Southern Tanzania

After 2 days in Dar es Salaam having some training I headed to Mtwara in Southern Tanzania. I was to look at 2 Maternity units and 2 Nursing and Midwifery schools and do a Gap Analysis of what skills are needing developing.

I was met by my Rafiki nimpia ( new friend) Tecla.

A donated ambulance actually being used for the purpose for which it was intended! Encouraging.

Beautiful hospital veranda

Filling in the Gap Analysis

She is principal of one of the schools. What a humble beautiful lady. We then set off in the Ministry of Health car along the bumpy roads to Newala.

Newala is based on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the river ,so one can peer into Mozambique. It is green and lush and beautiful.

I was so warmly welcomed at the Nursing School in Newala. We then strolled over to the Hospital which is just next door. There is a lovely relationship between the school and hospital.

Everyone seemed so focused on my visit, that bless the poor lady who was in labour delivered her baby by herself despite there being 15 students and midwives within 3 meters of her. Was trying to emphasize patient care always comes first, even if you have a visitor!

We then overnighted in Masasi. The country side is so beautiful. I was amazed at all the bicycles on the road. And so many women riding them. Also what was being carried on the back was quite entertaining. At times it looked like a whole shop was on the back.

There were so many schools along the road. More so than what I have seen in South Africa in the rural areas. Education exposure, something it looks like they are doing quite well down here in the South.

Teaching staff at Nchingwea Nursing and Midwifery School

All the Male Midwifery Students

The next day I was at Nchingwea School and hospital. Again such a warm welcome. I found the care in this hospital quite encouraging.

I think the thing that really rattled me on this trip was seeing the conditions under which the students need to study and live. They are all crammed into dormitories, lack of funds see them staying at the school for their holidays. I felt overwhelmed with compassion for them, and how despite the hardships they persevere. When I think about my student days, the total privilege of small classes, great resources and not to mention friends, parties and good times!

I felt embarrassed about how I have demanded a higher standard of care from the Midwives I work with and now I see where they come from I am humbled by how they have overcome to all be where they are now!

So I return to Arusha with a deeper sense of the challenges to Maternity Care in Tanzania. But also excited about relationships that have been established and the many opportunities we have for the future.

I realised while visiting these hospitals, the love I have for the rural African hospital. Large verandas, covered walk ways, open doors everywhere, patients and family lounging on the grass, no hurry anywhere. Much of it is a sight that makes my heart so glad! Despite the challenges I think a lot more healing can come from an environment like this than the type of hospitals many of us will find ourselves in.