As Tanzania prepares to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, national celebrations set for April 28 in Njombe Region are expected to go beyond awareness campaigns, with the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) introducing a large-scale free health outreach programme targeting thousands of citizens.
The programme, branded Imarisha Afya na Mama Samia, will feature a special medical clinic offering free screening and treatment for a range of conditions including cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, women’s health complications, eye diseases, bone-related illnesses, and nutritional disorders. Patients who attend will also receive free medicines based on their diagnoses.
The services will be delivered at Mji Mwema Primary School grounds in Njombe, where residents from Njombe and neighbouring regions are expected to access the services in large numbers.
OSHA Executive Director Khadija Mwenda said the 2026 observance has been redesigned to ensure that citizens not only receive information on workplace safety but also benefit directly from essential health services.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam while receiving medical support from Planet Pharmaceuticals Company, Mwenda called on more stakeholders in the health and industrial sectors to support the initiative, saying public participation will determine its success.
“This year we have taken a new approach. In addition to awareness creation, we are bringing specialist doctors and providing medicines to patients. Our goal is to ensure people benefit directly from these national safety and health activities,” she said.
She noted that the safety and health week activities will run from April 24 to April 29, bringing together more than 100 companies, institutions, and entrepreneurs.
The platform is expected to attract thousands of visitors, creating opportunities for both health services and safety awareness engagement.
“We encourage residents of Njombe and surrounding regions to turn up in large numbers. This is a rare opportunity to access specialist medical services for free,” she added.
Mwenda further said that through the Imarisha Afya na Mama Samia programme, OSHA has been delivering health outreach services for five years, reaching more than 5,000 people annually. This year, the authority is targeting over 10,000 beneficiaries.
She confirmed that the clinic will be supported by medical specialists from leading health institutions including Muhimbili National Hospital, Mirembe Hospital, Njombe Regional Referral Hospital, and OSHA medical teams, among others.
On his part, Planet Pharmaceuticals Company Human Resources Manager Andrew Paul said the company’s support reflects its commitment to giving back to the community.
“Our support to OSHA is part of appreciating the community that has supported our growth. We are committed to continuing this partnership to improve access to health services for citizens,” he said.
He added that OSHA plays a key role in ensuring safe working environments and promoting public health standards, which makes continued collaboration with stakeholders essential for national development.
The Njombe event is expected to strengthen workplace safety awareness while also providing critical health services, especially for vulnerable communities who often have limited access to specialist medical care.
