Israel, Germany pledge more support to JKCI

What you need to know:

  • This was revealed when the deputy ambassadors of the two nations visited JKCI.

        Dar es Salaam. Embassies of Israel and Germany yesterday pledged to continue working with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in enhancing treatment of heart diseases, especially those affecting children.

This was revealed when the deputy ambassadors of the two nations visited JKCI.

The envoys went to assess the progress made by doctors from Israel and Germany who have been working with local specialists in providing heart treatment for children suffering from congenital heart defects.

Using a gadget known as cathlab, the doctors have been carrying out heart procedures on children aged between 1 and 18 years.

The Germany deputy ambassador, Jörg Herrera said his country has been working with Tanzania in solving some of the most pressing health challenges. He promised to strengthen the cooperation in building more healthcare capacity.

“I have witnessed for myself the progress that has been made in providing treatment at this facility…the job is being done according to international standards. This is key in saving lives of children,’’ he said.

For his part, Israeli Deputy Ambassador Michael Baror expressed his confidence in Tanzania’s specialists and promised that his country will continue providing capacity building programmes in efforts to enhance treatment of heart diseases in the country.

“We have been sponsoring doctors and nurses from JKCI for studies in Israel. We have also been supporting the treatment of heart diseases for children here in Tanzania, including those who have been taken to our country for further treatment. I have the confidence that these local doctors are doing well on this,’’ he said.

The head of Cardiology Unit at the JKCI, Dr Peter Kisenge, said 32 children who had been diagnosed with various heart defects had undergone surgery since January 20. The ongoing medical camp will last for six days.