The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a framework for improving maternal health. In Tanzania, maternal mortality remains high, yet the integration of SDG principles into routine healthcare delivery is not well understood. This study analysed the integration of the SDGs into maternal healthcare policy and practice in Tanzania. It aimed to identify key facilitators, barriers, and the perceived impact on service delivery. A mixed-methods case study was conducted. Documentary analysis of national health policies was combined with semi-structured interviews of policymakers, healthcare managers, and frontline providers. Quantitative service coverage data were collated from district health information systems. Policy alignment with the SDGs was strong at the national level. Implementation at facility level, however, was inconsistent. A principal barrier was resource constraints, which limited the adoption of recommended practices. Facilities with specific SDG training programmes reported a higher uptake of antenatal care visits. Tanzania has progressed in formally adopting the SDG framework into maternal health policy, but a significant implementation gap persists at the point of care. Strategic integration is not fully operationalised in routine service delivery. Integration should be strengthened through targeted investment in health workforce training on the SDGs. Developing context-specific indicators and reinforcing local monitoring mechanisms would improve accountability and implementation. Sustainable Development Goals, maternal health, healthcare delivery, Tanzania, health policy, implementation science This research provides empirical evidence on the challenges of translating global health frameworks into local practice, offering insights for policymakers and health managers working to operationalise the SDGs.
Aisha Mwinyi (Sat,) studied this question.