BMH launches 7bn/- drive to fund lifesaving transplant

DODOMA: THE Benjamin Mkapa zonal Referral Hospital (BMH) has launched a 7bn/- fundraising drive to finance lifesaving transplant procedures for 100 patients over the next two years.

The plan targets 50 children in need of bone marrow transplants for sickle cell disease and 50 adults requiring kidney transplants, while also supporting the expansion of transplant facilities and training of specialised medical personnel.

Speaking in Dodoma on Tuesday, BMH Executive Director, Prof Abel Makubi, said the funds will be mobilised through a national campaign culminating in a fundraising event on May 8, this year, in the capital.

The initiative is being organised in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), development partners, public and private institutions, as well as individual well-wishers.

The fundraiser, which coincides with the hospital’s 10th anniversary, is expected to be officiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

“The burden of sickle cell disease and kidney complications remains high, noting that about 12,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually, while around 100 patients urgently require kidney transplants,” Prof Makubi said.

He said a bone marrow transplant costs approximately 75m/- per child locally, compared to between 120m/- and 150m/- abroad.

For kidney patients undergoing dialysis three times a week, the total cost of a transplant is estimated at about 40m/- per patient. “It is impossible for an ordinary Tanzanian to meet such costs. The fundraising effort aims to expand access to treatment for patients who cannot afford it,” he said.

He added that BMH has so far conducted 55 kidney transplants, with all patients recovering except one who faced unrelated complications.

The hospital has also successfully treated 28 sickle cell patients, both local and foreign, through bone marrow transplants worth a total of 1.9bn/-.

Prof Makubi called on institutions, companies and individuals to support the initiative, saying it offers an opportunity to save lives and reduce the financial burden on affected families.

Speaking on behalf of the NHIF Director General, Dr David Mwenisano commended BMH for spearheading the programme, describing transplant treatment as costly but critical.

He said NHIF has been supporting some services for such patients, but the cost burden remains high, leaving the government to shoulder a significant share.

“The upcoming fundraising drive provides an opportunity for joint efforts to expand access to lifesaving treatment,” he said.

Dr Mwenisano added that NHIF is implementing reforms to widen coverage and improve affordability as the country rolls out Universal Health Insurance, including new benefit packages tailored to different income levels.

He said the Fund is also modernising its systems to enhance efficiency and service delivery nationwide.