Tanzania has introduced a groundbreaking labour law reform granting extended maternity leave to mothers of premature babies and increasing paternity leave. The legislation, pending presidential approval, ensures that maternity leave begins after the original due date rather than the birth date, allowing mothers more time for postnatal care. Fathers will also see their leave extended from three to seven days.
Child healthcare activists have praised the move, emphasizing its potential to improve infant health outcomes and reduce disabilities. Tanzania is the first East African nation to implement such a law, with hopes that other countries in the region will follow suit. The government has also mandated improved postnatal care facilities in district hospitals.