ANNUAL REPORT FY23 VOICES BEYOND HOUSEHOLDS

Voices Beyond Households

”Introduction to the theme:

The voices of the tiniest and most marginalized have long battled for recognition in Tanzania's warm, colorful interior, where the acacia trees extend their branches toward broad, clear expanses of sky. These are the words of preterm infants, whose uncertain beginnings identify them as warriors from the f their birth. Their needs might have remained ars, heard only in the oices of their homes and unnoticed outside the under resourced hospital r, in 2023, unwavering support of these little murmurs strong resonances that beyond the of the upper levels of decision-making, and across cal boundaries.

Our foundation’s journey this year, themed “Voices Beyond Households,” is evidence of how localized actions can ripple outward, creating waves of change that reshape societal landscapes is evidence of how localized actions can ripple outward, creating waves of change that reshape societal landscapes. Through a series of initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy.

We have not only the needs of premature babies but also championed the cause of maternal and neonatal health on varying scales. From the corridors of local hospitals in Dar es Salaam to the legislative assemblies of the East African Community, the voices that once echoed within the of a single room are now at the forefront of regional health policy debates.

on the year’s achievements, this repor t unfolds the many layers of our ting that when we listen to and amplify the smallest voices, the impact can boundaries of households, reaching the hear ts and minds of communities

Through a combination of compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment, the Mollel Foundation has not just spoken for premature babies but has made their v resounding call to action that echoes across continents.

Dear Friends, Supporters,and Partners,

I am incredibly grateful and in awe of the adventure we have taken together when I think back on the year 2023. Under our overarching theme this year, "Voices Beyond Households," we have witnessed the Doris Mollel Foundation reach far beyond the walls of individual houses to impact communities throughout Tanzania and beyond.

Our commitment to advocate for premature newborns and their families has never been limited to supplying medical equipment; it has always included giving voice to those who are unable to speak for themselves. It's been about turning human challenges into powerful narratives that inspire change at the highest levels of government and in the most intimate community gatherings.able newborns. This victory was not ours alone—it was the result of the relentless dedication of our team, the invaluable support of our partners, and the trust placed in us by families across the region.

We also expanded our health and technology initiatives by introducing the “Policy and Tech Innovation Forum for Saving Lives,”

Our collaboration with multiple partners has allowed us to equip and train more hospitals and healthcare workers than ever before. Each piece of equipment we provide and each training session we do is a step closer to a future in which every prema-

Zambarau" and our strategic policy conversations have not only increased awareness but also mobilized communities to take

The session involved productive discussions, resulting in a commitment from lawmakers to increase political support for our initiatives. We agreed to form a task force, including representatives from Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, EALA, and other key stakeholders, to review and propose necessary amendments to the current parental leave laws. This task force will also conduct extensive research and data collection to tailor our advocacy to the unique challenges premature babies face.

As we look ahead to 2024, we are motivated by the challenges and opportunities that await. The roads we've forged this year will premature babies and their families continue to inspire and motivate change.

Thank you for supporting us, believing in our vision, and being an important part of our journey. We are not just improving people's lives, but also their futures.

Warm Regards,

Doris Mollel Founder and Executive Director

Doris Mollel Foundation

worth of equipment was donated.

Equipped with medical equipment.

Total direct reach: preterm, low birth weight,and sick newborns’ lives were saved. medical equipment were donated.

Total reach:

Total media reach:

Geographical Coverage: Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Dodoma, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Entebbe-Uganda, Morogoro, Pwani, Cape Town South Africa,and Tanga.

On November 11, 2023, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Doris Mollel Foundation board, which consists of Dr. Robert Moshiro, Mr. Georgie Ndirangu, Dr. Aleesha Adatia, Dr. Albert Chotta, and Mr. Millard Ayo, met in Dar es Salaam on November 11, 2023, for a strategic meeting. The main goal of the agendasive Care Unit at Muhimbili National Hospital, where the board members could see the tangible outcomes of their work, engage

The visit to the hospital was an emotional and inspiring experience for all members, reinforcing their dedication to the cause. Observing the dedicated care provided to the premature infants and interacting with the healthcare professionals highlighted medical infrastructure and policy support to improve the survival and health of infants across the region

Focus Area 1: Creating friendly environments for premature babies.

1.1 Medical Equipment Donation and Advocacy

1.1.1 Strengthening Neonatal Care in Mbeya

On February 25, 2023, we took a cant step forward in our mission to ensure that the voices of Tanzania's smallest citizens are heard and cared for. At Mbeya Regional Hospital, we donated six beds and tw oxygen concentrator machines worth 13 million Tanzanian shillings. This contribution not only enhanced the hospital’s neonatal unit but also represented a crucial step in safeguarding the fragile lives of premature babies. The presence of Mr. Juma Homera, the Mbeya District Commissioner, showed

dation and regional leadership to push boundaries and expand care beyond tradi tional household settings.

R on the impact of our donation, community members and healthcare professionals at Mbeya Regional Hospital expressed renewed hope and gratitude. The better facilities not only help the hospital but also show progress for the entire community, proving that caring for the smallest among us can lead to big changes. Through the needs and rights of premature babies, making sure their voices reach far beyond

1.1.2 Taarab for Premature Babies: A Coastal Melodic approach to Advocacy

The lively rhythms of Taarab music the air at Hotel Verde in Zanzibar during our "Taarab for Premature Babies" event. This one-of-a-kind evening brought together Taarab's rich cultural legacy with our ongoing work to enhance newborn health.

Renowned artists such as Khadija Kopa, Sabah Muchacho and Leyla Rashid captivated an eager audience that had assembled to support a worthy cause. Their performances not only entertained, but also increased aware-

ture babies experience.

The event was a resounding success, raising 20 million Tanzanian shillings for essential medical equipment at Makunduchi District Hospital, was livestreamed for over eight hours on Azam TV Sinema Zetu Channel visible

to countries like, Malawi, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya. This donation cantly improved the hospital's ability to care for newborns, demonstrating the power of cultural engagement to bring about meaningful change in healthcare. Our strategy to harness music as a powerful advocacy tool reinforces that reaching out through diverse mediums can deeply engage communities and support meaningful causes.’

1.1.3 Nifuate na Upendo wa Zambarau

2023: Football For Preemies

Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and at the -

Fleva artist Ally Saleh Kiba, we launched "Nifuate na Upendo wa

event rapidly transformed how we engage and educate the community about neonatal care, harnessing the widespread appeal

This initiative combined the universal appeal of football with the critical cause of neonatal health advocacy. The event, spirit, took place in Dar es Salaam, where and education about the needs of premature infants.

The donations raised have helped to improve neonatal services and provide medical supplies to hospitals in Kibiti and Buhigwe. Former President Dr. Jakaya

those who attended the festivities, high lighting the importance of the initiative and its widespread support. This collabo ration also enabled the contribution of educational and medical tools that directly contribute to improved care and survival rates for premature babies, that every small voice is heard beyond the walls of a home.

Stadium. Through "Nifuate na Upendo wa

communities unite under a common cause, the impact can transcend traditional boundaries, bringing hope and tangible improvements to the lives of the most vulnerable. This powerful convergence of sports, culture, and advocacy continues to echo across communities, sustaining a dialogue that nurtures and protects the futures of premature infants far and wide.

1.1.4 Party for A Cause: Dar es Salaam’s Nightlife for Preemies

On June 7th, in the vibrant neighborhood of Msasani, Dar es Salaam, the Doris Mollel Foundation, in partnership with Elements Tanzania, hosted "DMF: Party For A Cause" at Elements Night Club. This unique event turns Dar es Salaam's lively party scene into a powerful platform for philanthropy, where the energy of the night contributes directly to improving neonatal care. The entrance fees collected throughout the evening are dedicated to purchasing

Year after year, "Party For A Cause" has brought together notable such as Shetta, GNako, Dully Sykes, and Barnaba, who perform to support this noble cause. Their involvement goes beyond entertainment; it raises critical awareenhancing the maternal and child club to full capacity but also over a million people through its

The tangible outcomes of these parties are profound. With the latest shillings, we have continued to contribute to lowering preterm mortality rates, an achievement supported by past studies linking medical equipment donations to improved survival rates of premature infants. Moreover, the awareness raised through these events fosters better sexual and reproductive health behaviors across the community, echoing our theme showing that even a night out can reverberate with the power to save lives and shape futures. This blend of celebration and advocacy not

1.1.5 Expanding newborn care at Sinza Palestina Hospital

Palestina Hospital in Dar es Salaam. This large investment demonstrates our continuous commitment to ensure that all newborns, particularly the

Palestine Hospital can now provide a more robust level of care, resulting in a safer and more caring environment for children who require special treatment immediately following birth, and reduce the frequent referrals that often result to loss of lives.

1.1.6 Kigamboni District Hospital Now Can Care for Premature Babies

Continuing our commitment to improving neonatal care, we made another -

mony attended by Kigamboni District Commissioner Halima Bulembo. This endeavor demonstrates our commitment to providing healthcare facilities with the resources they require to care for the most vulnerable patients.

1.1.7. Fashion for Preemies:

During this year’s Swahili Fashion Week, we were thrilled to present a segment. Following our informative experience at the PREEMIE CAMP, we for premature infants. Parents expressed dissatisfaction with traditional designs, so we took action. Collaborating with Swahili Fashion Week was our way of making a statement: fashion has the capacity to change lives beyond the catwalk.

Thereafter, the Swahili Fashion Week's runway served as a platform for change. As models walked down the runway to showcase the new carriers, everyone involved felt a sense of pride and emotion. We succeeded in connecting fashion with the important stories of premature babies and their caregivers and a powerful reminder that every child, no matter how small, is a home and into the hearts of all.

1.1.8 Christmas for Preemies

Following our significant contributions to Sinza Palestine and Kigamboni District Hospitals, we shifted our attention to the holiday season with a project close to our hearts: "Christmas for Preemies" In December, at Masiwani, Tanga, we reached out to families dealing with the care of prematurely delivered children. We targeted 300 families in a

Network, artists Barnaba Classic, and GNako, providing them with festive cheer as well as practical support to lessen the financial and emotional hardships they face on a daily basis.

Through the generous support of an anonymous donor and Assemble Insurance Company, we were able to make another large contribution to Masiwani Hospital, with the donation of 35 million Tanzanian shillings worth of equipment. In the handover ceremony, we were joined by our premature babies’ champion and famous Tanzanian Bongo Fleva artist Barnaba and Tanzania’s Minister of Health, H.E. Ummy Mwalimu. This donation assisted not just to meet immediate healthcare requirements, but also to remind these families that their community supports them, especially during a season generally associated with joy and togetherness.

1.2 Infrastructure

1.2.1 NICU Construction at Ngudu Hospital, Kwimba District

recognized an urgent need for specialized neonatal care. Previously, the nearest newborn intensive care unit (NICU) was more than 100 kilometers away, which was too far for many families, sometimes resulting in unnecessary deaths. In response, we launched an accessible.

As we marked the commencement of construction with a site visit at Ngudu Hospital, a delegation of Dr Felix Bundala from the Ministry of Health, Doris Mollel, Executive Director of the Doris Mollel Foundation, Molly Sims, JHPIEGO Global Support, an international model and renowned fashion designer, and Mrs. Alice Christensen, Country Director of JHPIEGO Tanzania, gathered to celebrate this milestone. This NICU promises immediate, life-saving care for sick, low birth weight, or premature newborns, dramatically reducing neonatal mortality in the district.

e1.3.1 Technical Meeting with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups – Dodoma

prem Cha o vide t could be strengthened.

Our collaborative session was successful and yielded a comprehensive position paper, titled "Recommendations on the Amendments of Various Laws for the Upbringing, Well-being,

and Development of a Premature Baby” which outlines potential amendments and drafted recommendations to secure the welfare of these preterm infants in Tanzania. review by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gende

1.3.2 Technical Meeting with the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups –Dodoma

Continuing with our mission, we returned to Dodoma review the recommendations, suggestions, and inputs ment, Gender, Women, and Special Groups on the position mendations on the amendments to laws, and roadmap. also prepared for a subsequent meeting aimed at including and ministries impacted by the maternity leave law.

1.3.3 Collaborative Stakeholder Meeting in Morogoro, February 7-9, 2023

our advocaMorogoro, where we of diverse across Tanzania. crucial moment in the materniatives from cated three position paper, perspectives recommendations ors' realities.

The outcome was a consensus to involve the Law Reform Commission, moving us a step closer to a comprehensive policy that upholds the rights and health of premature babies. The position paper, now a mosaic of inputs from all ministries involved, awaited presentation to the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special

a cant advance in our journey to safeguard the future of our nation's children.

1.3.4ExpandingAdvocacytothe

EastAfrican LegislativeAssembly,April13,2023,in Entebbe, Uganda.

On April 13th, we brought our campaign to amend maternity leave laws to the East African Legislative Assembly in Entebbe, Uganda. Here, we presented the Doris Mollel Foundation's petition, focusing on parental leave and the needs of families with premature infants across the East African Community, and our proposal for the Assembly to designate 17th November as an International Day for World Prematurity commemorations. This engagement was aaimed at securing regional support for legislative improvements that would premature children and their families.

The session involved productive discussions, resulting in a commitment from lawmakers to increase political support for our initiatives. We agreed to form a task force, including representatives from Partner States, the EAC Secretariat, EALA, and other key stakeholders, to review and propose necessary amendments to the current parental leave laws. This task force will also conduct extensive research and data collection to tailor our advocacy to the unique challenges premature babies face.

1.3.5 Strengthening Legislative Support for Premature Babies in Zanzibar, June 3-4, 2023

In early June, we strengthened our commitment to improving maternity healthcare laws by meeting with the Zanzibar House of Representatives. Our targeted discussions intended to change maternity leave rules to better accommodate women with premature babies. During this strategic session, we collaborated with members of the Women Fund Tanzania Trust, Shirika la Usawa wa Kijinsia Tanzania (SUKITA), the Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA), the Association of Zanzibar Women Members of the House of Representatives (UWAWAZA), and Zanzibar Women Lawyers to draft proposals f cant changes.

The collective resolve of this group led to the decision that the Committee on Social Development of the House of Representatives would present a proposal to amend sections of crucial laws, including the Public Service Act, Employment Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Workers' Compensation Act in the House of Representative. This approach

tive frameworks support the unique needs of families with premature infants.

1.3.6 Presentation to the Management of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups – Dodoma.

In early June, we strengthened our commitment to improving maternity healthcare laws by meeting with the Zanzibar House of Representatives. Our targeted discussions intended to change maternity leave rules to better accommodate women with premature babies. During this strategic session, we collaborated with members of the Women Fund Tanzania Trust, Shirika la Usawa wa Kijinsia Tanzania (SUKITA), the Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA), the Association of Zanzibar Women Members of the House of Representatives (UWAWAZA), and Zanzibar Women Lawyers to draft proposals f cant changes.

The collective resolve of this group led to the decision that the Committee on Social Development of the House of Representatives would present a proposal to amend sections of crucial laws, including the Public Service Act, Employment Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, and Workers' Compensation Act in the House of Representative. This

ensure that legislative frameworks support the unique needs of families with premature infants.

1.3.7 Milestone Celebration: “Yes

–

We

did it”

On a cant day dedicated to marking key achievements, we organized an event celebrating to celebrate the great milestones accomplished through the Prematurity Agenda. This event highlighted key policy reforms implemented since the agenda’s start in 2021. We relaunched the “The Prematurity Agenda” in 2021 focusing on which had the following priority areas: The amendment of parental leave from three months of maternal leave to six months to accommodate parents of premature babies, All health insurance companies in Tanzania to add premature babies’ medical bills to their maternity packages, Incorporation of prematurity knowledge in science and biology syllabuses to reduce knowledge about prematurity and Advocate for government investment and commitment to preterm care.

After over eight years, and series of advocacy campaigns, through the Prematurity Agenda, we have achieved:

2 3

Increased extensive national awareness on prematurity 2021 – present.

4

Tanzania Government and Health Workers Union (TUGHE) amended its maternity leave law to six months to favor mothers of premature babies in 2024.

Government allocated $2.3 million to address prematurity challenges and care in 2023.

National Health Insurance Fund included preterm costs in their packages in 2022.

The Association of Tanzania Insurers included preterm costs in their maternity care packages in 2021. 6. 5

Tanzania Institute of Education, incorporated prematurity knowledge into the education curriculum of science subjects in primary schools and biology for ordinary and advanced level schools in 2021 – 2024.

1.3.8 Tan Union Ame Premature

After more than ve years of dedi time in its history, the Tanzania ers Union (TUGHE) have amended extending it to six months to premature babies.

TUGHE (Tanzania Union of Gov ees) is an important organiz represents the interests of Tanzania's particularly those in government union's impact includes drafting ments, settling disputes, and ment policies.

Focus Area 2: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

2.1 Strengthening Adolsescent Health in Tanzania: National Forum

He December exual

Disabilit ackle the pressing issues challenges for sharpening, ocusing plan erage ey reproductive and maternal health and identify a bridged gap between researchers working elopment partners and NGOs in Tanzania and developed shared vision on coordinaor GBV and VAC.

2.2 Driving Gender Equality at the Tanzania Gender Festival

During the 15th iteration of the Tanzania Gender Festival, which brought together over 1,500 gender activists, we were fortunate to participate and lead a discussion on advocacy movement changes that drive solutions for equitable access to health services

4.1 Policy and Tech Innovation Forum for Saving Lives Focus Area 4: Health and Technology

equipment and devices, we launched and hosted the Policy and Tech Innovation Forum for Saving Lives, which aimed at discussing the hurdles and opportunities at the intersection of healthcare and technology

The forum brought together a wealth of expertise, featuring policymakers, healthcare professionals, and young tech innovators, all of whom contributed insights to build a more thorough understanding of the current situation and future opportunities for healthcare technology

This event was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, who served as a focus for transformative discourse and the exchange of ground-break-

facing the healthcare industry. We are proud to be at the forefront of advocating breakthroughs that not only promote maternity and child healthcare but also ensure that these lifesaving solutions reach

The forum brought together a wealth of expertise, featuring policymakers, healthcare professionals, and young tech innovators, all of whom contributed insights to build a more thorough understanding of the current situation and future opportunities for healthcare technology

This event was chaired by the Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, who served as a focus for transformative discourse and the exchange of ground-breakfacing the healthcare industry We are proud to be at the forefront of advocating breakthroughs that not only promote maternity and child healthcare but also ensure that these lifesaving solutions reach

Partnerships

TanzAfya Project: Empowering Adolescents in Dodoma

On June 21, 2023, in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, we entered a partnership with the French Embassy in Tanzania, launching the TanzAfya project, which is dedicated to empowering the youth of Dodoma by enhancing their ability to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health. The project's advocacy strategy collaborates with national decision-making bodies to national legislation.

The TanzAfya project is set to implement innovative approaches like youth weekend clinics to provide adolescents with access to age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and services. Targeting approximately 13,000 adolescents and youth, the project aims to create a strong demand for modern contraception and better healthcare practices. This initiative represents a cant step towards empowering young people and fostering a healthier future for the next generation in Tanzania.

Awards:

Executive Director, Doris Mollel received a Pan-African Women Economic Summit Award for “ Outstanding Support on Premature Babies:

Executive Director: Doris Mollel received an award from the East Africa Youth Awards for the category of Advocacy, Maternal Health and Children.

Executive Director: Doris Mollel was appointed by the European Foundation For The Care of New Born Infants (EFCNI) on their Parent and Patient Advisory Board (2023-2027).

Executive Director: Doris Mollel was listed as one of the Top 100 Changemakers in Tanzania 2023 by Serengeti Bytes.

Doris Mollel Foundation, was recognized for our contribution to improving the care of premature babies in Tanzania, by the Pediatrics Association of Tanzania.

Born too soon: Decade of Preterm Action

On May 9, 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa, the release of " Born Too Soon:

reduce premature birth rates, a leading cause of death in children under ve. This comprehensive report, authored by over 60 organizations from 40 countries, assesses the progress and ongoing challenges in combating preterm births, highlighting the disparities in newborn survival rates between high-income countries and regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia. The report addresses additional global health crises such as climate change, COVID-19, and economic instability, emphasizing the need for resilient healthcare systems that prioritize respectful, family-centered care.

The Doris Mollel Foundation, through its Executive Director Doris Mollel and Head of Programs and Operations Mr. Samwel Makyao, contributed cantly to the report, reinforcing its commitment to improving neonatal care, particularly in the Human Stories Working Group. " Born Too Soon: A Decade of Action on Preterm Birth " not only on past achievements but also sets forth a path for future actions, inspiring continued progress and advocacy under the banner of creating a safer start for premature babies.

You can read the executive summary of the report

Financials:

Our statements are prepared in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and comply with the requirements of the Tanzanian Non-Government Organization Act 2002.

Grants and revenue

Partners