On the World Children’s Day today, Ifakara Health Institute proudly reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the health, well-being, and rights of children in Tanzania and across the globe. This year’s theme, “Listen to the Future,” reminds us to actively embrace children’s voices, dreams, and aspirations as they envision the world they want to inherit.

Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are active participants today. By empowering them to express their hopes and engaging with their ideas, we pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for all.

Our Work for Children’s Health

At Ifakara, we work every day to protect and nurture children, amplifying their voices through impactful programs:

NEST360 – Revolutionizing Newborn Care

Through the NEST360 program, we aim to reduce newborn deaths by 50% in hospitals across Tanzania, alongside partners in Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria. By addressing gaps in technology, training, and resources, this program transforms newborn care and ensures every child gets the healthy start they deserve.

DYNAMIC – Empowering Health Workers with Innovation

The DYNAMIC project leverages cutting-edge technology to train health workers and improve the care of children aged 0-14 years in low-resource settings. By integrating biosensors, rapid tests, and machine learning, DYNAMIC delivers personalized, high-quality care while reducing unnecessary antibiotic use.

CHILD Project – A Vision for Long-Term Well-Being

The CHILD Project is a groundbreaking study exploring how interventions against low-density malaria infections improve children’s long-term health and socioeconomic outcomes. This collaborative research is unlocking new ways to improve children’s futures.

Capacity Building for Child Health

Ifakara is deeply invested in training healthcare professionals to provide quality care. Through partnerships and innovative education programs, we empower doctors, nurses, and community health workers to champion children’s health in every corner of the country.

A Call to Action

As we celebrate this day, we acknowledge the ongoing challenges that children face—inequalities in access to healthcare, education, and resources. Yet, we remain steadfast in addressing these barriers through research, advocacy, and innovation.

Aligned with the theme “Listen to the Future,” Ifakara invites everyone to join us in building a world where children’s voices are heard and their rights are realized. Let us honor their dreams by creating the opportunities they deserve.

Happy World Children’s Day 2024 to every child, everywhere. Together, we can shape a future where every child’s vision becomes a reality.