Living 20 km away from Kizengi Dispensary, it was difficult for Vivian, a 26-year-old expectant mother, to attend antenatal care (ANC) during her previous pregnancies, resulting in home deliveries. However, on 17 March 2025, during her third pregnancy, she received mobile ANC services in her village, Isuli, through the Jamii Salama (“Safer Communities”) Project—implemented by the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) in partnership with the Government of Tanzania and funded by S.C. Johnson and Son Company.
To the team’s surprise and encouragement, Vivian arrived with her husband. Male involvement in ANC is rare in many communities, where it’s often culturally discouraged. The presence of her husband was a powerful symbol of change. Vivian was nine months pregnant and complained of abdominal pain. The mobile ANC team quickly took charge and began comprehensive tests. When asked if she had previously attended ANC, she replied no—again, due to the long distance and high transportation costs. “Transport charges can be high, especially when drivers see that the passenger is pregnant,” her husband explained. “That’s why my wife gave birth to our two children at home, despite the risks.”
Around 1:30 p.m., Vivian’s labor pains intensified. With no records of prior complications due to her lack of previous ANC visits, the healthcare providers administered intravenous fluids and arranged for her immediate transfer to Kizengi Dispensary using the mobile ANC vehicle. A nurse and project volunteer remained at the site to continue serving other women who were in attendance. The 20 km journey took over an hour due to rough, bumpy roads. Although the mobile vehicle had comfortable seats, Vivian found the ride painful, reinforcing why motorcycles or bicycles are not a safe option for expectant mothers.
Vivian was handed over to the dispensary team around 3:00 p.m. Later that evening, after completing services at the outreach site, the Jamii Salama team returned to the dispensary. They were overjoyed to learn that Vivian had safely delivered a healthy baby girl. Her husband expressed deep gratitude for the swift and professional support. “Had I stayed home, I wouldn’t have understood the importance of attending ANC with my wife. I’ve learned a lot and will now encourage others to support their partners during pregnancy,” he said. He also sent heartfelt thanks to the Jamii Salama team and its donors: “May you be greatly blessed.”
Antenatal care is critical for protecting the health of mothers and their unborn babies. It offers preventive services like immunizations, malaria prevention, and HIV testing, while empowering women with knowledge about pregnancy. Unfortunately, barriers like poverty and long distances still prevent many women from accessing these services. By involving men and bringing ANC services directly to communities, the Jamii Salama Project is closing this gap and promoting safer pregnancies.
