The Mount Meru Foundation (SMM) aims to continue providing training in maternal and child healthcare, with a particular focus on ultrasound. In addition, SMM seeks to facilitate the availability of ultrasound equipment for maternal and child healthcare in rural areas of Tanzania. We also aim to expand our collaborations with Mnero Hospital (southern Tanzania) and Turiani Hospital (central Tanzania).

In 2026, SMM intends to offer at least four selected candidates a scholarship for the new one-year ultrasound training program in Dodoma or Moshi. After graduation, these candidates will also receive additional hands-on training.

In 2026, SMM hopes to equip the Mamabus in Karatu—operational since 2025—with mobile ultrasound equipment for use in rural areas. Since the end of 2023, the Driving Nurses Foundation (SDN) has been responsible for equipping the mobile services, facilitating transport, and providing healthcare staff. Karatu Lutheran Hospital provides personnel and transport, while SMM has facilitated ultrasound training since 2024 and will, where necessary, provide ultrasound equipment on loan. The project in Moshi serves as a model for the Karatu region, where we aim to offer similar support.

In 2023, a field study was conducted in the area surrounding Himo. In collaboration with the Himo Health Center, SMM aims to provide antenatal care with ultrasound support in rural areas. First, ultrasound expertise within the Himo Health Center needs to be strengthened. In 2025, Esther Mushi, affiliated with the Himo Health Center, began her training. From 2026 onwards, SMM hopes to further develop outreach plans in Himo.

In 2025, initial contacts were established with Mnero Hospital in Tanzania, resulting in one student starting training in Dodoma. In 2026, SMM aims to expand this collaboration and support multiple students from Mnero Hospital and the surrounding region in following the ultrasound training program.

SMM also intends to expand its initial contacts with Turiani Hospital in central Tanzania in 2026 and support students from this hospital in accessing ultrasound training.

In this way, SMM aims to focus in 2026 on organizing and facilitating ultrasound training in Tanzania.

Regina Namumba, a highly experienced senior sonographer, will continue to provide hands-on training for SMM’s junior sonographers in 2026.

In addition, SMM has engaged four experienced sonographers from the Netherlands to support and supervise students, and we look forward to a productive collaboration in 2026.

Finally, SMM aims to organize a symposium in 2026 to celebrate its 10th anniversary, which could not take place earlier.