About IRIS FOUNDATION
Every breath, a blessing, supports Iris's journey from survival to strength.
The Iris Foundation is a non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting children affected by birth asphyxia and related conditions. The foundation was inspired by the journey of our daughter, Iris, who suffered from birth asphyxia and faced many challenges in receiving proper treatment and therapy. Her struggle opened our eyes to the difficulties families experience—both emotionally and financially—when caring for a child with such needs.
This personal journey is what pushed us to establish the Iris Foundation: to reach other families who face the same challenges, to help them understand the condition, and to support children living with birth asphyxia so they can access care, rehabilitation, and hope.
Our Mission
The mission of the Iris Foundation is to:
Provide rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy for children affected by birth asphyxia.
Support access to assistive devices (braces, corsets, mobility aids, etc.) that help children improve mobility and independence
Raise awareness about birth asphyxia and advocate for early intervention and medical preparedness in health facilities.
Raise awareness about birth asphyxia and advocate for early intervention and medical preparedness in health facilities.
Offer emotional and financial support to parents and families caring for affected children.
Our Vision
To create a world where every child affected by birth asphyxia receives timely medical support, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to live a dignified and fulfilling life.
Our Core Programs
Rehabilitation & Therapy – Continuous physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for affected children
Assistive Devices & Equipment – Provision of supportive devices that improve physical mobility and development.
Rehabilitation & Therapy – Continuous physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for affected children
Parent Empowerment – Training and counseling for parents to equip them with skills to care for their children at home.
Awareness & Advocacy – Educating communities and policymakers about the causes, prevention, and treatment of birth asphyxia.
Research & Partnerships – Collaborating with medical institutions and organizations to advance solutions for affected children.
Why Iris Foundation Matters
Birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of infant disability and developmental delays. Many families struggle without proper support, rehabilitation, or financial resources. The Iris Foundation bridges this gap by offering hope, care, and practical solutions, ensuring that no child is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
Understanding Birth Asphyxia
Birth asphyxia is a serious medical condition that occurs when a newborn infant does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth. The lack of oxygen can cause severe and permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs, resulting in long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, speech impairments, and motor dysfunction.
According to global health data, birth asphyxia is one of the leading causes of newborn mortality and long-term neurological impairments, particularly in low-resource settings. In Tanzania, the burden is alarming due to limited access to specialized care, lack of early intervention programs, insufficient numbers of paediatric occupational therapists, speech therapists, and rehabilitation centres.
Inspired by the personal journey of our daughter, Iris, who suffered from birth asphyxia, we have recognized a critical gap in our healthcare system that urgently needs addressing. Our proposed organization, The Iris Foundation, seeks to be a beacon of hope for affected children and families.
OUR Project Goal
Long-Term Goal
To build a fully equipped Iris Rehabilitation and Care Center—a safe haven where children affected by birth asphyxia receive medical, therapeutic, and emotional support under one roof, while families find guidance and a supportive community.
The Iris Foundation is born from love, struggle, and hope. Through Iris’s journey, we are determined to turn pain into purpose—helping children live better lives and supporting families to never walk this path alone.
