The Mount Meru Foundation (SMM) aims to further develop itself over the next five years into a relevant non‑governmental organization (NGO) with the vision of contributing to improved maternal and child healthcare in Tanzania. Ultrasound is a crucial component of quality antenatal care, especially in remote areas. The Mount Meru Foundation believes that every woman should receive ultrasound examinations during pregnancy in accordance with the WHO protocol. Therefore, SMM is committed to increasing knowledge and skills in obstetric ultrasound and expanding the possibilities for providing ultrasound care.

To achieve this, the SMM Board intends to deploy several instruments:

  • Training healthcare professionals — We facilitate the training of nurses, midwives, and doctors in ultrasound. This includes placement in the recently established ultrasound program in Dodoma, where SMM covers tuition fees as well as travel and accommodation costs. In recent years, we have experimented with further training of ultrasound practitioners by senior sonographers after students complete their program. Since proper education of sonographers is a key priority for SMM, we intend to fully invest in this in the coming years. Students are selected based on recommendations from clinics with which we have built productive collaborations.
  • Commitment after graduation — Students who successfully complete the one‑year program in Dodoma are asked to commit to SMM’s mission and vision and to help train new students once they graduate. In doing so, we aim to build a team of skilled sonographers who can provide on‑site support to junior practitioners. We will continue to offer digital support to both junior and senior sonographers for several years where needed.
  • Mentorship and digital case discussions — A team of highly experienced Dutch sonographers acts as mentors and organizes digital case‑based meetings for both junior and senior sonographers in Tanzania. This elevates knowledge and expertise to a higher level. Since continuity can sometimes be challenging, this case‑discussion group will remain a point of attention in the coming years. We are also actively seeking to expand the mentor group.
  • Collaboration with other NGOs — We work closely with other NGOs active in the same region. Recent collaborations with Mnero and Turiani hospitals have been very successful. Since both clinics receive support from Dutch parent organizations, we see this as a successful model. We aim to intensify collaboration with these clinics—and potentially others using the same model—over the next five years. SMM’s ultimate goal is to establish skills labs at such locations, where sonographers can receive additional training from senior practitioners or SMM‑affiliated mentors.
  • Providing handheld ultrasound systems — Where necessary and relevant, we purchase handheld ultrasound devices and loan them to clinics, sonographers, and organizations that can make a meaningful difference in maternal and child healthcare.
  • Strengthening partnerships and visibility — Existing collaborations with related NGOs will be maintained and expanded where possible with new initiatives. SMM will take a leading role by being active on social media and participating in relevant symposia in the Netherlands. Organizing an SMM symposium remains a long‑term ambition to strengthen the network and share knowledge about our work in Tanzania.
  • Board renewal — To remain future‑proof, rejuvenation and reinforcement of the Board is essential. We actively recruit within our network and within the professional organizations KNOV and BEN.
  • Good governance and compliance — SMM aims to be a solid and reliable organization and is therefore recognized as a Public Benefit Organization (ANBI). The structure of SMM will be adjusted where necessary to comply with the latest WBTR legislation. Experts will be consulted if the Board’s knowledge is insufficient.
  • Funding and responsible financial management — To realize all plans, we invest in relationships with sponsors and, where relevant, apply for grants. It is not our intention to keep large unused sums in SMM’s account; funds raised should primarily be used for training, loaning equipment, and eventually establishing one or more skills labs.
  • Transparency — SMM prepares an annual budget and project plan and publishes an annual report. This ensures full transparency regarding activities, the use of donations and grants, and sound financial management. SMM is non‑profit, and all Board efforts are voluntary.

Mount Meru Foundation is located at Dorshout 9, 5462 GL Veghel, The Netherlands

Board:
Chair (from Feb 2026): Sjan de Weert
Secretary: Saja Erens
Treasurer: Anna Lied Poelstra‑Sanders
General Board Member (from Feb 2026): Lucie Driessen