By The Respondent reporter
Muhimbili
University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is taking a proactive approach
in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a new initiative
aimed at encouraging exercise and healthier lifestyles outside the hospital
setting. On November 23, 2024, the university kicked off a charity run in Dar
es Salaam, aimed at raising funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art
sports field for students, staff, and local communities.
Professor
Appolinary Kamuhabwa, MUHAS Deputy Vice Chancellor, explained that the
university’s efforts are directly linked to the increasing prevalence of
chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. He emphasized that
physical activity is a crucial part of health, and the sports field will serve
as a facility to help combat these diseases.
"Exercise
isn’t just about building strength—it’s a health issue," said Professor
Kamuhabwa. "The rise of non-communicable diseases in Tanzania and globally
is alarming, and we see this facility as part of the solution."
The
planned sports center will feature a football pitch, basketball and netball
courts, a gym, and changing rooms. It is designed not only to benefit MUHAS
students and staff but also to provide a space for patients recovering from
illness and residents of Dar es Salaam to engage in physical activity.
"Having this facility will offer a space for health improvement for
students, hospital staff, and even patients who need to stay active during
recovery," added Professor Kamuhabwa.
The
event was also supported by Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, Director of Preventive
Services at the Ministry of Health, who praised the run as part of the national
"Health is Wealth" campaign. "This is about more than just
raising funds—it’s about promoting healthy habits and preventing diseases like
hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease," Dr. Kapologwe said.
The
initiative has strong backing from the MUHAS community. Marsha Macatta-Yambi,
MUHAS president, emphasized the importance of creating a space that encourages
exercise, noting that it would help shift the focus toward prevention.
"This is a modern approach to addressing lifestyle diseases, and it will
motivate the community to stay active and protect their health," she said.
First-year
nursing student Pendo Paul also spoke on the importance of exercise, stating,
"Exercise is a simple way to improve our health and avoid diseases. We
should make it a part of our daily routine."
The
charity run marks just the beginning of MUHAS’s ongoing efforts to create a
healthier, more active community, all while addressing the growing threat of
non-communicable diseases in Tanzania.
