Staff of the Ministry of Health have marked International Workers’ Day 2026 by reaching out to patients at the Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital in Dodoma, donating essential supplies worth TZS 15 million to support their daily care needs.
The donation was made on May 1, 2026, at the hospital grounds shortly after the workers participated in May Day celebrations, including parades and speeches by leaders.
The staff later proceeded to the facility, where they handed over the items as part of their commitment to social responsibility and solidarity with vulnerable groups.
The donated items included rice, cooking oil, maize flour, sugar, laundry and bathing soap, and general cleaning materials.
The supplies are expected to support patients’ welfare and help ease some of the operational challenges faced in caring for mental health patients.
Speaking during the handover, the coordinator of the initiative, Ms. Tumaini Didier, Senior Human Resources Officer at the Ministry, said the gesture reflected the workers’ recognition of the needs of patients who require continuous care and support.
She said mental health patients deserve dignity, compassion, and collective support from society, noting that many of them are unable to engage in productive activities due to their health conditions.
“This contribution is our way of showing care and solidarity. These patients are part of our community and need support just like anyone else. We felt it is important to stand with them during this national day for workers,” said Ms. Didier.
She added that such initiatives help strengthen the human aspect of public service, especially in health-related institutions where vulnerable groups depend heavily on government care.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital community, Ms. Pasnai Kivuyo, Quality Assurance Officer and Chairperson of the hospital welfare and donations committee, expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health staff.
She said Mirembe Hospital provides services fully supported by the government, with most patients having limited or no direct family support during treatment.
“We are very grateful for this support. Most of our patients are cared for entirely by the government, and donations like these help reduce the burden of providing daily necessities and improve patient comfort,” said Ms. Kivuyo.
She also encouraged continued collaboration between institutions, development partners, and well-wishers in supporting mental health services, noting that such support plays an important role in improving recovery and care conditions.
The gesture by the Ministry of Health staff adds to growing efforts by public servants in Tanzania to complement national celebrations with acts of charity, especially in supporting vulnerable groups such as mental health patients.
