Exim Bank leads efforts against diabetes with free screening for staff and customers

DAR ES SALAAM: Diabetes continues to be one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Tanzania, affecting thousands of people every year.

Many of whom are unaware of their condition. Late diagnosis, limited awareness, and lifestyle risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and unmanaged stress have fueled the rise of the disease, particularly among working populations, leading to kidney failure, vision loss, and even death.

Recognising this growing challenge, Exim Bank has taken a proactive approach to support early detection and promote healthier living within its community.

The bank partnered with the Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA) to support national activities marking World Diabetes Day 2025. This partnership underlines the bank’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to public health initiatives beyond its core financial services.

As part of its dedication to wellbeing in workplaces and among the wider public, Exim Bank conducted a free diabetes screening exercise for its staff and customers. The screening was organised in collaboration with the Tanzania Diabetes Association, which brings expert knowledge in diabetes awareness, prevention, and management.

This initiative aligns with this year’s World Diabetes Day focus, “Diabetes and Wellbeing at Workplaces,” which emphasises the importance of early detection, preventive care, and healthy lifestyle habits in reducing the risks associated with diabetes.

By bringing this service directly to its staff and customers, Exim Bank provides an opportunity for individuals to understand their health status, identify potential risk factors early, and take meaningful steps towards prevention and better management.

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The screening covered a comprehensive range of assessments, including:

• Lifestyle risk assessment (dietary habits, alcohol intake, smoking, and physical activity)
• BMI, weight, and height measurements
• Blood pressure checks
• Blood glucose testing using a glucometer

Through these measures, participants gained valuable insights into their current health and received guidance on actions that can reduce the risk of developing diabetes or help manage the condition more effectively if already diagnosed.

“People and customers are at the heart of what we do. Health is a critical foundation for productivity and wellbeing. By offering these screenings, we aim to equip our staff and customers with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health and prevent complications associated with diabetes,” Head of Marketing and Communications at Exim Bank, Stanley Kafu, said.

He also insisted that the screenings were conducted by professionals and with confidentiality.

In addition to diabetes screening, Exim Bank’s Exim Cares program this year has included blood donation drives, support for children’s mental health at Muhimbili National Hospital, contributing medical equipment, funding and giving awareness sessions with Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), as well as breast and cancer awareness initiatives.

These activities highlight Exim Bank’s broad commitment to advancing healthcare and supporting communities across Tanzania.

Through this initiative, Exim Bank demonstrates that corporate responsibility extends beyond financial empowerment to the physical wellbeing of its community. The exercise also reflects the bank’s broader vision of building healthier workplaces and contributing to a more aware and proactive society.

Exim Bank and the Tanzania Diabetes Association hope that the initiative will inspire more organisations to prioritise health in the workplace and support national efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes in Tanzania.