The association ‘Endulen e.V. – Trage es im Herzen mit! (Carry it with you in your heart!)’ and Endulen Hospital in northern Tanzania have been working together through hospital partnerships since 2018 to improve women’s, maternal and child health in and around Endulen. In this project, they are focusing on neonatal care and raising young women's awareness of reproductive health issues. \r
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Background: \r
Maternal and infant mortality rates are very high in Tanzania, with 4 in 1,000 women dying during childbirth, and 54 out of 1,000 children dying before they reach their fifth birthday. Many girls and young women have limited knowledge of topics such as sexuality and menstruation. They are often married off young and then quickly fall pregnant.\r
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Activities:\r\n˗\tProcurement of ventilators and incubators for newborns\r\n˗\tTraining for staff from Endulen Hospital in temperature regulation, increasing nutritional intake, treatment of infections, and the use of ventilators and incubators\r\n˗\tDistribution of reusable menstruation kits and raising young women's awareness of reproductive health issues\r
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Impact: \r
The care provided to mothers and infants immediately after childbirth is improved at Endulen Hospital and in the surrounding villages. Ventilators and incubators can save the lives of premature and underweight newborns. The awareness-raising workshops provide young women and girls with the opportunity to engage respectfully and confidently with the subjects of pregnancy and sexuality.