Tanzania Health Minister Bans Sale of Maternity Clinic Books, Launches New Initiative

Dodoma, May 10, 2024 - The Tanzanian Minister of Health,  Ummy Mwalimu, has issued a ban on the sale of maternity clinic books to healthcare officials and stakeholders.

This directive was announced during the launch event of the distribution exercise for clinic development cards for pregnant women and children at the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital.

Minister Ummy emphasized the importance of prioritizing maternal and child health, stating that it is a government priority to achieve Millennium Development Goals. 

As part of this initiative, clinic development cards for pregnant women, male, and female children will be distributed, each distinguished by color coding.

Furthermore, Minister Ummy urged expectant mothers to attend clinics early in their pregnancies to monitor the fetal development. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Grace Magembe, highlighted the government's commitment to printing an adequate number of clinic cards annually to eliminate shortages and ensure accessibility for all.

The Regional Administrative Secretary of Dodoma commended the government's efforts in reducing maternal and child mortality rates, expressing optimism that the introduction of the new cards would enhance healthcare services in the region.

Currently, the government has printed a total of 1.2 million books, including 600,000 for expectant mothers, 300,000 for male children, and 300,000 for female children, as part of the six-month estimate.

This initiative aims to improve maternal and child healthcare services across Tanzania, reflecting the government's commitment to achieving sustainable development goals.