Dar es Salaam, 24th July 2025 — In high-impact sports settings, quick and effective response to medical emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. As incidents of sudden cardiac events among athletes draw increasing global attention, international organizations like FIFA and UEFA emphasize Basic Life Support (BLS) training as an essential standard for medical teams. In Tanzania, where access to emergency services can sometimes be delayed, equipping sports frontline responders in sports with life-saving skills is more important than ever.
To address this need, The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, through its Improving Emergency Care in Tanzania (IECT) project, conducted a comprehensive full-day Basic Life Support training (BLS) for the medical team of Azam Football Club. Led by Dr. Hussein K. Manji, an experienced Emergency Physician at the hospital, the training focused on building practical skills to manage cardiac arrests, choking, respiratory distress, and other urgent medical incidents on the field. The programme combined classroom learning with hands-on simulations, to ensure participants gained both the theoretical knowledge and the confidence to act swiftly in critical moments.
This session was offered free of charge as part of a strategic partnership between Azam FC and The Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam, rooted in shared goals of health promotion, safety, and medical excellence within the sports community. By strengthening emergency response capabilities at the club level, this initiative not only protects players welfare but also establishes a benchmark for athletic institutions across Tanzania and beyond.
This activity underscores the ongoing commitment of the IECT project to advance emergency care in Tanzania through targeted training, system strengthening, and cross-sector collaboration.
We are proud of our continued partnership with Azam FC and remain dedicated to improving emergency preparedness across all sectors, for healthier communities and safer environments.
About AKHST:
Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) stands as one of the pivotal agencies within the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), dedicated to advancing health initiatives. Operating as a private, not-for-profit organization, AKHS has established itself as an integrated health system spanning across Tanzania. It boasts robust linkages and partnerships with the Government of Tanzania, primarily through the Ministry of Health, alongside other key national and international stakeholders. The organization comprises two hospitals located in Mwanza and Dar es Salaam, along with 22 Outreach Health Centres (OHCs) spread across 13 regions of mainland Tanzania, and an additional facility situated in Zanzibar Island.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Geofrey Anael
PR Coordinator
Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania
geofrey.anael@akhst.org
+255 654 540 226