Sports Partnerships for Maternal and Newborn Advocacy
Maternal and newborn health requires public visibility, community participation, and partnerships that can reach people beyond hospitals and policy spaces. In Tanzania, low birthweight, sick, and vulnerable newborns continue to face serious survival challenges, especially in facilities that lack adequate neonatal equipment, supplies, and public support. Sports offer a powerful platform to bring people together, raise awareness, and mobilize resources for mothers and newborns who need specialized care.
Football for A Cause is DMF's sports based advocacy and fundraising campaign that uses football partnerships to support maternal and child health advocacy and fundraising. Through this campaign, DMF brings together prominent Tanzania footballers and musicians such as Mbwana Samatta and Ali Kiba, public figures, corporate partners, and communities around the survival and wellbeing of mothers and newborns. Before each edition, participating footballers, artists, and partners undergo capacity building sessions to understand the importance of the cause they are representing, and also join site visits to hospitals, where they see firsthand the realities facing mothers and newborns.
In its most recent edition, the campaign sold out the 10,000 seat Azam Complex Stadium, was livestreamed across more than eight countries through Azam Sports HD Channel, and reached more than 10 million people across digital platforms. The event was attended by former President of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Kikwete. The campaign raised $70,000 to support neonatal care at Kibiti District and Buhigwe District Hospitals. The medical equipment and supplies for Buhigwe District Hospital were received by the former Vice President of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango. The campaign demonstrates the power of sports to move public attention toward maternal and newborn health, while transforming fan participation, athlete influence, and public entertainment into direct support for maternal and newborn care.
Beyond fundraising, Football for A Cause creates a platform for awareness and education. Through engaging adolescent footballers, young fans, and sports communities, the campaign opens conversations on newborn care, parenthood, sexual and reproductive health, and the shared responsibility of protecting mothers and newborns.
To partner with us or support future editions, please email us at partnerships@dorismollelfoundation.org.