By Charles Mkoka
The advisor of the Tanzania Medical Laboratory Students Association (TAMELASA), Ally Masoud, has underscored the importance of community-centered health campaigns in tackling widespread practices of self-medication and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Speaking on the ongoing Kapime Kwanza Campaign, Mr. Masoud explained that its strength lies in its inclusivity. The campaign is designed to reach not only students but also patients and entire communities, creating conversations that highlight the dangers of taking medicine without proper diagnosis.
He drew from his experience of witnessing how common it is for people to rely on assumptions when sick, often reaching for drugs without medical guidance. “We meet people who say, ‘I had stomach pain so I took antibiotics,’ or ‘I felt weak so I bought malaria drugs.’ These decisions may feel simple in the moment, but they can have devastating consequences if the underlying cause is never tested,” he reflected.
Since its establishment in 2009, TAMELASA has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of advocating for the rights and opportunities of laboratory students — from certificate-level programs to undergraduates.
For Masoud, the AMR campaign extends this mission beyond academic circles, showing how laboratory science is not confined to labs and classrooms but directly impacts the daily health choices of ordinary Tanzanians.
He warned that self-medication continues to fuel antimicrobial resistance, a growing global threat that undermines treatment effectiveness and puts lives at risk. “When medicine is misused, it loses its power. That is why we keep returning to communities, urging them to test first. Early testing is not just prevention; it’s protection for the future of healthcare,” he emphasized.
Beyond advocacy, TAMELASA continues to invest in the next generation of laboratory professionals through conferences, seminars, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives. Masoud sees this as part of a larger responsibility: preparing students to become not only skilled practitioners but also informed advocates who can translate science into social impact.