Evidence from global health databases suggests that about 240 million children globally have developmental disabilities based on parent-reported functional difficulties compared to 290 million children reported scientifically. African countries like Tanzania are the most affected with limited data and test of interventions. The early developmental interventions are needed as the preventative approach to improving the development of at-risk infants and children of Africa with Neurological Problems aged < 2 years. These interventions have rarely or never been used in counties like Tanzania.

The project aims to improve the identification with children with neural disability through the use of an early physiotherapy intervention on preterm infants’ and children with Neurological Problems aged < 2 years for motor and neurological development, additional to the parents’ stress index are conducted in Mbeya, Tanzania.

A longitudinal intervention project for infants and children aged < 2 years are enrolled for the intervention cohort dividing children with Neurological deficits into those who have received any physiotherapy compared to those who did not receive any physiotherapy after birth. All enrolled children are allocated to the intervention for early physiotherapy intervention, based on parental education sessions and tactile and kinesthetic stimulation during the NICU period, as well as a home-based activity program.

The intervention will commence after 32 weeks’ post-menstrual age and ending at 24 months corrected age. Infants and children are allocated into usual care based on the NIDCAP-care. The program are piloted at Vijiji Tanzania and Agarimo for Africa in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Mbalizi Designated District Hospital and then expanded to rest of Tanzania.