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About Us

ABOUT US

Mwanangu Development Tanzania (MWADETA)

is a national non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. We strengthen hospitals, train district healthcare providers, support inclusive schools, advocate for government policy change, promote prevention through folic acid and food fortification, and improve access to essential medical devices — ensuring that life-saving services are available closer to children’s homes and communities across Tanzania.

Our mission

To improve the quality of life for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida through capacity building, prevention, advocacy, and access to essential services.

Our vision

A Tanzania where children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida live healthy, dignified, and empowered lives with services available near their communities.

Our Approach

We believe in:- 1. Partnership – working with hospitals, government, schools, and communities. 2. Sustainability – building local systems instead of temporary solutions. 3. Equity – ensuring rural and low-income families are not left behind. 4. Dignity – protecting the rights and potential of every child

Our Commitment

MWADETA is dedicated to reducing preventable disability and death caused by neural tube defects in Tanzania. We work toward long-term change by strengthening health systems, promoting prevention, and ensuring children receive care without traveling far from their homes.

Impact Snapshot (For Donors)

The Challenge in Tanzania

  • Neural tube defects remain a preventable cause of disability and death
  • Limited neurosurgical capacity outside major cities
  • Inadequate district-level follow-up services
  • Low awareness of folic acid and food fortification
  • High cost and limited availability of essential medical devices

MWADETA’s Strategic Response

  • Strengthening Regional Referral Hospitals for specialized care
  • Training district hospital teams in CIC and basic clinical management
  • Supporting inclusive education in public schools
  • Advocating for national policy inclusion and sustainable financing
  • Promoting prevention through folic acid and fortified maize flour
  • Facilitating access to VP shunts, catheters, and bowel management supplies

Long-Term Impact Goal

  • Reduced preventable deaths and disabilities
  • Decentralized services closer to rural communities
  • Improved quality of life for children and families
  • Sustainable government commitment to special needs care

MWADETA focuses on system-level change — ensuring impact that lasts beyond individual projects.

OUR TEAM

Walter Miya

CEO & Founder’s Message

Founder, Mwanangu Development Tanzania (MWADETA) When I first encountered children living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida in Tanzania, I saw more than medical conditions — I saw families struggling alone, traveling long distances for care, facing stigma, and fighting for their children’s survival with very limited support. Many of these children do not suffer because treatment does not exist. They suffer because access does not exist.

Mwanangu Development Tanzania (MWADETA) was founded to close that gap. Our mission is simple but urgent: to ensure that no child is denied life-saving care, inclusive education, or dignity simply because of where they are born. We work to strengthen Regional Referral Hospitals, train district-level healthcare providers, support inclusive public schools, and advocate for prevention through folic acid supplementation and fortified foods. We also push for sustainable government policies and access to essential medical devices such as VP shunts and catheters.

Our goal is to bring services closer to communities — so families no longer have to travel far, sell property, or lose hope. I believe that every child deserves the chance to live, learn, and thrive. Together with partners, government, healthcare professionals, and communities, we are building a Tanzania where children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida are supported, protected, and empowered.

Director of Medical Training –Dr. Gerald Mayaya
Procument Officer – Lilian Amos Mushi
Finance Officer – Epafra Evarist Tety
Board Member – Redemptus L Mugyabuso
Program Manager – Dr. Idda Mihindi
Accountants – Fredy Monyo
Director of Rehabilitation – Derick Magnus Kamwangile
Public Relations Manager – Vicky

Mwanangu Development Tanzania (MWADETA) is a national non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of children living with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. We strengthen hospitals, train district healthcare providers, support inclusive schools, advocate for government policy change, promote prevention through folic acid and food fortification, and improve access to essential medical devices — ensuring that life-saving services are available closer to children’s homes and communities across Tanzania.

Plot no 242 Block T kenyatta Rd.Box 2811 mza
(Monday - Sunday)
(08am - 05pm)
Contact us