management through data utilization. 

The training concluded on May 25, 2024, with a closing address by Mr. Isack Kineno, the administrator for Healthcare Technology Services in Tanzania.

About NEST 360
Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (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.

Phase I of the program started in late 2019 in three tertiary hospitals i.e., Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH Upanga), Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH Mloganzila) and Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. Implementation at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) started in February 2022. The three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam i.e., Mwananyamala, Amana and Temeke started implementation in 2020. The tertiary hospitals will be the ‘learning hubs’ to ensure mentorship and supportive supervision within the selected regions.