According to DHIS statistics, in Tanzania, 85% of live births are delivered by a skilled provider. The majority of births (58%) were delivered by a midwife. By region, Manyara has the lowest percent of births delivered by a skilled provider (61%) and Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam both have the highest percent of births delivered by a skilled provider (>99%). This shows the contribution of midwives in making sure women have safer deliveries, even in rural areas.
The International Day of the Midwife holds deep significance for the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) as it aligns directly with our strategic commitment to support quality service delivery for Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) and adolescent well-being and making sure there is quality and timely services provided to women and newborn and children in hard-to-reach areas. Midwives are the cornerstone of safe pregnancies, skilled deliveries, and respectful care for mothers and newborns across Tanzania. Their work not only saves lives but also strengthens health systems at the community level. Our annual collaboration with the Tanzania Midwives Association (TAMA) in commemorating this important day reflects our shared dedication to championing the midwifery profession, advocating for improved working conditions, and ensuring every woman and adolescent girl receives the care and dignity they deserve.
On May 5th, the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation proudly participated on the International Day of the Midwife (IDM), a day dedicated to honouring the lifesaving work of midwives and their vital role in ensuring safe pregnancies, deliveries, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns. Spearheaded globally by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), this celebration unites governments, development partners, healthcare professionals, and communities to recognize midwifery’s indispensable contribution to resilient health systems.
The event brought together a spirited gathering of over 800 participants including midwives from across the country, healthcare professionals, government officials, development partners, media, and community leaders.
“Today’s dialogue is a call to action to amplify the voices of midwives, especially in times of crisis. They are not just first responders; they are our everyday heroes.” said Dr. Agnes Massae, Deputy General Secretary of TAMA during the event.
As part of the IDM 2025 celebrations in Shinyanga, TAMA hosted the National Midwifery Awards 2025, honouring midwives who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, compassion, and community impact. The awards featured six categories with public nominations, rigorous reviews, and over 15,000 public votes cast in a lively online campaign. Winners were celebrated on stage, receiving custom trophies and certificates of recognition before dignitaries, partners, and fellow midwives.
Midwives have been present since the beginning time of men, dating back to the early times of BC. Their presence is crucial for community development and we at Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation celebrate their profound efforts and hard work to ensure the safety of mothers and newborn babies.
They are unsung heroes but their voices echo through every newborn’s ears.
