Parents Call for Lower Neonatal Care Costs in Tanzania

Parents of Premature Babies Urge Government to Reduce Medical Costs

Arusha, Tanzania – March 12, 2025

Parents of premature babies in Arusha are appealing to the government to reduce medical costs and enhance infrastructure in neonatal care units to save lives.

Mothers whose newborns are receiving specialized care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have called on authorities to consider waiving or significantly reducing the high treatment costs, which they say pose a major financial burden. Additionally, they have urged the government to invest in better medical equipment and increase healthcare staff to ensure newborns receive timely and effective medical attention.

Currently, the cost of treatment in NICUs across Tanzania ranges between Sh150,000 and Sh400,000 per day, depending on the medical condition of the infant.

High Mortality Rates Among Premature Infants

According to UNICEF, over 250,000 babies are born prematurely in Tanzania annually, with approximately 9,500 infants losing their lives due to complications arising from premature births.

Parents Speak Out on Financial Struggles

Speaking during a support donation event at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha, organized by the Arusha Super Women group, parents shared their struggles with the high cost of treatment.

Stellah John, one of the affected mothers, highlighted the urgent need for financial relief and improved medical services for premature babies.

“The cost of treatment is overwhelming, and many parents struggle to afford the specialized care required for their newborns. The financial strain not only affects our pockets but also causes severe stress, leading to conditions such as high blood pressure,” she explained.

Another parent, Rebecca Eliezer, emphasized the urgent need for better infrastructure, particularly more healthcare workers and neonatal equipment.

“Despite the high cost of treatment, neonatal wards still face a shortage of staff and medical machines, which affects the quality of care given to premature infants,” she said.

She further urged the government to ensure neonatal care services are expanded to district hospitals to reduce congestion at major referral hospitals such as Mount Meru.

Government Acknowledges Challenges in Neonatal Care

Responding to the concerns, Arusha Regional Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Charles Mkombachepa, admitted that while all district hospitals have neonatal units, there is still a significant shortage of critical medical equipment.

“No district hospital in Arusha lacks a neonatal unit, but the major challenge remains insufficient medical infrastructure. This is why some newborns are referred to Mount Meru Hospital,” he stated.

Dr. Mkombachepa assured the public that the government is working on enhancing neonatal care services to ensure safer births and better survival rates for premature infants.

Community Support for Neonatal Care

The Arusha Super Women group, led by chairperson Bertha Kondo, donated essential supplies to families at Mount Meru Hospital, including hygiene products, food supplies, and clothing.

“We have previously extended our support to various communities, including refugee camps and prisons. This time, we chose to visit Mount Meru Hospital to offer encouragement and provide much-needed essentials to families facing this difficult time,” said Kondo.

As the government works to improve neonatal care, parents of premature babies continue to hope for policy changes that will make treatment more affordable and accessible across Tanzania.