Caesarean Section Provision and Capacity in Health Facilities in Tanzania

The national caesarean rate in Tanzania increased from 2% in 1996 to 6% in 2015-16 (3x increase). Over the same period, the absolute number of caesareans performed increased from 26,000/year to 118,000/year (5x increase). Continuous electricity is widely available in facilities performing caesareans, however availability of trained anaesthesia staff and general anaesthesia equipment is low, compromising the safety of caesarean sections. Several recommendations emerge from our findings to enhance safe caesarean care in Tanzania: (1) improve the availability of anaesthesia equipment and providers, (2) improve the environment for quality surgical services, (3) focus improvement efforts on public and FBO hospitals first, (4) support caesarean providers in low-volume facilities, (5) review the target on surgical provision in health centres, and (6) investigate adherence to infection prevention and control measures.