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Recap · 15–17 July 2026 · Malaika Beach Resort, Mwanza

PAT 2026
Scientific Conference

Resilient Health Systems for Every Child: Innovation, Equity and Quality of Care

Three days in Mwanza with the people advancing child health across Tanzania — here's how it went.

See the Photos View Programme

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Shaping the Future of
Child Health in Tanzania

The PAT 2026 Scientific Conference brought together paediatricians, researchers, policymakers, and child health advocates from across East Africa and beyond. Set in the lakeside city of Mwanza — hosted at Malaika Beach Resort on the shore of Lake Victoria — three days of research presentations, workshops and collaborative discussion moved the conversation on Tanzania's child health forward.

Our theme — "Resilient Health Systems for Every Child: Innovation, Equity and Quality of Care" — reflected the urgent need to build resilient, equitable health systems that ensure every child has access to quality healthcare. The evidence shared, partnerships formed and action agreed in Mwanza now carry forward into PAT's ongoing work.

CME Points Awarded Certificate of Attendance Abstract Submissions
3
Days
298
Delegates Attended
33
Speakers
32
Sessions

With Thanks to Our 2026 Partners

Sponsorship & Exhibition

Their support made Mwanza 2026 possible. Interested in partnering with PAT's next scientific conference?

Sponsorship at PAT Talk to the Team
Top tier

Platinum

Platinum – Main Sponsor

TZS 40500000

Details

Tanzanite

Tanzanite Sponsor

TZS 27000000

Details

Gold

Gold Sponsor

TZS 21600000

Details

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME

Conference Tracks

Four focused tracks addressing the most pressing challenges in paediatric health

01

Neonatal & Child Survival

  • Neonatal care innovations and NICU outcomes
  • Childhood immunization strategies
  • Integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI)

Neonatologists · Paediatricians · Nurses

02

Paediatric Infectious Diseases

  • HIV/AIDS in children — PMTCT and ART outcomes
  • Malaria, TB, and emerging infections
  • Antimicrobial resistance and stewardship

Infectious Disease Specialists · Researchers

03

Nutrition & Child Development

  • Malnutrition interventions and food security
  • Early childhood development and disability
  • Adolescent health and mental well-being

Nutritionists · Developmental Paediatricians

04

Health Systems & Policy

  • UHC and paediatric care financing
  • Digital health and telemedicine for children
  • Workforce development and training models

Policymakers · Health Economists · Planners

WHAT WAS PRESENTED

The Full Programme

Three days of plenaries, symposia, abstract sessions and workshops — 32 sessions from 33 speakers across four tracks.

Day 1 — Wednesday, 15 July 2026

08:00–08:30
Registration and Exhibition Viewing
Secretariat
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
08:30–08:45
Welcome, Conference Objectives and Overview
Conference Chair
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Plenary I: Innovation for Resilient Child Health Systems 08:45 – 10:15
08:45–09:05
Mwanza Clinical Learning Network (MCLN): Building Capacity Through the Paediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) Programme
Dr Adolfina Hokororo
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
09:05–09:25
GOAL3 IMPALA System: Transforming Monitoring and Early Detection of Clinical Deterioration
Dr Manaseh Haule
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
09:25–09:55
Responding to Deteriorating Vital Signs: Lessons from the PAT Mentorship Programme
Dr Theopista Jacob
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
09:55–10:15
PAT Virtual Consultation Room: Harnessing Collective Expertise to Improve Child Outcomes
Dr Theo & Dr Suba
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
10:15–10:45
Tea Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Plenary II: Quality of Care (Parallel Sessions) 10:50 – 13:10
10:50–11:50
Ethypharm Symposium: Apnea of Prematurity — Closing a Critical Gap in Newborn Care
Dr Rehema Marando
Elevate Conference Hall
10:50–12:20
Symposium: Every Breath Counts — Practical Advances in Newborn Respiratory Care
Hatch Technology
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
11:50–12:20
Prime Pharm: Food Supplementation in Children
Dr Georgina Bulyoluguru
Elevate Conference Hall
12:30–13:10
MCT: CPD System (Questions and Answers)
Dr Mashauri Lisso
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
13:10–14:00
Lunch Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Plenary III: Equity and Access for Children with Complex Health Conditions 14:00 – 15:45
14:00–14:20
Baylor Foundation Tanzania: Strengthening Care for Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Dr Eunice Ketang'enyi
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
14:20–14:40
Ivan & Joan Foundation: Improving Outcomes for Children with Aplastic Anaemia
Dr Heronima Joas
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
14:40–15:00
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Tanzania — The Way Forward to Address Unmet Needs in Paediatric Patients
Prof. Jeremiah Seni
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:00–15:15
JD Pharmacy: Advances in Paediatric Dermatology
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:15–15:35
Experience in the Management of Gastroschisis at Nkinga Referral Hospital
Dr Suba
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:35–15:45
Discussion and Key Takeaways
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Official Opening Ceremony 15:45 – 19:30
15:45–16:00
Guest of Honour Arrival and Exhibition Tour
Welcome by PAT leadership; guided walk-through of sponsor and partner exhibition booths; brief introductions and photo opportunities; media coverage.
Master of Ceremonies
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:00–16:05
National Anthem and Opening Protocol
Tanzania National Anthem; East African Anthem.
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:05–16:15
Conference Overview and Statistics
Chair, Lake Zone Organizing Committee. Delegates and countries represented, abstracts submitted and accepted, sponsors and partners, conference objectives and expected outcomes.
Dr Adolfina Hokororo
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:15–16:25
Cultural Performance
“Celebrating Tanzania’s Children and Future” — a vibrant performance to officially welcome delegates to Mwanza.
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:25–16:40
Opening Keynote Address: Building Resilient Health Systems Through Quality of Care
Prof. Francis Furia
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:40–17:00
Keynote Address — The Strategic Role of Professional Associations
Dr Sunday Dominico, President AGOTA
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
17:00–17:15
Remarks from PAT Partner — Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
17:15–17:25
Remarks from PMORALG
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
17:25–17:40
Ministry of Health Remarks — DRMCH
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
17:40–18:00
President's Address: Resilient Health Systems for Every Child — A Call to Action
Dr Theopista Jacob
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
18:00–18:20
Recognition and Appreciation Ceremony
Recognition of key partners, sponsors and distinguished contributors to child health; presentation of appreciation certificates.
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
18:20–19:00
Guest of Honour Address and Official Opening
Government commitment to child health; health systems strengthening; innovation and quality of care; official declaration opening the conference.
Guest of Honour — Minister for Health
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
19:00–19:30
Official Launch Photo and Group Photos
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)

Day 2 — Thursday, 16 July 2026

Plenary IV: Investing in Survival and Thriving for Small and Sick Newborns 08:30 – 10:20
08:30–10:00
Medical Liquid Oxygen (mLOX) for Paediatric Critical Care in Tanzania
CHAI
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
10:00–10:20
SolidarMed: Equity in Health — Reaching the Last Mile in Rural Tanzania
Dr Malneste James
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
10:20–10:45
Tea Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Plenary V: Partnerships for Sustainable Child Health Impact (Parallel Sessions) 10:45 – 13:00
10:45–12:15
GSK Symposium: From Breakthrough to Better Care — Integrating Rotavirus and Malaria Vaccination into Resilient Child Health Systems
Temitayo
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
10:45–12:15
Touch Health Symposium — Watotocare: Neonatal Follow-up Results and Lessons Learned
Dr Martha & Dr Edward
Ball Room
12:15–12:30
Memorandum of Understanding between Down Syndrome Tanzania (Pearl) and the Ministry of Health
Dr Julius Jephuer Massaga
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
12:15–13:00
Thamini Uhai: Prioritizing Care for Small and Sick Newborns (SSNB) in the Partnership Programme
Dr Theopista Jacob
Ball Room
12:30–13:00
Mega We Care: Omega-3, Brain Development and Child Wellbeing
Dr Isabela Swai
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
13:00–14:00
Lunch Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
14:00–15:00
Innovation Marketplace and Partner Showcase
Interactive exhibition of innovations, digital health solutions, research initiatives, partner showcases and featured abstract displays.
All Partners
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:00–16:45
Paediatric Association of Tanzania Annual General Meeting (Active Members Only)
PAT Executive Council
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:00–16:45
Partner Meetings, Networking Sessions and Committee Meetings (Non-PAT Members)
Secretariat
Elevate Conference Hall & Ball Room
16:45–17:00
Evening Tea
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
17:00–17:30
Organizing Committee Meeting
Secretariat
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
19:00–23:00
Gala Dinner
All Delegates
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)

Day 3 — Friday, 17 July 2026

08:30–09:00
Gina Pharmacy: Expanding Access to CPAP for Newborn Survival
Dr Rehema Marando
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Scientific Abstract Presentations (Parallel Sessions) 09:00 – 10:30
Track A: Clinical Paediatrics and Child Health
Oral Presentations
A1. Dr Theonestina Amos — Transition Readiness from Paediatric to Adult Care Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
A2. Joseph Nyambabe — Timing of Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease: Associated Factors and Complications Among Children Attending Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute
A3. Dr Atuganile Twalondaga — Prevalence and Factors Associated with Thyroid Hormone Abnormalities Among Neonates Admitted at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
A4. Tulla Masoza — Arterial Stiffness and Associated Factors Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Mwanza, Tanzania
A5. Teresa Mbewe — The Hidden Burden: Psychological Distress Among Pregnant Adolescent Girls Accessing Antenatal Care in Malawi
Scientific Committee
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Track B: Newborn Health and Critical Care
Oral Presentations
B1. Amon Ryakitimbo — Impact of Rapid Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease in Tanzania: Results from the Tabora Region Pilot Program (SickleCare) — A Year-Long Experience
B2. Josephat Mutakyamilwa — Competency-Based Equipment User Training in Enhancing Healthcare Providers' Skills in Utilizing bCPAP Devices for Newborn Care
B3. Glory Moses — Investigating the Effect of an Educational Intervention on Discharge Readiness of Preterm Infants' Parents
B4. Mathayo Shadrack — Neonatal Jejunoileal Atresia in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Case Series Highlighting Anatomical Variations, Staged and Primary Surgical Management, and Early Outcomes
Scientific Committee
Ball Room
Track C: Health Systems, Innovation and Quality Improvement
Oral Presentations
C1. Dr Adolfina Hokororo — Operationalizing a Learning Health System for Child Health: The Journey of the Mwanza Clinical Learning Network (2018–2025)
C2. Dr Heronima Kashaigili — Diagnostic Limitations and Outcomes in Paediatric Sarcomas: A Ten-Year Experience from Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
C3. Dr Kasanga Mkambu — Primary Health Facility Readiness to Provide Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Services: Findings from a Health Facility Needs Assessment in Kigoma Region, Tanzania
C4. Castro Tematema — Enhancing High-Quality Neonatal Care Services Through Improving Infrastructure in Low-Resource Settings: Lessons Learned from Hai District Hospital
C5. Eunice Ketang'enyi — SCALE Care Tanzania: Integrating Lifelong Sickle Cell Care into Primary Health Systems
Scientific Committee
Elevate Conference Hall
10:30–11:00
Tea Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
11:00–13:00
Poster Presentations and Innovation Marketplace
Guided poster walks, innovation demonstrations and judge interactions.
Scientific Committee
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
13:00–14:00
Lunch Break and Exhibition Visit
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Plenary VI: The Role of Professional Associations in Health Systems Strengthening 14:00 – 15:45
14:00–15:30
Way Forward: Lessons Learned in the Conference and Deliberations on Key Strategic Issues (MOH, Professional Associations, Partners)
Dr Theo & Dr Sunday
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:30–15:45
Conference Highlights and Key Recommendations
Prof. Francis Furia
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
Closing Ceremony 15:45 – 16:30
15:45–15:55
Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards
Head of Scientific Committee
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
15:55–16:10
Recognition of Partners, Speakers and Scientific Committee
PAT President
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:10–16:20
Closing Remarks and Official Conference Closure
Guest of Honour
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:20–16:30
Farewell Tea and Departure
All
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)
16:30–17:00
Organizing Committee Session
Secretariat
Marquee Hall (Main Conference Hall)

Social Event — Saturday, 18 July 2026

18:00–21:00
Social Event
Details to be confirmed.

Want the actual slides?

Speaker presentations from all three days are available to attendees registered for the conference, in the member portal.

Browse Presentations
Open full programme

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME

The science behind Mwanza 2026.

Reviewed abstracts — original research, clinical case studies and programmatic work — took the stage across four tracks as oral and poster sessions throughout the congress.

  • Four tracks: Neonatal & Child Survival · Infectious Diseases · Nutrition & Development · Health Systems & Policy
  • Oral and poster presentation formats
  • Young Investigator Prize awarded to an outstanding abstract by a resident or student
View the programme

Abstracts

Presented in Mwanza

Accepted oral and poster abstracts were delivered live across the three-day scientific programme.

Held

15–17 July 2026 · Mwanza

LOCATION

Venue & Travel

Malaika Beach Resort · Mwanza, Tanzania

Known as "Rock City," Mwanza is Tanzania's second-largest city, situated on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. The conference venue offers modern facilities with stunning views of the lake. Mwanza is accessible via direct flights from Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and other regional hubs.

Getting There

Mwanza Airport (MWZ) receives daily flights from Dar es Salaam (1.5 hrs). International connections via Julius Nyerere International Airport or Jomo Kenyatta, Nairobi.

Accommodation

A range of hotels sit near the venue, from luxury lakeside resorts to comfortable budget options.

Visa Information

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online via the Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal. We can provide invitation letters upon registration.

Travel Tips

  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD widely accepted.
  • Time zone: East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3).
  • Weather in July: Dry season, 20-28°C. Light jacket recommended for evenings.
  • Airport transfers and local transport will be coordinated for delegates.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Registered delegates who attended can generate their CME-accredited certificate of attendance from "My Events" in the member portal.
Slides from all three days are available to attendees registered for the conference under "Conference Presentations" in the member portal.
Yes — the gallery above is a preview. The full photo set from Mwanza is in the Moments gallery.
Track the status of your submission and upload your final slides any time from "My Abstracts" in the member portal.
Dates and venue for the next conference will be announced on this site and to PAT members directly. Becoming a member is the surest way to hear first.
Apply online any time via Become a Member — membership includes CPD, mentorship, and priority access to future PAT conferences.

Be Part of What Comes Next

Mwanza 2026 was three days. PAT's work for Tanzania's children continues every day of the year — join as a member and be first to hear about the next conference.

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