Authored by: Jitihada Baraka
I worry every day because my baby needed breast milk and I could not provide enough.”
For Jesca Josam, whose baby was born prematurely, the first days after delivery were filled with uncertainty and concern for her baby. Like many mothers of small and sick newborns, she was unable to produce enough milk immediately after birth, leaving her worried about whether her baby would receive the nutrition needed to survive and recover. Her experience reflects a challenge faced by many families caring for vulnerable newborns.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024), approximately 2.3 million newborns die every year worldwide, with nearly 47 percent of deaths among children under five occurring during the first 28 days of life. WHO and UNICEF (2023) report that only 48 percent of newborns globally are breastfed within the first hour after birth, despite evidence showing that early initiation of breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of newborn death.
At Muhimbili National Hospital Mloganzila, healthcare providers witness the importance of early breastfeeding every day, particularly among small and sick newborns.
The first hours of life are critical for every newborn, especially for those who are small and ill. When these babies receive breast milk early, we see better recovery and improved chances of survival. Breast milk is more than food; it is lifesaving medicine,
Dr Lucy Mpayo, a neonatologist in the Department of Paediatrics at Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila, explains that breast milk is uniquely suited to meet the needs of vulnerable newborns.
Breast milk is unique and meets the needs of newborns, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. Colostrum, the first milk, provides antibodies and nutrients that protect babies against infections and support healthy growth and brain development.
Despite these established benefits, not every mother can breastfeed immediately after delivery. Maternal medical complications, or the admission of newborns to intensive care units can temporarily separate mothers from their babies during the hours and days when breastfeeding is critical to initiate.
Tanzania is making significant progress towards establishing its first Human Milk Bank at Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila aspart of a broader effort in Tanzania to improve care for small and sick newborns. Since 2024, the hospital has operated a Human Milk Storage Room and a Breastfeeding Counselling Room to support (Lactational management unit) mothers and laid the foundation for a future Human Milk Bank. To date, the the lactation unit has collected 521 liters of human breast milk and safely stored it for mothers of babies in the Neonatal Care Unit. The Lactational unit currently has the capacity to collect 2–5 liters of breast milk per day. To further local capacity, in April 2026, two nurses from Mloganzila participated in a learning exchange in Cape Town’s Mowbay Maternity Hospitalto gain practical experience from an established Human Milk Bank program called Milk Matters.
Continuing plans to establish Muhimbili Hospital’s Human Milk Bank will require additional investment to support infrastructure and operational readiness, including dedicated space, pasteurization and milk-testing equipment, and other essential equipment and supplies. The hospital is leading in this area to provide newborns with the best source of nutrition.
Every drop of breast milk has the power to save a life. Investing in breastfeeding and preparing for the Human Milk Bank brings Tanzania one step closer to ensuring every newborn receives the healthy start they deserve.
Tanzania’s first Human Milk Bank at Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila
Congratulations to Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila and the dedicated team of health professionals for the outstanding achievement in Immediate Kangaroo Mother Care (IKMC), a life-saving intervention for newborns. Dr. Mariam Johari, Director of the NEST360 Tanzania Program, commended the health workers for their commitment and impact during this year’s Kangaroo Awareness Day festivities in May 2026. She highlighted that following the Hawassa training, remarkable progress has been made within just one year, including the establishment of the Mother-Newborn Intensive Care Unit (MNICU) and Tanzania’s first Human Milk Bank at Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila,milestones that are significantly strengthening newborn care and improving outcomes.
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