Pathways to Progress: Reflecting on the RMNCAH Conference in Tanzania

Blog | 11. June 2024 | #Health

DSW Tanzania had an opportunity to engage in the Second Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Scientific Conference held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The main theme was “Advancing access to quality Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent”. This event served as a common platform to share abstracts, programs, projects, policy implementation and exchange original research generated evidence-based solutions and best practices for potential scale up in addressing prevailing opportunities and challenges towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 target and in line with Tanzania Vision 2025.

The conference was graced by the presence of Hon. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania. A significant number of local and international RMNCAH+N stakeholders from the Government, development partners, academic institutions, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers attended to share innovations and best practices for improving the state of RMNCAH+N in Tanzania, to gain a snapshot of its landscape and present progress towards the achievement of national and the SDG targets.

Noteworthy accomplishments in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) efforts were underscored by the recent Tanzania Demographic Health Survey report (TDHS 2022). This report revealed a significant decline in maternal mortality rates, dropping from 556 per 100,000 live births in 2015/16 to 104 per 100,000 live births in 2022.

DSW Tanzania was honored with the recognition of ten outstanding abstracts, each contributing to the diverse landscape of RMNCAH+N initiatives. These abstracts showcased a commitment through diverse and localized strategies, a youth-centric focus, and a holistic approach contributing to the advancement of Sexual and Reproductive Health in Tanzania. The conference provided a platform to share, validate, and explore opportunities for scaling up high-impact interventions.  

The abstracts were showcased through plenary sessions, booth exhibitions, breakout sessions, and oral poster presentations. The abstracts include;

Using Art and Creativity to enhance utilization of Youth Friendly Health Services in Arusha.
Promoting Utilization of Youth-Friendly Services by Building the Capacity of Health Service Providers in Arusha on Sign Language.
Multi sectoral Coordination of Teachers and Health Service Providers in reduction of teenage pregnancy; A Case of Dodoma City Council.
Holistic Strategies for Adolescent Health: Bridging Sectors to Amplify Sexual Reproductive Health and Well-being.
The Role of Social Accountability in improving Accessibility and Utilization of Adolescent Reproductive Health Education and Youth Friendly services: A case of Malinyi and Ulanga District Councils in Morogoro region.
Amplifying the local narratives through NGO Capacity Development for Enhanced Public Support in Tanzania Reproductive Health Policies.
Utilizing innovative technology through 3D animations in enhancing adolescent Reproductive Health Education.
Girls’ safe spaces as a hub of promoting reproductive health education and prevention of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV)
Leverage NGOs Capacity Development for a Multiplier Effect in Scaling up the SRH Ecosystem.
Using Creative messaging promoting Gender Respective Care in Arusha Region.

The outcomes of the conference stand as a testament to progress, marked by heightened commitments from both the government and collaborative partners to boost comprehensive roadmap, outlining a coordinated path forward with actionable points for all stakeholders and solidifying a collective commitment to improving health outcomes for mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents.