WHO WE ARE
We are a women-led foundation ending maternal and newborn deaths, and advancing adolescent reproductive health in East Africa.
OUR 2024 IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Newborns reached using DMF-supported medical equipment in hospitals across Tanzania
Adolescents reached with reproductive health information.
Doctors, nurses, and midwives trained to deliver better care for mothers and newborns.
30M+
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OUR GOAL AND MISSION
Our mission is to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Tanzania, protect adolescent reproductive health, and secure lasting policy change. By 2030, we will transform health systems and empower hundreds of lives.
WHAT WE DO
We implement evidence-based, community-led health programs that end preventable maternal and newborn deaths, advance adolescent reproductive health, and secure lasting policy change in Tanzania
Maternal & Child Health
We equip hospitals with neonatal equipment and supplies, strengthen healthcare workers, and build NICUs where they are most needed. Our goal is to prevent maternal and newborn deaths and give every child a fighting chance from birth.
Advocacy
We influence national policy so families are protected by laws and systems that last. From extended maternity leave for mothers of preterm babies to recognition of World Prematurity Day, we use evidence and lived experience to shape change at scale.
Adolescent Reproductive Health
We empower adolescents with accurate sexual and reproductive health information and safe spaces to learn. Through peer education and youth-made films, we break stigma, promote informed choices, and build a generation equipped to lead healthier lives.
Vision
To advocate, educate, investigate, litigate, advance, and protect the rights of Tanzania’s preterm infants, girls, and women.
Mission
We envision a barrier-free, inclusive, diverse world that values each individual and their voice as well as preterm infants, girls, and women enjoy the power of equal rights and opportunities, dignity, choice, independence, and freedom from abuse, neglect, and discrimination.
Vision
To advocate, educate, investigate, litigate, advance, and protect the rights of Tanzania’s preterm infants, girls, and women.
WHERE WE WORK
Tanzania is our home, and our people are our priority. We are rooted in the communities we serve from Mwanza to Mbeya, Arusha to Dar es Salaam ensuring that every mother, newborn, and adolescent has the chance to thrive.
We know the challenges families face and the barriers that health systems must overcome. Being based here means we bring local knowledge, trusted partnerships, and lived experience to every program. This is what makes our work effective, sustainable, and truly Tanzanian.
OUR PROJECTS
Bright Classrooms Initiative
Transforming rural schools with modern classrooms, better resources, and teacher training to ensure quality learning for every child
Bright Classrooms Initiative
Transforming rural schools with modern classrooms, better resources, and teacher training to ensure quality learning for every child
Bright Classrooms Initiative
Transforming rural schools with modern classrooms, better resources, and teacher training to ensure quality learning for every child
NEWS AND STORIES
Read our latest updates from policy wins to community impact and see how DMF is making change.
August 26, 2025 LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
Doris Mollel meets WHO Director-General at the Regional Health Summit
In a memorable moment, DMF Founder and Executive Director Doris Mollel met with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, during the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) held in Lusaka, Zambia. During their encounter, Doris Mollel shared the progress and challenges Tanzania faces in maternal and newborn health, from the strides made in extending maternity leave for mothers of preterm infants to the ongoing needs for improved hospital care.
June 1, 2025 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
World Prematurity Day gains official WHO recognition
In a historic win for global newborn health advocacy, the World Health Assembly has officially added World Prematurity Day, November 17th, to the World Health Organization’s calendar of annual health observances. This decision elevates the day, which has been informally marked by health groups since 2011, to an internationally recognized event, mobilizing all WHO member states to observe and act on the issue of preterm birth. The push for recognition was led by Tanzania’s delegation with strong support from the Doris Mollel Foundation, which provided evidence and passionate advocacy highlighting the toll of prematurity. With an estimated 15 million babies born too soon each year worldwide (over 336,000 of them in Tanzania alone), prematurity is the leading cause of death in children under five. Now, every November 17, governments and health institutions globally will be urged to organize awareness campaigns, report on progress, and accelerate interventions for preterm infants.
January 31, 2025 DODOMA, TANZANIA
Tanzania extends paid maternity leave for preterm mothers
A groundbreaking amendment to Tanzania’s employment law now grants extended paid maternity leave to mothers of premature babies. After years of advocacy by the Doris Mollel Foundation and partners, the Parliament passed reforms to ensure that when a baby is born preterm, the mother is entitled to additional fully paid maternity leave until the infant reaches its due date, which is 40 weeks of gestational age. In practical terms, this means a mother who delivers, say, two months early can take those extra two months off, on top of the standard maternity leave, to care for her fragile newborn. This landmark policy change, which is one of the first of its kind in Africa, acknowledges the unique challenges faced by families of preemies, including prolonged hospital stays and the need for intensive caregiving at home.
Our Partners
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Your support helps us save mothers and newborns, advance adolescent reproductive health, and shape policies that last.
Latest News
A Letter from the Executive Director: Parental Leave Change
History Made: Tanzania Expands Parental Leave for Preemie Care!
WHO Director-General meets Doris Mollel at WHO Headquarters
Work With Us
We welcome inquiries, partnerships, and collaboration opportunities that align with our mission of addressing prematurity in Tanzania.
Whether you’re curious about our work, inquisitive in partnering, interested in donating to our activities or general inquiries, we would love to hear from you.
Contact Us
Contact us via the information below, and let's work together to make a meaningful impact.
P.O BOX 61350
Mehrab Street, Near Barbecue Village
Msasani Kinondoni, Dar Es Salaam
Phone: (+255) (0) 767 803058
Email: info@dorismollelfoundation.org