More than 10,000 Tanzanians have received free medical treatment during a three-day health and eye screening camp held at Mnazi Mmoja grounds in Dar es Salaam over the past weekend.
According to Alhaj Mohammedraza Dewji, Chairman of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (KSIJ) in Dar es Salaam, the outreach marked the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and exceeded its targets significantly.
“The camp had two core components: first, offering educational sessions on the life and legacy of Imam Hussein (AS); and second, the provision of free health screenings, medication, and eye surgeries,” he said during the closing ceremony.
Alhaj Dewji noted that the health initiative saw remarkable turnout this year compared to previous years, with thousands queuing to access services including eye checks, medication, and awareness on disease prevention.
“We had over 4,800 people undergo eye check-ups, out of whom 289 were diagnosed with complications such as cataracts. So far, 97 patients have already undergone surgery at Medwell Hospital in Kibaha, Coast Region,” he said.
Others, who could not travel to Kibaha due to distance concerns, will be scheduled for free treatment at the community-run Temeke Charitable Hospital.
In addition to surgeries, the camp distributed 2,817 reading glasses and 1,813 prescription lenses, while 3,500 individuals received medication and treatment for various eye conditions.
The campaign also collaborated with the National Blood Transfusion Services to collect 229 pints of safe blood, which will be supplied to hospitals in need.
Health services extended to cancer screenings as well. Over 427 women were tested for cervical cancer, with 181 advised to follow up with a specialist for further tests. Twelve of them received immediate treatment onsite, while another 12 were found to have signs of breast cancer and will be monitored closely.
For men, prostate cancer screenings were conducted, with six individuals flagged for potential prostate issues. The camp also addressed non-communicable diseases including hypertension, diabetes, and mental health. About 4,800 attendees received education on mental health—an often-neglected aspect of wellness.
Dr. Alhussein Molloo, the camp's lead doctor, said the most common conditions treated were eye-related issues and chronic non-communicable diseases. “We also performed ultrasound scans for 236 patients, while 88 individuals were identified for long-term follow-up or major surgeries,” he said.
He added that tumors discovered during screenings will be handled at the community’s eye hospitals, including Ebrahim Haji KSIJ Charitable Eye Center.
Camp coordinator Jameel Kassam emphasized that the entire initiative was inspired by the spirit of Imam Hussein (AS), who sacrificed his life to uphold justice, equality, and dignity for all, regardless of faith, tribe, gender, or status.
“His teachings remind us that serving humanity is a form of worship. For three days, Imam Hussein’s name echoed throughout Mnazi Mmoja—an emblem of compassion and hope,” said Kassam.
Among the thousands served was Sachi Hassan Kajogoo, who was grateful for the seamless organization and the combination of spiritual and medical services. "I used to suffer from chronic headaches and watery eyes. I discovered that my glasses were wrongly prescribed. I’ve now received correct reading and walking glasses and medication,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Aisha Mohammed, a Form Two student at Zogowale Secondary School in Kibaha, said she had poor vision in class. After an eye examination, she was diagnosed with eye irritation caused by frequent dust exposure and was treated accordingly with medication and glasses.
Organizers called on other institutions and organizations to replicate such initiatives, noting that many citizens suffer in silence with undiagnosed or untreated health issues.
“This is a call for routine health checks whenever opportunities like this arise,” Alhaj Dewji concluded.