PHIT Supports Co-Design of Innovative Maternal Health Models for the TAMA–Ifakara Beginnings Fund Project

Prime Health Initiative Tanzania (PHIT) participated in a two-day co-design workshop hosted by Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) on 8–9 October 2026, supporting the development of innovative maternal healthcare models under the TAMA–Ifakara Beginnings Fund Project.

The project, planned for implementation across five regions in Tanzania, aims to strengthen maternal and newborn health services through Midwifery Models of Care (MMoC) and Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC). These approaches seek to improve the quality, continuity, and experience of antenatal and postnatal care while reducing preventable adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Sharing PHIT's Experience in Group Antenatal Care

PHIT contributed technical expertise and practical lessons from its Mlinde Mama Project, implemented in Geita Region between 2022 and 2024 with support from the Gates Foundation.

Through this initiative, PHIT successfully integrated G-ANC into routine maternal health services across six public health facilities, generating valuable evidence on its feasibility, acceptability, and implementation challenges.

During the workshop, PHIT emphasized the importance of structured G-ANC training materials, healthcare provider capacity-building, supportive supervision, and integrating group sessions into existing facility workflows without compromising essential clinical services.

Key Workshop Outcomes

A major outcome of the workshop was the agreement to adopt Group Antenatal Care as the preferred model for the project's antenatal care component.

Participants also agreed on the importance of adopting and adapting existing G-ANC training materials to support standardized implementation across the five regions.

Importantly, the proposed model will align with Tanzania's national antenatal care framework and the World Health Organization's recommendation of a minimum of eight ANC contacts during pregnancy. This will help ensure that group-based care maintains essential clinical assessments, early identification of pregnancy complications, timely referrals, and continuity of care.

Strengthening Partnerships for Maternal and Newborn Health

The TAMA–Ifakara Beginnings Fund Project presents an important opportunity to translate locally generated evidence into broader maternal health improvements by integrating group-based antenatal care with midwifery-led approaches across the maternal care continuum.

PHIT's participation reflects its continued commitment to supporting evidence-based maternal health innovations, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to sustainable improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes in Tanzania.

Through collaboration and shared implementation experience, PHIT continues to advance innovative, woman-centred approaches to maternal healthcare.