Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has made history as the first hospital in East Africa to successfully provide cochlear implants to 103 children, a milestone celebrated today, September 29, 2025.
The event marked the official activation of 16 devices for children struggling with hearing impairments.
Speaking at the ceremony, MNH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Delilah Kimambo, said the achievement positions Tanzania as a leader in the region by offering this life-changing service through a public hospital a dream long considered out of reach.
“The cochlear implant programme began in June 2017. Before that, children had to travel abroad for treatment, costing the government about TZS 120 million per child,” Dr. Kimambo explained.
Since its inception, 34 children were treated between June 2017 and February 2021 at a cost of TZS 46 million each, saving the government over TZS 2.5 billion.
Under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, 69 children have received implants in just four years a 138 percent increase compared to the number treated abroad over the previous 16 years.
“The government has invested TZS 3.1 billion to provide these 69 children with implants locally. Sending them abroad would have cost TZS 8.2 billion, saving more than TZS 5 billion while helping more children regain their hearing early,” Dr. Kimambo added.
She noted that the success is driven by investment in training local doctors, ensuring all cochlear implant services are now delivered by Tanzanian specialists.
With the hospital’s advanced laboratory the first in East Africa and the Ear Surgery Training Center, Tanzania has become a continental hub for excellence, paving the way for more affordable and sustainable hearing services for its citizens.