Mwanza. The Government in Kwimba District has announced that the newly constructed model ward for preterm babies at Kwimba District Hospital is set to transform neonatal care services and save lives across the district and neighboring communities.
Kwimba District Commissioner Ng’wilabuzu Ludigija said he is satisfied with the completion and quality of the facility, which has been funded by the Doris Mollel Foundation (DMF) in partnership with the U.S.-based charity Keep a Child Alive, led by musician and humanitarian Alicia Keys, and Jhpiego.
Speaking during a recent visit to the hospital, Ludigija said the ward will significantly reduce the need for families to travel to Mwanza City to seek specialized care for premature babies.
“For a long time, residents of Kwimba and neighboring councils were forced to travel to Mwanza for neonatal services. This facility will now save the lives of preterm babies right here at home,” he said.
He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for creating an enabling environment for development partners to collaborate with the government in strengthening health services.
“We sincerely congratulate the donors and thank our President for opening doors to development partners to work with the government in improving healthcare and saving the lives of newborns and pregnant women,” he added.
The newly completed building is described as the first model ward for preterm babies in Tanzania designed with a zero-separation approach, allowing mothers to remain close to their babies throughout treatment. Built to international standards, the ward also includes dedicated spaces for fathers and other family members to visit while care is ongoing.
Dr. Alex Ntale Gasasira, Tanzania Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), praised the investment, noting that the model aligns with WHO guidelines emphasizing the importance of keeping mothers and newborns together during treatment.
“I have been extremely impressed. It has really exceeded what I had imagined. This is a real team effort between the community, partners and government,” Dr. Gasasira said.
For Joyce Emmanuel James, a resident of Kwimba and mother of six, the new ward is a long-awaited relief. Two years ago, she delivered premature twins and had to be referred to Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza City for specialized neonatal care.
“We struggled a lot traveling to Bugando. It was very difficult, and you don’t even have relatives nearby to come and see you,” Joyce recalled.
She expressed gratitude to the Doris Mollel Foundation and its partners for bringing the service closer to the community, saying it will spare many families the hardship she experienced. Now expecting another child in six months, she said she feels reassured knowing that quality neonatal services are available within her district.
The international-standard facility, valued at approximately TSh 2.125 billion is scheduled for official inauguration on February 28, 2026.
District officials say the ward marks a major milestone in improving maternal and newborn health services in Kwimba, offering renewed hope to families and strengthening the region’s healthcare system.
