Conference for organ transplant begins

DODOMA: A HIGH-LEVEL scientific conference on organ transplantation is taking place today in Dodoma, bringing together Tanzania’s leading health experts and international specialists to discuss policy, strategies and the future of transplant services in the country.

According to a statement issued yesterday by Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), the international conference forms part of the hospital’s 10-year anniversary celebrations since its establishment in 2015. The meeting has convened specialists from BMH, health stakeholders and experts from universities and various hospitals across the country.

Participants from Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa, Italy, India, Japan and Singapore have also confirmed attendance. International organisations and institutions taking part include the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), ESCA, Mulago National Hospital of Uganda, Help 3 Italy, Tpkushukai Japan, St Elizabeth Hospital Nigeria and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

Locally, the conference has drawn representatives from the Ministry of Health, Muhimbili National Hospital, regional referral hospitals such as Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and Bugando, and universities including UDOM, CUHAS, KCMC, MUHAS and Aga Khan University in Dar es Salaam.

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Regional hospitals from Dodoma, Iringa, Manyara and others are also participating, alongside agencies such as MSD, Safe Blood, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), pharmaceutical companies, the private sector and media organisations.

According to the statement, the outcomes of the conference are expected to enhance regional and international collaboration, and improve the delivery of transplant services. The conference is also expected to form policy and legal frameworks governing organ transplantation, strengthen patient referral systems and boost public awareness of transplant services in the country.

The meeting will also contribute to shaping Tanzania’s vision and long-term direction in expanding and improving organ-transplant services.