Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 9th February 2024 – The Aga Khan Health Service, Tanzania (AKHS, T) had the privilege of hosting President Andrzej Duda of Poland, on 9th February 2024. This visit highlighted the collaborative initiatives between Poland and Tanzania in advancing healthcare, notably through the “Improving Emergency Care in Tanzania” (IMECT). The project is supported by the Polish Government through Polish Aid and executed by the Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) in partnership with AKHS, T.
During his visit, accompanied by the District Commissioner of Ilala, Mhe. Edward Jonas Mpogolo, The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. John Jingu, and the Regional Medical Officer, Dr Mohamed Mang’una, along with senior representatives from all stakeholders, President Duda engaged in a comprehensive tour of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam (AKH, D). The focus of the visit was on the critical aspects of the IMECT project. He was shown the state-of-the-art equipment provided by the Polish Government through this initiative and observed live demonstrations showcasing the advanced training received by healthcare professionals. These demonstrations provided proof of the project’s positive impact on improving emergency medical services in Tanzania. Furthermore, President Duda received insights into the completion of the construction and renovation of a modern training center by AKHS, T. The centre is equipped with all necessary amenities to facilitate training and is accessible to both the public and private sectors.
AKHS, T is the longest-serving, not-for-profit, private health care institution in Tanzania, and houses the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam (AKH, D). As the only hospital in the country to achieve Joint Commissioned International (JCI) accreditation, AKH, D leads in delivering super-specialty care. President Duda’s visit underscored the hospital’s dedication to elevating healthcare standards in Tanzania, achieved through invaluable international collaborations and public-private partnerships.
President Duda provided positive remarks, saying that, “Since commencing the project in 2022, deaths in emergency services have decreased; this is the result of investments made in equipment, training and laboratories.” Given this noteworthy impact, he promised to continue cooperation through the IMECT project.
Dr. John Jingu added that “strengthening emergency services is a priority of President Samia Suluhu Hassan; the government continues to receive support from stakeholders, such as Poland, to strength emergency care capacity in Tanzania.”
“We were privileged to host President Andrzej Duda and showcase the fruits of this vital project,” said Dr. Zeenat Sulaiman, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa. “This collaboration not only strengthens our emergency care capabilities, but also sets a benchmark for international partnerships in healthcare.”
The IMECT project signifies a mutual dedication between the Polish and Tanzanian governments to improve healthcare services and training across the nation. With endeavours like this, AKH, D remains at the forefront offering outstanding medical care and training in various regions, closely collaborating with the Government of Tanzania to develop both the public and private sectors.
About Aga Khan Health Services:
Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of three agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) that supports activities in health care, together with the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan University (AKU). Working to address today’s greatest health challenges in low-and-middle-income countries, the three agencies of the AKDN provide high-quality, equitable healthcare to over eight million people annually and work closely on planning, training, and resource development. Operating under the Aga Khan Development Network, Aga Khan Health Service in Tanzania has experienced substantial growth over a span of nine decades, serving as a compelling testament to our dedication to healthcare and development within the nation. Presently, AKHS facilities are renowned for their adherence to ethical standards, innovative approaches, and the delivery of top-notch, safe and evidence-based healthcare services. Our hub and spokes model, with one hospital here in Dar es Salaam, a medical centre in Mwanza and 26 outreach centres across 14 regions of the country, has enabled our institutions to increase access to affordable quality health services, as well as to work closely with the government and other partners across the health spectrum.
About Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM)
Polish Center for International Aid (PCPM) is the largest non-governmental organization in Poland working in development cooperation, one of the largest in Poland delivering humanitarian assistance and medical aid, and main NGO implementing partner to Polish Aid (donor arm of Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs). PCPM was established in 2006 and since then has implemented projects in Lebanon, Ukraine, Nepal, Peru, South Sudan, Uganda, Tajikistan, Palestine, Georgia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Over the course of the last 10 years PCPM implemented over 140 programs with a combined value of over €100 million, funded by the Polish government, UN Agencies (WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, WHO, UN-Habitat) and the European Commission (DG ECHO, DG NEAR). It directs its actions to those who need it the most – victims of humanitarian crises and most vulnerable communities around the world. PCPM is the only non-governmental organization in Poland that also has an Emergency Medical Team certified by World Health Organization (WHO). It provides rapid response emergency assistance and can be deployed within 24 hours to bring medical care to victims of natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.
Media contacts:
Davies W. Nyari
davies.nyari@akhst.org
+255 688 263 695