“No one should die while choosing to give life”
Led by UNFPA-Tanzania with implementing partners CAM and AMREF, the SMIP project (Thamini Uzazi Salama which means Value Safe Birth in Swahili) aims to reduce Tanzania’s high rates of maternal and newborn mortality by increasing the availability of skilled midwives in the country. It takes a holistic approach by working at the community, institutional and policy levels, targeting community members and leaders (women, men, girls and boys), government stakeholders, health training institutions, health care facilities, staff and the national midwifery association (TAMA).
The SMIT Project is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada over seven years (Dates: 2024-2031)
Project Goals
- Strengthened teaching and learning environment for high-quality, gender-responsive midwifery pre-service program.
- Strengthened midwifery professional development programs for in-service midwives to provide high-quality, gender-responsive midwifery care.
- Enhanced capacity of selected health facilities to deliver rights-based, gender-responsive, quality safe midwifery services.
- Enhanced capacity of community structures to engage in a dialogue aimed at improving delivery and utilization of quality gender-responsive midwifery services.
- Improved capacity of government and relevant institutions to develop and implement gender-responsive midwifery related policies, regulations and guidelines.
- Strengthened leadership capacity of TAMA to promote and advance the midwifery profession in Tanzania.
Total Project Budget
4 million CAD
Highlights 2024
In 2024, the Thamini Uzazi Salama project laid a strong foundation for midwifery system reform in Tanzania. Through national collaboration, the project advanced strategic planning, revised and digitized emergency training modules, and initiated a country analysis for a Midwifery Bridging Program. TAMA and CAM worked closely with government partners to align tools with national priorities, expanding access to high-quality care. These milestones mark a pivotal year in strengthening respectful, accessible, and life-saving maternal and newborn health services.
Drafted a 5-year strategic plan for TAMA through national stakeholder engagement.
Initiated country analysis for Midwifery Bridging Program; 4 universities shortlisted.
6 Emergency Skills Training modules re-accredited and digitized for national e-learning platform.
20 days of technical assistance provided to strengthen TAMA’s leadership and systems.
Hosted validation workshops and planning meetings with MoH, TNMC, and UNFPA.
