"MTAFITI" - the monthly news and events round-up of Ifakara Health Institute - February 2025 edition is out. The main theme of the current edition focuses on child spacing—an urgent, life-saving necessity.

>> Read it here: Mtafiti - Ifakara News & Events Round-Up February 2025 Edition.

The editor's top story highlights birth spacing in Tanzania and its crucial role in maternal and child health. A recent study reveals nearly half of births occur too close together, increasing risks. Findings expose gaps in reproductive health services, calling for better education, contraceptive access, and media-driven awareness.

And on the readers' top story - the most-read piece on both the Ifakara website and social media platforms—researchers, in a letter published in Parasites & Vectors, urge more investment in Larval Source Management (LSM) for malaria control. Despite its proven success, LSM remains underused due to funding gaps and challenges in targeting mosquito breeding sites.

From February 11-17, in an incredible partnership with St. Francis Hospital, University Hospital Basel, and Charité, our teams delivered free STI and cervical precancer screening, counseling, and treatment at Kilombero Hospital—empowering over 400 women with vital reproductive health services!

The round-up summarizes other reports, news, events, new projects and publications.

>> The round-up can be accessed online here: Mtafiti - Ifakara News & Events Round-Up February 2025 Edition.