Lift for Life: A Lifesaving Transport Initiative for Mothers in Kilolo

Lift for Life: A Lifeline on Four Wheels

Lift for Life is transforming access to emergency healthcare in remote villages of Kilolo District by providing life-saving transport for pregnant women and vulnerable patients who struggle to reach medical facilities during critical moments.

The Challenge

In villages such as Ng’uruhe, Ukumbi, and Mtitu, distance and poor road infrastructure make it extremely difficult for expectant mothers to reach hospitals in time. Many women face the dangerous reality of traveling long distances during labor without reliable transport. In such situations, delays can mean the difference between life and death.

The Intervention

Lift for Life, implemented by MAWAKI, serves as a mobile bridge between remote communities and life-saving medical care. Through the use of organization vehicles, the initiative transports pregnant women, accident victims, and critically ill patients to healthcare facilities such as the Iringa District Designated Hospital (Tosamaganga) and the Iringa Regional Referral Hospital.

To maintain sustainability, beneficiaries contribute small amounts toward fuel costs, while MAWAKI fully supports the most vulnerable families who cannot afford to pay. By removing transport barriers, this ensures that mothers and patients receive timely and professional medical care.

The Impact (2025)

The results of Lift for Life in 2025 highlight the critical role of emergency transport in rural healthcare access:

• Zero Maternal Mortality: In the communities served by Lift for Life, no pregnant woman lost her life during childbirth or while being transported to a health facility.
• 45 Safe Deliveries: A total of 45 expectant mothers were transported safely to hospitals where they delivered under professional medical care.
• Emergency Support: The initiative also provided urgent transportation for 192 patients requiring medical attention and 23 victims of accidents.

A Vision for the Future

Despite challenges such as deteriorating rural roads and delayed payments of over 3 million TZS from the government through the mMama Program partnership, Lift for Life continues to serve as a vital safety net for communities in Kilolo. With continued support and partnerships, Lift for Life aims to expand its services so that no mother in rural Tanzania is left without safe transportation during childbirth emergencies.