Tanzania, April 27 -- Morogoro. It is early morning in Iwemba Village, Kidodi Ward, when the cry of a newborn pierces the quiet at the Kyambike household.

Furaha, an expectant mother  who welcomes this reporter into her home, appears anything but happy-despite her name meaning "joy". Her child is unwell, yet she lacks both the money for treatment and fare to reach a health facility, even though the child is under five years old.

When informed about the government directive granting free healthcare to expectant mothers and children under five, she dismisses it, recounting how she waited two months to raise money before beginning antenatal clinic visits.

"When I started clinic, I was told to bring money. The amount depends on the pe...