Golden Elimeleck
Member
- Mar 22, 2021
- 62
- 47
In striving to overcome maternal and child mortality challenges, Tanzania envisions "Tanzania We Want by 2040", a future where healthcare disparities are minimized, and every mother and child has access to quality healthcare. Currently, Tanzania faces significant health disparities, with a maternal mortality ratio of approximately 556 deaths per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality at 54 deaths per 1,000 live births (WHO, 2022). These statistics underscore the urgent need for innovative approaches to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes across the nation.
Picture 1: Picture showing desirable telemedicine
Picture source :Baker college
Picture 2: Picture showing mobile health Application for maternal in which we desire.
Picture source:Baker college
Picture 3: Picture showing desirable Electronic Health Record System (EHRs) coordinating all hospitals allowing patient data sharing.
Picture source:Baker college
Picture 4: Picture showing wearable devices for monitoring maternal vitals
Picture source: Baker college
Picture 5: Picture Showing drone carrying emergency medicine box.
Picture source:Baker college
Picture 6: Picture showing how harnessing technology will facilitate work of Community Health Worker(CHWs)
Picture Source :Vincent Rhehumbiza.Phd
Conclusions:These innovative solutions align with Tanzania's long-term vision to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates by 2040. By embracing and implementing telemedicine networks, mobile health applications, digital health records, wearable technologies, drone logistics, and empowering community health workers, Tanzania aims to achieve equitable access to quality healthcare services across the country. These initiatives require collaborative efforts among government stakeholders, healthcare providers, technology developers, and communities to ensure sustainable impact and improve health outcomes for mothers and children nationwide.
1. Telemedicine and Telehealth Infrastructure
Implementing robust telemedicine networks in Tanzania is pivotal for improving maternal and child health outcomes. Rural areas often lack access to specialized healthcare services, contributing to preventable deaths. For instance, South Africa has established telemedicine networks to connect remote areas with urban healthcare facilities, enabling virtual consultations for prenatal care and emergency obstetric services (WHO, 2022). Telemedicine bridges geographical gaps, reduces travel time, and ensures timely access to healthcare expertise.
Picture 1: Picture showing desirable telemedicine
Picture source :Baker college
2. Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications
mHealth applications offer a transformative approach to healthcare delivery by leveraging mobile technology. In Tanzania, where mobile phone penetration is high, these apps can provide vital services such as appointment scheduling, health education, and medication reminders. Kenya utilizes mHealth platforms for maternal health, offering SMS-based education on prenatal care and vaccination schedules (WHO, 2022). These initiatives improve health literacy, enhance maternal healthcare utilization, and empower patients to manage their health effectively.
Picture 2: Picture showing mobile health Application for maternal in which we desire.
Picture source:Baker college
3. Digital Health Records and Health Information Systems
Establishing comprehensive electronic health records (EHRs) across Tanzania's healthcare facilities is imperative for improving data management and continuity of care. Rwanda has implemented integrated EHR systems to streamline patient information across healthcare facilities (WHO, 2022). This enables healthcare providers to access medical histories and track maternal and child health outcomes in real-time, facilitating informed decision-making and improving patient outcomes.
Picture source:Baker college
4. Wearable Health Technologies
Introducing wearable devices for maternal and child health monitoring can revolutionize healthcare delivery in Tanzania. These devices enable continuous monitoring of vital signs during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, detecting early signs of complications such as hypertension or fetal distress. Uganda has piloted wearable technologies for remote monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, ensuring early detection of health issues and prompt intervention to reduce maternal mortality rates (WHO, 2022).
Picture 4: Picture showing wearable devices for monitoring maternal vitals
Picture source: Baker college
5. Drone Technology for Healthcare Delivery
Deploying drones for healthcare logistics addresses challenges in accessing remote and underserved communities. Tanzania's vast geographical terrain often impedes timely delivery of essential medicines, vaccines, and blood products, crucial for maternal and child health. Ghana has utilized drones to deliver vaccines and medical supplies to rural areas, overcoming transportation barriers and improving healthcare access in remote regions (WHO, 2022). This technology enhances emergency response capabilities, particularly during obstetric emergencies and disease outbreaks.
Picture 5: Picture Showing drone carrying emergency medicine box.
Picture source:Baker college
6. Community Health Worker Empowerment
Empowering community health workers (CHWs) with mobile technology enhances their capacity to deliver essential maternal and child health services at the community level. In Tanzania, where access to healthcare facilities is limited, CHWs play a critical role in promoting maternal and child health through prenatal care, immunizations, and nutrition programs. Nigeria has integrated mobile devices into CHW programs, enabling real-time data collection and health education delivery (WHO, 2022). This empowers CHWs to provide targeted interventions, monitor health indicators, and improve healthcare outcomes within their communities.
Picture 6: Picture showing how harnessing technology will facilitate work of Community Health Worker(CHWs)
Picture Source :Vincent Rhehumbiza.Phd
Conclusions:These innovative solutions align with Tanzania's long-term vision to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates by 2040. By embracing and implementing telemedicine networks, mobile health applications, digital health records, wearable technologies, drone logistics, and empowering community health workers, Tanzania aims to achieve equitable access to quality healthcare services across the country. These initiatives require collaborative efforts among government stakeholders, healthcare providers, technology developers, and communities to ensure sustainable impact and improve health outcomes for mothers and children nationwide.
