Milestone for Tanzania as MNH specialists perform maiden cochlear implant surgeries

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has marked a historic milestone in its healthcare sector after specialists at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) successfully performed cochlear implant surgeries for the first time using an entirely Tanzanian medical team, without relying on foreign experts.

The achievement is regarded as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s super-specialised healthcare services, reducing the need to refer patients abroad for treatment, and positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for advanced medical care in East and Central Africa.

Speaking at Muhimbili National Hospital today, July 28, 2026, during a ceremony to activate 13 cochlear implant devices for seven children who underwent surgery in June this year, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Emmanuel Tayari, said the milestone reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring Tanzanians have access to modern treatment within the country.

He noted that hearing impairment remains a major public health challenge, with approximately 12,000 children either born with or developing severe hearing loss every year. In response, the government has continued investing in preventive services, early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation programmes to ensure affected children have equal opportunities for growth and development.

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“Since 2017, Muhimbili National Hospital has successfully performed cochlear implant surgery on 115 patients, significantly reducing reliance on overseas treatment and saving substantial financial resources that were previously spent on referring patients abroad,” Tayari said.

He attributed the achievement to the government’s substantial investment in developing human resources for health through the Dr. Samia Scholarship programme, which has so far benefited 6,169 healthcare workers.

According to Tayari, the programme has enabled ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists to receive specialist and subspecialist training both within Tanzania and abroad, building the country’s capacity to independently perform highly specialised procedures such as cochlear implant surgery.

The milestone underscores the success of the government’s continued investment in specialised healthcare services, enhancing Tanzania’s ability to provide advanced medical treatment locally while reducing the cost of overseas medical referrals.