By Mussa Juma, Maipac maipacarusha20@gmail.com
A total of 53 children from 16 villages surrounding the Maswa Game Reserve are expected to undergo surgeries for conditions including clubfoot, bow legs/knock knees, and cleft lip and palate, thanks to support from Mwiba Holdings Ltd.
Mwiba Holdings, a subsidiary of the Friedkin Conservation Fund (FCF), has invested in tourism activities in Meatu District, Simiyu Region.
According to Mwiba Holdings’ Public Relations Officer, Mulisu Richard Ngassa, speaking to journalists after the completion of a special identification exercise for children with disabilities in the villages, 131 children were identified.
Out of these, 51 require physiotherapy, 27 will be monitored for a year before receiving treatment, and 53 are scheduled for surgery this month at KAFIKA House in Arusha.
Ngassa revealed that in August last year, 64 children were identified as needing medical care, and over 28 have already undergone successful surgeries and have returned home in good health.
“Some are still undergoing treatment and are expected to return home soon, fully recovered,” he said.
The Projects Manager for Friedkin Conservation Fund, Aurelia Mtui, noted that Mwiba Holdings is currently in discussions with other health service providers to extend their support, especially for services not currently offered at KAFIKA House.
These additional services include treatment for tumors, hydrocephalus (children with enlarged heads), and spina bifida (a spinal cord condition).
“This initiative aims to widen the scope of support and ensure more children receive the necessary care. We will continue working with village governments, councils, and district authorities to support children's health,” Mtui added.
Former Meatu District Council Chairperson Philipo Anthony and Community Development Officer Bonji Bugeni praised the support from Mwiba Holdings, calling it a lifeline for families who cannot afford medical treatment.
Anthony, a resident of Makao village, where Mwiba operates, said the support demonstrates the benefits of wildlife and environmental conservation to local communities.
Bugeni, who has been part of the team identifying children in need of treatment, said Mwiba Holdings’ contribution goes beyond surgeries.
“Mwiba has brought back joy and hope to many families in Meatu. Besides medical support, they offer education sponsorships, build health facilities, and support initiatives to control dangerous wildlife,” he said.
Several families who have benefited from the surgeries expressed deep gratitude to Mwiba Holdings.
Timotheo Ngassa, a resident of Sapa village, said his son Emmanuel had been hospitalized for over three months without surgery due to high costs.
With Mwiba's help, the surgery was done free of charge, and his son can now walk properly.
“On behalf of all parents, we sincerely thank Mwiba for covering surgery costs. They did it last year, and they are doing it again this year. We pray for the directors of Mwiba and Friedkin for their great vision in helping the community,” he said.
Emmanuel, who underwent surgery last year and has recovered, also expressed gratitude to Mwiba for giving him the opportunity to live like other children without disabilities.
Michael Marcus Mahona, a parent from Buganza village, said his six-year-old son was previously unable to play with peers or feel confident in school due to a leg disability.
After treatment at KAFIKA House, his life has changed significantly he now plays and attends school joyfully like other children.
Mwiba Holdings Ltd has invested in Meatu District through Maswa Game Reserve, Makao Ranch, and the Mwangudo Village Conservation Area, focusing on photographic tourism and hospitality.