Maternal and child health is an ongoing global burden. Although emergency care in LMICs has received growing attention, much of the existing research focuses on general system-wide problems rather than specific gaps in maternal, child, and neonatal (MCH) emergency care. 

This study addresses this gap by examining barriers to effective emergency care for MCH patients in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro region. It explores both structural limitations, such as staffing shortages and resource constraints, and the emotional and psychological stress faced by providers during emergencies. Using focus group discussions with healthcare workers, the study aims to generate first hand accounts that can inform interventions to improve MCH emergency care delivery, enhance healthcare worker resilience, and ultimately reduce preventable maternal and child mortality.