DODOMA: BENJAMIN Mkapa Hospital (BMH) has launched two specialised clinics to tackle anaemia and pregnancy-related heart complications, strengthening efforts to improve maternal and child health amid rising maternal deaths in Dodoma Region.
The clinics, launched on Friday by BMH Executive Director, Prof Abel Makubi aim to improve early diagnosis, treatment and public awareness, particularly among pregnant women and children.
The launch brings the number of clinics at the hospital to 26, reflecting ongoing government efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare services.
Prof Makubi said four in every 10 Tanzanians suffer from anaemia, including six to seven in every 10 pregnant women and five in every 10 children under five.
He said the hospital is intensifying public awareness campaigns to encourage early detection and treatment of anaemia, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“We want to raise awareness about anaemia among different population groups, particularly children, pregnant women and older people, so that communities can recognise the condition and seek timely treatment,” he said.
Prof Makubi urged Tanzanians to regularly monitor their haemoglobin levels alongside blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol to identify potential health complications early.
He also directed the hospital’s blood services department to develop screening guidelines to help lower-level health facilities identify and refer patients requiring specialised treatment.
On maternal health, Prof Makubi said the integrated pregnancy and heart disease clinic will assess women before and during pregnancy, support safer deliveries and monitor mothers and newborns after childbirth.
He said approximately 15 per cent of pregnant women experience heart-related complications, including conditions associated with high blood pressure that can lead to eclampsia.
Prof Makubi said the hospital is strengthening measures to reduce maternal and child deaths following reports of more than 14 maternal deaths in Dodoma Region since January.
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“We have to act quickly to control the situation and reduce maternal and child deaths,” he said.
BMH Medical Director, Dr Jesse Jonathan, urged healthcare workers to refer patients diagnosed with anaemia or pregnancy-related heart conditions to the new clinics for specialised care.
Blood diseases specialist Dr Irene Mteta said the anaemia clinic will help identify underlying causes of the condition and provide appropriate treatment, warning against taking medication without proper medical assessment.
Cardiologist Dr John Meda said the integrated clinic will strengthen monitoring of women before, during and after pregnancy, enabling early detection of complications affecting mothers and newborns.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Zakaria Kombo said collaboration with paediatric cardiology specialists will also support early detection of heart conditions among pregnant women and children.
Meanwhile, Mnada Mpya resident Beatrice Faustine thanked the hospital for treating her child, who suffered severe anaemia.
“I am still continuing with treatment, and I am grateful to the doctors for the care they have provided,” she said.