By Lookman Miraji
In a powerful display of solidarity and compassion, the GSM Foundation, in collaboration with Yanga Football Club, CCBRT Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and other key partners, has spearheaded a groundbreaking fundraising campaign to support the treatment of children born with clubfoot in Tanzania.
This initiative is more than just a charitable effort; it represents a fundamental shift in how society addresses medical conditions that are often overlooked due to financial constraints. By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, the campaign has highlighted the power of unity in driving meaningful change.
For the affected children, this support is not just about physical healing—it is about restoring confidence, enabling participation in school and social activities, and eliminating the stigma that often accompanies physical disabilities.
It is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, government institutions, and passionate individuals align their efforts toward a common humanitarian goal.
The overwhelming response to this campaign signals a hopeful future where no child has to endure the pain and limitations of clubfoot simply because they were born into financial hardship.
It is a movement that goes beyond medical intervention, paving the way for a more inclusive society where every child has the chance to thrive.
The campaign, aptly named "MUWEZESHE ATEMBEE" (Enable Them to Walk), has captured the hearts of many, rallying both public and private sector players to make a lasting impact on young lives.
For two weeks, the initiative has been driving awareness and collecting funds, with an ambitious target of raising 600 million Tanzanian shillings to cover medical treatment for 400 children battling the congenital condition.
However, what transpired at the grand fundraising event in Dar es Salaam was nothing short of extraordinary.
The event, graced by Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, Secretary-General of CCM and Presidential Co-Chairman through the Mapinduzi 2025 ticket, witnessed an outpouring of generosity, surpassing expectations and raising over 1 billion Tanzanian shillings—far exceeding the initial goal.
Addressing the attendees, Ambassador Nchimbi emphasized the significance of collective action in tackling social challenges, highlighting the need for continuous partnerships between government institutions, private entities, and compassionate individuals.
“These children need our support to walk, run, and experience life like their peers,” he noted. “This is not just about medical assistance; it's about restoring dignity and giving them a future.”
The atmosphere at the event was filled with hope and inspiration as representatives from various sectors reaffirmed their commitment to the cause.
Among them was CCBRT CEO Brenda Msangi, who applauded the Tanzanian government for its strides in improving healthcare accessibility.
She acknowledged that while CCBRT has been a beacon of hope for children with disabilities, limited resources often pose challenges in meeting the overwhelming demand for treatment.
"Many families come to us seeking free or affordable care, and while we strive to help as many as possible, there’s always a need for greater support,” Msangi remarked. “With partnerships like this, we can reach more children and transform more lives.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Hon. Seif Shekallage, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, who shed light on the gravity of clubfoot in Tanzania.
With approximately 2,800 children born with the condition annually, early intervention remains crucial in preventing lifelong disability.
He emphasized the effectiveness of the Ponseti method—a non-invasive treatment that, if administered in time, can offer a full recovery to affected children.
“As a government, we are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure every child gets the healthcare they deserve,” Shekallage assured, reinforcing the ministry’s dedication to combating preventable disabilities.
The evening also saw a passionate appeal from GSM Foundation’s Head, Ms. Faith Gugu, who reiterated the organization’s unwavering dedication to social welfare.
"At GSM Foundation, we believe that every child deserves an equal chance at life. Through this initiative, we are not just funding treatments; we are rewriting destinies,” she said. “We urge more partners to join us—businesses, individuals, and institutions—because together, we can make a profound difference.”
Adding a touch of inspiration to the event, Yanga Football Club President, Eng. Hersi Said, cited the story of renowned footballer Steven Gerrard, who overcame clubfoot as a child to become one of the greatest players of his generation.
“Imagine if we can offer these 400 children the same chance Gerrard had. Today, we are not just treating them—we are allowing them to dream, to run, to compete, and to excel,” he noted, highlighting the broader impact of the initiative.
With the overwhelming success of the "MUWEZESHE ATEMBEE" campaign, the movement is poised to become a sustainable effort, ensuring that no child in Tanzania is left to suffer from a treatable condition due to financial constraints.
The event was a testament to the power of unity, proving that when communities come together with a shared vision, the results can be life-changing.
Globally, similar initiatives have transformed the lives of children facing the same condition. In India, organizations like CURE International and MiracleFeet have worked tirelessly to provide early treatment using the Ponseti method, ensuring that children are given a chance to walk without difficulty.
Through partnerships with local hospitals and NGOs, these initiatives have reached thousands of children, significantly reducing the long-term impact of untreated clubfoot.
In the United States, early screening programs have made clubfoot treatment a standard practice, preventing cases from escalating into lifelong disabilities. Nonprofit organizations like Steps Charity Worldwide have extended their efforts beyond borders, providing financial aid and medical expertise to countries in need, reinforcing the power of global solidarity in addressing the challenge.
Meanwhile, in Kenya, the Afya Foundation has successfully implemented large-scale treatment campaigns, mobilizing communities and medical professionals to ensure that every child born with clubfoot has access to proper medical care.
These efforts have mirrored Tanzania’s approach, demonstrating that with the right resources and collaborative effort, disability caused by clubfoot can be effectively eradicated.
As the funds from the "MUWEZESHE ATEMBEE" campaign begin to flow into life-transforming treatments, the faces of children who once struggled to take their first steps will soon light up with smiles of possibility.
Behind each step, there will be a story of hope, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of those who chose to stand up for them.
And just like in other parts of the world where similar initiatives have changed lives, Tanzania’s campaign will serve as a beacon of possibility, ensuring that children are not defined by their conditions but by the bright futures that await them.
This effort is more than just a medical intervention—it is a declaration that every child deserves the right to walk, run, and chase their dreams without limitations.
It is a reminder that compassion, when turned into action, can break barriers and rewrite destinies. The success of this campaign has set a new precedent, proving that when a society unites for a common cause, the impossible becomes achievable.
With every child who takes their first steps toward a future filled with opportunity, the legacy of this movement will continue to grow, inspiring generations to come. Tanzania has sent a powerful message to the world: change is possible when people refuse to look away and instead choose to act.
