Today, the NEST360 Programme, implemented in Tanzania by the Ifakara Health Institute in partnership with the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders, officially handed over newly renovated and fully equipped newborn care wards to Amana Regional Referral Hospital.

The Guest of Honour, Regional Commissioner Hon. Albert John Chalamila oversaw the handover and officially launched the upgraded newborn care wards, marking a major milestone for newborn health in Dar. 

The upgraded facilities include a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC/KFC) Unit, designed to provide critical care for preterm and low-birth-weight babies. The renovation, carried out in two phases, cost a total of TZS 931,992,527, with Phase I completed in 2020 (TZS 349,716,470) and Phase II in 2025 (TZS 582,276,057).

With modern, life-saving medical equipment—including CPAP machines, phototherapy devices, and oxygen concentrators—the upgraded wards strengthen Amana Hospital’s capacity to deliver high-quality care. Over 45 health workers, including biomedical engineers and medical equipment technicians, have been trained to operate and maintain the new equipment.

Amana Hospital, one of Dar es Salaam’s largest referral facilities, serves residents of Ilala Municipality and surrounding districts, receiving referrals from numerous urban and peri-urban health centres and dispensaries. The renovated wards are expected to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and enhance quality of care for mothers and newborns.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Honorati Masanja, NEST360 Tanzania Lead, Dr. Ally Olotu said “Through NEST360, we are working with Amana Regional Referral Hospital to strengthen newborn care so that babies receive high-quality treatment close to their families. We continue to advocate for sustained government investment in newborn healthcare systems nationwide.”

Across Africa, over 1.1 million newborns die each year. In Tanzania, the newborn mortality rate stands at 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, accounting for more than 46,000 newborn deaths annually. Initiatives like NEST360, in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania, donors, and technical partners, aim to accelerate reductions in these preventable deaths, bringing hope to families and strengthening the nation’s healthcare system.

The handover of Amana Hospital’s upgraded newborn wards marks a significant milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to improve newborn survival and meet Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, which seeks to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five.