Samia’s leadership rooted in empathy and compassion

DODOMA: AS President Samia Suluhu Hassan marks three years of her leadership in the country, her visit to the Benjamin Mkapa (BMH) Zonal Referral Hospital in Dodoma holds special significance.

In her display of motherly love and compassion, President Samia showcased her dedication to the wellbeing of Tanzania’s future generations, particularly those battling sickle cell disease (SCD).

Her emphasis on education, health maintenance, and parental care underscored her holistic approach to ensuring the welfare of the most vulnerable in society.

President Samia’s visits not only highlighted her commitment to improving access to specialised healthcare services but also showcased her leadership rooted in empathy and compassion.

As the country commemorates her three years in office, her unwavering dedication to the health and wellbeing of Tanzanians stands as a shining example of leadership that embodies unity, care, and progress for a brighter future.

The president’s visit, was a touching journey of empathy and hope, particularly for children who had undergone life-saving bone marrow transplants to combat SCD.

During her interaction with the young patients, President Samia showed warmth and encouragement, exemplifying her dedication to the well-being of Tanzania’s future generations.

One emotional moment captured her conversation with Esther John, a young heroine who selflessly donated bone marrow to her brother, Elisha John.

President Samia commended Esther for her courage and selflessness, asking about her feelings that her brother was on the path to recovery.

She said to Esther, “Our hero, you look happy and healthy; how do you feel now that your brother is cured?”
“Good!” Esther replied wearing a broad smile.

The president’s words of wisdom, emphasising the importance of education, hard work, and future contributions to the nation’s development, echoed through the hospital wards, igniting a spirit of empowerment and resilience among the young patients.

Her compassionate exchange with Elisha, encouraging him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor to help others facing similar challenges, reflected the nurturing guidance she imparted to these young hearts.

She passionately questioned Elisha, “Promise me that you will study hard and become a teacher to educate others about SCD, is that right?”

Elisha, whose life has been transformed post-transplant, shared his newfound ability to attend school regularly without the hindrances of his previous health struggles.

“Now, I can attend school for more than a week, unlike before when I would miss days,” he said.

President Samia’s emphasis on nutrition, health maintenance, and parental care further underscored her holistic approach to ensuring the well-being of these young fighters against SCD.

“You don’t need to wait for your mothers to remind you to eat at the appropriate times. It will give you energy to study and attend school,” she urged.

The gratitude expressed by parents and guardians for the government’s support in establishing the bone marrow transplant services at BMH was intense, with Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu highlighting President Samia’s commitment to allocating funds for the treatment of more SCD patients by June this year.

The tireless efforts of the hospital staff, led by Dr Stella Malangahe, in successfully treating and caring for SCD patients, showcased a harmonious blend of expertise and compassion in transforming lives.

President Samia’s visit extended beyond the confines of patient wards as she acknowledged the dedication of hospital nurses and attendants, emphasising the significance of their roles in the healing process.

Her unwavering support for not just the patients but also the healthcare professionals underscored her holistic approach towards fostering a culture of care and excellence in healthcare delivery.

As she met with Ms Theresia Ngowi, the mother of ailing Member of Parliament Halima Mdee, President Samia further demonstrated her empathy and solidarity with all individuals battling health challenges.

The establishment of bone marrow transplant services at BMH last year marked a significant milestone in enhancing access to specialised healthcare services and reducing treatment costs for Tanzanians, exemplifying the government’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of its citizens.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s visit to BMH stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a collective spirit of resilience, compassion, and determination in the face of health adversities.

Her unwavering dedication to ensuring the welfare of the most vulnerable among us echoes a message of unity, care, and progress for a healthier and brighter future for Tanzania.

President Samia’s visit to BMH is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the well-being of Tanzanians and stands as a shining example of leadership rooted in empathy and compassion.

In May last year, BMH launched bone marrow transplant services to improve access to specialised health services for its people.

The government invested 2.7bn/- to enable the hospital to provide bone marrow transplant services and reduce treatment costs for citizens.

During the launch, Prime Minister Mr Kassim Majaliwa stated that a bone marrow transplant at BMH costs between 50m/- and 55m/- per patient, compared to over 120m/- when done outside the country.

Medical experts note that the life expectancy of people with sickle cell disease shows that 50 to 90 per cent die before the age of five.