Shinyanga: Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, through the Thamini Uzazi Salama (Safe Motherhood) project, officially handed over essential working tools to 56 Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Shinyanga Region. This initiative aims to enhance the delivery of maternal and child health services, especially in underserved and remote areas.
The support package includes bicycles, raincoats, gumboots, and backpacks, all intended to enable CHWs to effectively reach and serve their communities regardless of distance or weather.
This handover is part of the ongoing implementation of the Thamini Uzazi Salama project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and coordinated by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The project aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by increasing access to skilled birth attendants, improving the quality of health facilities, and strengthening community-level health interventions.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Regional Commissioner’s office, the Guest of Honour, Hon Mboni Mhita, Regional Commissioner of Shinyanga, commended Amref Tanzania for its continued support. “This donation will significantly enhance the reach and effectiveness of CHWs, especially in remote communities where their services are most needed.”
Dr Serafina Mkuwa, Programme Manager for Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health at Amref Tanzania, said: “We recognise the difficult environments in which CHWs operate. By equipping them with these tools, we are strengthening their capacity to reach households on time and deliver essential maternal and child health services. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that no one is left behind.”
She added: “Amref Tanzania is committed to strengthening community health systems, which we view as fundamental to expanding access to critical healthcare and improving health outcomes, particularly in reproductive, maternal, and child health. It is a core strategy in our broader goal to achieve health for all.”
The bicycles are a generously donated by Buffalo Bicycles, an organisation dedicated to expanding access to healthcare by providing durable transport solutions for frontline workers. “We believe that a quality bicycle is more than just transportation; it is a lifeline for service delivery. Through our partnership with Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, we are helping make lasting changes by enabling faster access to essential healthcare, especially in rural communities,” said Rehema Richard, Evaluation and Monitoring Manager at Buffalo Bicycles.
The CHWs have already been trained to use smartphones and the LEAP digital learning platform, which enables them to access ongoing training and health content remotely. With these tools, they are now better equipped to manage patient referrals, collect health data, register households into the improved community health insurance scheme, and provide timely services.
The Thamini Uzazi Salama project is implemented in Dar es Salaam and Shinyanga regions, with a focus on increasing skilled birth attendance, promoting respectful maternal care, and strengthening community engagement in the utilisation of reproductive health services. Through strategic investments in bicycles, digital tools, and protective gear, Amref Health Africa in Tanzania and its partners are empowering frontline health workers to deliver impactful, life-saving care closer to the people who need it most.
Amref Health Africa in Tanzania remains committed to working closely with the Ministry of Health, President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, and development partners to ensure every Tanzanian has access to quality healthcare. Strengthening maternal and child health services and building resilient community health systems remain pillars in achieving health for all.
