Ireland-funded project boosts healthcare services in Pangani

PANGANI: THE Afya Himilivu Project, funded by the Embassy of Ireland and implemented by Amref Health Africa Tanzania, has strengthened maternal and child health, nutrition services and youth-friendly healthcare in Pangani District, Tanga Region, through investments in facilities, health worker training and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The project’s achievements include the construction of an 81 million Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre for children with severe acute malnutrition and a TSh58 million Youth-Friendly Service Unit at Pangani District Hospital.

The facilities, inaugurated by Ireland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Nicola Brennan, alongside Pangani District Commissioner Mwanaidi Rajabu and other officials, aim to improve access to essential health services for children and young people.

“What matters most is not just having a beautiful building, but what happens inside it,” Ms Brennan said, emphasising the importance of ensuring that children receive the nutrition and care they need to grow, develop intellectually and become productive members of their communities.

She also highlighted the need for safe spaces where young people can discuss their challenges, access peer support and seek assistance without fear or stigma.

Beyond the new facilities, the project has invested TSh99 million in solar photovoltaic systems and rainwater harvesting infrastructure at Pangani District Hospital, Madanga Health Centre and Kwakibuyu Dispensary.

The investment seeks to improve the reliability of electricity and water supplies, strengthen infection prevention through improved access to essential utilities, and help health facilities respond to the effects of climate change.

According to a report presented by the district commissioner, the project has also strengthened community-based healthcare by training 192 community health workers drawn from all 96 hamlets in the district. The workers receive monthly allowances of TSh100,000 each and have been provided with the necessary working equipment.

In maternal and child health, 29 health professionals from all 22 health facilities in Pangani have received training in respectful maternity care, while 29 health professionals have also been trained to identify and treat malnutrition in children under five.

The project has further supported youth-friendly health services through training for 30 health teachers from all 15 secondary schools in the district and 187 community health workers.

Nutrition education has also reached 28,926 community members over two years through quarterly Village Health and Nutrition Days, helping raise awareness of appropriate nutrition practices.

In addition, 87 community health workers from six wards have received training in identifying and reporting suspected disease outbreaks and other emergencies. The project has supplied information and communication technology equipment, including 188 smartphones, to support disease surveillance and early warning systems.

Pangani District Commissioner Rajabu welcomed the investment and called for continued government support to sustain the facilities and ensure that children and young people benefit from the services for years to come.

ALSO READ: PM demands results from health funds

Amref Health Country Director for Africa, Tanzania, Dr Florence Temu

Amref Health Country Director for Africa Tanzania, Dr Florence Temu, said the collaboration between the government and development partners remained important in strengthening health services and improving outcomes for children and young people.

The Afya Himilivu Project is a three-year initiative launched in Pangani District in May 2024. It supports government efforts to improve maternal and child health, nutrition, community health services, disease surveillance and preparedness for climate-related health risks.

The project demonstrates how partnerships between government and development partners can strengthen local health systems while improving access to essential services for vulnerable communities.

The post Ireland-funded project boosts healthcare services in Pangani appeared first on Daily News.