Tanga councils get childcare deadline

TANGA: DISTRICT and municipal councils in Tanga Region have until September 30 this year, to identify unused government buildings that can be converted into childcare centres as part of efforts to strengthen early childhood care, development and learning.

The directive formed part of resolutions adopted during a meeting of the National Programme for Early Childhood Care, Development and Learning held in Tanga City.

Tanga Regional Coordinator of the programme and Regional Social Welfare Officer, Mr Mmasa Malugu, said each council had already been directed to establish at least two model childcare centres by renovating suitable government buildings.

He expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation, saying only Tanga City Council had established a model centre with support from the United Help for Tanzania Children (UHTC).

“There is no seriousness. So far, no council has established these centres except Tanga City,” Mr Malugu said.

He said the centres are intended to provide children with proper care and early learning while ensuring those attending day-care facilities are captured in the School Information System.

The meeting also raised concern over low birth registration despite many children being born at health facilities.

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Mr Malugu said 4,027 children obtained birth certificates between January and June this year, representing about 50 per cent of babies delivered at health facilities during the period.

He urged greater public education through reproductive and child health clinics so expectant mothers obtain birth certificates before leaving health facilities.

“There is a need to increase education at reproductive and child health clinics so that expectant mothers can use this service, which saves them the burden of looking for birth certificates after 90 days,” he said.

Acting Regional Medical Officer, Dr Omani Rwatamabanga urged health workers and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns to narrow the gap between births at health facilities and birth certificate issuance.

“I urge parents not to leave health facilities before obtaining birth certificates,” Dr Rwatamabanga said.

Meanwhile, UHTC Programme Coordinator Dr Samwel Mturu said a performance scorecard introduced after the programme’s 2023 launch had improved accountability among councils, although frequent transfers of implementing officers continued to affect programme implementation.

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