Aga Khan and German government donate mobile clinics to Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. In a significant step towards bolstering Tanzania's healthcare infrastructure, the Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS, T), in collaboration with the German Government through Germany Development Bank (KFW), has donated two fully equipped mobile clinics to the Ministry of Health.

Valued at Sh618,477,000 ($242,540), the mobile clinics will play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare access for underserved and remote communities, addressing health disparities, and promoting the government's primary healthcare agenda.

The handover ceremony, held on November 8, 2023, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was officiated by Minister of Health Ummy Mwalimu, in the presence of Mohamed Mchengerwa, Minister, President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and representatives from the Ministry of Health and PO-RALG.

Jennifer Woerl, country director of the Germany Development Bank in Tanzania, also witnessed the ceremony.

Equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment, these mobile clinics will provide a range of essential services, including educational sessions, general consultations, immunization services, early screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and nutrition monitoring for children.

They will also serve as referral points, directing individuals with health concerns to the nearest healthcare facilities for further assessments and treatment.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, Minister of Health, expressed her gratitude to the local partners and donors for their support. She emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems in isolated areas, particularly in light of the 6th administration's focus on improving access to quality healthcare services and reducing the burden of chronic diseases, specifically NCDs.

Mr  Mohamed Mchengerwa, Minister, PO-RALG, echoed the importance of making health services accessible to all, emphasizing the role of these mobile clinics in promoting disease prevention through immunizations and NCD screening.

He stressed that PO-RALG's support for this project aligns with its vision of building a healthy population, enhancing productivity, and fostering economic development in Tanzania.

Dr. Zeenat Sulaiman, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa, reiterated AKHS, T's unwavering commitment to reducing the disproportionate burden of disease in rural and hard-to-reach populations. She emphasized that the Aga Khan COVID-19 Vaccination Project, through which these mobile clinics were donated, exemplifies AKHS, T's dedication to advancing the country's primary healthcare agenda.

The donation of these mobile clinics marks a significant step towards bridging the healthcare gap in Tanzania, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential medical services.

This collaboration between AKHS, T, the German Government, and the Tanzanian government demonstrates the power of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges and improving the lives of vulnerable populations.