More than 45 residents have benefited from free eye surgeries during a three-day medical and eye care camp organized under the Imam Hussein (AS) Health Initiative.
The surgeries, primarily for cataracts, were conducted at Med Well Hospital in Kibaha, Coast Region.
Speaking at the close of the health outreach, Alhaj Mohammedraza Dewji, Chairman of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, said the camp provided vital medical services to hundreds of citizens who turned up in large numbers seeking health screenings, consultations, and treatment.
“Within the first two days of the camp, 45 individuals were diagnosed with cataracts and referred for free surgery at our Med Well facility in Kibaha. Many more were scheduled for treatment at our KSIJ Charitable Eye Centre in Temeke,” said Dewji.
In addition to eye exams and surgeries, the camp offered a wide range of health services, including the distribution of eyeglasses and medication, screening for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, and cancer screening for cervical, breast, and prostate cancers.
Blood donation activities were also conducted in partnership with the National Blood Transfusion Service and the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, helping replenish critical supplies for public hospitals.
“Our goal goes beyond treatment it’s about raising awareness and providing people with access to essential health services they might not otherwise afford,” Dewji said.
Organisers noted an unexpectedly high turnout, with over 5,000 people showing up on the final day alone more than double the daily capacity of 2,000 patients.
“We urge the public to utilise the early days of such camps in the future to ease congestion and allow everyone to receive timely care,” said Dewji.
He added that the community’s motivation for organising the event stems from the values exemplified by Imam Hussein (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), whose sacrifice was rooted in compassion and justice.
“Imam Hussein stood for service and sacrifice. We aim to live by those principles by contributing to the well-being of our communities,” he said.
According to Dr Alihusein Malloo, chief medical coordinator of the camp, the event also addressed mental health challenges an area often overlooked in community outreach.
“We introduced mental health education and screenings. Many patients are silently battling stress-related conditions without recognising the symptoms. This initiative is a step toward destigmatising mental health,” Dr Malloo noted.
He further reported that more than 50 patients were scheduled for additional surgeries at no cost, and many others received glasses and medication for visual impairment.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Mariam Akida from Mbagala, expressed gratitude for the services offered.
“For a long time, I had blurred vision and didn’t understand the cause. It was here that I learned I had cataracts. I’ve now had surgery, free of charge, and I’m truly thankful,” she said.
Dr Malloo encouraged the public to seek regular health check-ups and participate in blood donation drives, especially as hospitals continue to face shortages of safe blood particularly for maternity and emergency care.
“Blood donation is a life-saving act of generosity. It is not a commercial transaction, but a humanitarian responsibility,” he stressed.
Organisers say they will continue similar outreach efforts across the country, aiming to increase health awareness and access to treatment for underserved communities.