Amref Donates Equipment to Community Health Workers in Shinyanga Region

The Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health Program Manager at Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, Dr. Serafina Mkuwa (right), hands over one of the special bicycles meant for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Shinyanga Region to the Regional Commissioner, Hon. Mboni Mhita.

Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, through its Thamini Uzazi Salama (Value Safe Motherhood) project, has handed over working tools to Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Shinyanga Region, intending to improve maternal and child healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The equipment includes 56 bicycles, raincoats, gumboots, branded t-shirts, and professional bags, which will enable the health workers to deliver services more efficiently, even in areas facing weather and infrastructure challenges.

The handover ceremony took place on July 1, 2025, at the office of the Shinyanga Regional Commissioner, with Hon. Mboni Mhita serving as the guest of honor.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Mhita expressed gratitude to Amref Tanzania for providing the work tools to CHWs, stating that the equipment will enhance the effectiveness of essential services offered to the public.

“The government acknowledges the contribution of development partners like Amref Tanzania in ensuring improved health outcomes, especially for people in rural and remote areas. We will continue to collaborate in strengthening maternal and child health services,” said Hon. Mhita.

She also praised the efforts of Community Health Workers in ensuring community wellbeing, particularly for pregnant women and newborns.

“We recognize the critical work being done by CHWs, including monitoring pregnant women's health, providing health education, making referrals, and collecting essential health data. We believe this equipment will improve the effectiveness of their work, ultimately helping to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths,” she added.

“The government sincerely thanks our partners — Amref Tanzania and Buffalo Bicycles Tanzania — for supporting the improvement of reproductive, maternal, and child health services. We also appreciate the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for funding, and UNFPA for overseeing the project. Additionally, I commend the entire team of regional and district-level health service managers for their excellent cooperation in implementing these activities,” Hon. Mhita added.

On her part, Dr. Serafina Mkuwa, the Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health Program Manager at Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, said the tools are part of the implementation of the Thamini Uzazi Salama project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and overseen by UNFPA.

“This project aims to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by improving access to safe delivery services through skilled birth attendants, well-equipped health facilities, and community-level health workers,” said Dr. Mkuwa.

She added that the bicycles were donated by Buffalo Bicycles as part of a strategic partnership to help CHWs reach communities more easily and promptly.

Rehema Richard, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at Buffalo Bicycles, said:

“We believe that a reliable bicycle is a critical bridge that helps a service provider reach the intended recipient on time. Through this partnership with Amref, we are contributing to real change in the lives of many Tanzanians.”

The Shinyanga Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Yudas Ndungile, also thanked Amref Tanzania and its partners for the support and emphasized the importance of the responsible use of the equipment.

“I urge that this equipment be used as intended — to reach communities in a timely manner, improve reproductive health services, and assist in household registration under the improved health insurance scheme,” he said.

The CHWs who received the equipment have already been trained to use smartphones and the LEAP application, which helps them access digital health education, provide community outreach, support referral systems, and collect vital health information.

The Thamini Uzazi Salama project is being implemented in the regions of Dar es Salaam and Shinyanga, aiming to increase the number of skilled birth attendants, strengthen friendly maternal and child services, and enhance community engagement in the timely use of reproductive health services.

Amref Health Africa continues to work in partnership with the Ministry of Health, PO-RALG (TAMISEMI), and other stakeholders to ensure that every Tanzanian has access to quality health services.

Improving maternal and child health and strengthening community health systems is the foundation for building a healthier and more sustainable nation.