DAR ES SALAAM: AT least 2,500 residents of Dar es Salaam over the weekend benefited from a free medical camp organised by the Rotary Tanzania.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Oyster Bay, Sunset and Ukonga.
According to Rotary Tanzania, the event was held as part of the continued efforts to support the government to bring healthcare services closer to citizens by conducting medical camps.
Through the initiative namely Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) event 2024 held at Mzambarauni Primary School over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, more than 2500 citizens received free medical healthcare services and education.
The health services provided include Malaria testing and preventive education, eye tests, dental check-ups, menstrual hygiene support, access to medication and specialist referrals as needed.
Around 100 doctors including 50 general practitioners and 50 specialists comprising dentists, pediatricians and opticians as well as a team of approximately 500 volunteers participated in the provision of the services.
The initiative is anchored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and Rotary Action Group and Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention as mobilising partners of Rotary International.
Speaking during the event, Country Chair of Rotary Tanzania Sophia Chamzingo said a remarkable undertaking was made possible through the active partnership of Kairuki, Muhimbili, Kampala International University of Tanzania (KIUT), Alpha and E-Swahili Rotaract Clubs.
Ms Sophia said that Rotary Tanzania, primarily in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Oyster Bay has been actively organising medical camps in partnership with the Rotaract Club of Kairuki since 2012, aiming to provide basic health care to the Dar es Salaam community.
“Today’s medical campaign will continue to mark a significant milestone, increasing the size of any previous medical camp organised by the club. We extend our special appreciation to our partnering Rotary,” she said.
She also thanked the sixth phase government under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for being an important partner of the Rotary.
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She also mentioned Rotary partners including Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Management and Development of Health Organisation (MDH), Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Light of the World, CCBRT, Tanzania Dental Association and Local Government Regional Medical Team.
Other partners include Engender Health, Rotary Club of Ukonga, Rotary Club of Sunset, Rotaract Clubs of KIUT, Kairuki, Alpha, Muhimbili and e- Swahili, Sayona Drinks Tanzania, SGA Security, Guaranty Bank, White Sands Hotel, Medinova Specialised Polyclinic, SBC Pepsi, NV Pharmaceuticals and Friends of Rotary, Rotarians.
Also in the list include Ukonga Primary School, Juhudi, Jica and Amani, Mzambarauni Primary School, Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD), Rotary Club of Oyster Bay, Afya Intelligence, Tarmal Industries, Hitech Sai, Chemicotex and Bakhresa food Azam.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million individuals who are committed to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The network focus areas include promoting peace, fighting diseases, supporting local economies, water and sanitation initiatives, saving mothers and children, advancing education and protecting the environment.