Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 6th December 2024. The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam (AKH, D), in partnership with Reconstructing Women International (RWI) and Muhimbili National Hospital, has successfully conducted 27 plastic and reconstructive surgeries as part of the 9th phase of its transformative programme, which began in in 2016. These surgeries aim to restore mobility and improve the quality of life for women and girls from various regions of Tanzania who have suffered movement impairment caused by burns, domestic violence, accidents and other traumatic incidents.
Between November 29th and December 6th, 2024, the hospital hosted free reconstructive plastic surgeries for 27 women and girls who have suffered from major burns and severe deformities and are victims of gender-based violence. These procedures were overseen by a professional team of international plastic surgeons from Reconstructing Women International (RWI), hailing from the United States, Canada, and Europe in close collaboration with surgeons from AKH, D, Muhimbili National Hospital, Bugando Medical Centre, and Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar. Initially, over 500 women and girls with burn-related conditions, trauma from accidents, domestic violence and other complications were screened free of charge at selected Aga Khan Health Service Facilities across Tanzania, including in Zanzibar. This comprehensive screening process helped identify and shortlist possible qualified candidates for the final surgical camp in Dar es Salaam.
During the final screening camp at the hospital, 27 women and from an initial shortlist of 32 shortlisted received free plastic reconstructive surgeries. As part of the initiative, international women surgeons collaborated with Tanzanian healthcare professionals, demonstrating advanced techniques to enhance local expertise in plastic reconstructive surgery. On Friday 6th December 2024, AKH, D hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session for over 100 medical professionals, to raise awareness on plastic reconstructive surgery, exchange knowledge, and build local capacity in plastic surgery.
Dr. Athar Ali, Senior Consultant Surgeon, and Head of the Department of Surgery at AKH, D, speaking to media representatives said that “this program aims to restore physical function to empower and enhance the quality of life of women and girls in Tanzania. During the last nine phases between 2016-2023, more than three hundred patients benefited free of cost surgeries and 16 plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and resident students from different public and private hospitals (Muhimbili National Hospital, Bugando Hospital, Mnazi Mmoja Hospital Zanzibar, AKH, D) have been trained through this program.” Many of these local surgeons are now able to provide reconstructive surgeries at public hospitals. However, considering the huge burden of these patients across the country AKH with its partners is also intends to further expand this program camps from once a year to twice a year. We are inviting all the community leaders and new partners to join our hands in transforming lives of women and young children in Tanzania.
Dr. Andrea Pusic, Plastic Surgeon, the team leader of Reconstructive Women International, added that: “This is the 9th year of our very successful partnership with AKH, D and Muhimbili National Hospital. This collaboration has resulted in a very significant increase in local plastic surgery expertise and capacity. Together, we have also been able to provide care to hundreds of injured women and girls to improve their physical function and appearance.”
Dr. Aidan Njau, Senior Consultant General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at The Aga Khan Hospital, pointed on his remarks that, “Our Aga Khan Hospital have once again performed major reconstructive surgeries for patients from all over Tanzania who have suffered serious problems such as burns, accidents, etc., and thus have damaged parts of their body. This 5-day program have helped women and girls, as they are the group most affected by these problems. Thanks to the philanthropists who have volunteered to conduct this program, the screenings and treatments are being offered free of cost. This program occurs every year with specialist doctors from Europe and North America, and every year there is cooperation and enthusiasm from Tanzanians. I would like to take this opportunity to remind Tanzanians to take advantage of the treatment being offered, as it is normally very expensive but is now available for free.”
Dr. Edwin Mrema, Head of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital, stated, As Tanzania’s population grows, the demand for specialized healthcare, including plastic and reconstructive surgery, is increasing. To address this, the government, through the Ministry of Health, is collaborating with Muhimbili National Hospital, private providers like Aga Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, and international organizations such as Reconstructive Women International (RWI). These partnerships focus on capacity building for local surgeons, improving access to advanced facilities, and bringing expert surgeons to the country
Mr. Sisawo Konteh, the Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Hospital, said that, “The Aga Khan Hospital’s annual free reconstructive surgery programme is more than just a medical camp but a gigantic promise to vulnerable women and children by performing major surgeries in restoring their permanent injuries and deformities. Through AKHST’s commitment and in partnership with Muhimbili National Hospital and the dedicated Reconstructive Women International (RWI) team of volunteer doctors, and our generous donors, we transform lives, restoring hope and dignity to women and children with severe burns and other complicated severe injuries due to various causes. Through this initiative, we are not just performing surgeries, but offering hope, healing, and a chance for a brighter future improving their quality of life by restoring not only their appearance, but their confidence and dignity”.
To support this extensive endeavour, funding is sourced from various channels including the Aga Khan Hospital Dar es Salaam Patient Welfare Program, Reconstructive Women International, Khalid Islamic Foundation, Lady Fatemah Trust, Serena Hotel, Pharmaceuticals, and numerous individual well-wishers. The collective financial contributions play a crucial role in covering the comprehensive spectrum of care, encompassing pre-operative necessities such as medical screening, the intra-operative phase involving surgeries and hospital stay, post-operative care involving dressings and rehabilitation, and aiding for patient-relative meals and accommodations.
About the Partnership:
Annually, numerous women and girls in East Africa experience injuries that result in disfigurement and/or disability. These injuries, stemming from accidents or acts of violence, expose women to the risk of social stigma and isolation. Following such injuries, affected women may find themselves unable to carry out domestic duties or pursue employment outside the home, potentially leading to a descent into poverty and a lack of access to essential medical services. Given the pivotal role woman play in caring for children and the elderly within a household, their injuries can also impact the overall well-being of other family members.
To address the needs of injured women in Tanzania, the Aga Khan Health Services, Tanzania (AKHST) established a partnership with Reconstructing Women International (RWI) and the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). The goals of this partnership have been three-fold:
- To surgically restore form and function to injured women and girls,
- To build reconstructive surgery expertise through training of local surgeons and residents, and
- To encourage prevention of domestic violence and accidental burns.
This partnership programme has impacted 265 beneficiaries over the last 8 years and marks the importance of public private partnerships in supporting those in need. It also compliments efforts of the Government of Tanzania to serve the marginalized and less privileged members of our communities.
Media contacts:
Geofrey Anael
geofrey.anael@akhst.org
+255 654 540 226