EXPECTANT mothers in Marangu East Ward, Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region, can now access critical maternal healthcare services closer to home following a major upgrade to the Marangu health centre.

The health facility, which once lacked the capacity to handle emergency obstetric and surgical cases, has undergone significant improvements—ending years of hardship for women who had to travel to neighbouring wards during labour or medical emergencies.

“The challenges used to be severe. Women in labour had to be referred to distant facilities, and that posed serious risks,” said Dr Catherine Shirima, the in-charge medical officer at Marangu   health centre. “Today, thanks to government support and the efforts of our Member of Parliament, we’re better equipped to handle emergencies.”

Dr Shirima revealed that the health centre now serves over 50 patients daily during off-peak farming seasons, showing its growing importance in the region. She credited Vunjo MP Dr Charles Kimei for helping secure 500.5m/- for the construction of a new maternity wing, which is now in its final stages.

“This new building is a major breakthrough,” she said. “We are now able to respond faster to maternal emergencies within our ward, which helps prevent avoidable deaths among mothers and newborns.”

The upgraded facility serves a broad catchment area, including the villages of Samanga, Lemrakana, Ashira, and Mamba, as well as nearby communities such as Himo and Mwika.

Despite the progress, Marangu East Ward Councillor Jonas Mawalla emphasised that the centre still faces critical gaps. “We urgently need a mortuary, a laundry block, staff quarters, and an ambulance to make this health centre fully operational,” he said.

Mawalla praised Dr Kimei’s continued advocacy and called for stronger collaboration between local leaders and community members. “These developments are possible when we work together. Our MP can only champion our needs effectively if we stand united. This project is a great example of that partnership.”

As work on the new maternity wing nears completion, hopes are high that more investments will follow to make Marangu health centre a model for rural healthcare in Tanzania.