A total of 314 people have benefited from free heart disease screening services in Njombe Region during the 21st Government Information Officers Working Session, with 37 individuals referred for further specialized treatment at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).
The services were delivered by medical experts from JKCI as part of efforts to strengthen early detection and prevention of heart diseases under the national “Know Your Numbers” campaign, which encourages citizens to regularly check their health status for timely intervention.
Speaking during the exercise, JKCI cardiologist Dr. Samweli Mbilinyi said the screening focused on identifying early signs of heart-related complications, including blood vessel blockages and abnormalities in the heart’s electrical system.
He said out of 314 people screened, 201 underwent detailed heart function tests, while 37 were found to have conditions requiring urgent specialist attention.
“These 37 patients have been referred to JKCI for further diagnosis and treatment because they showed signs of serious heart conditions, including blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythms,” said Dr. Mbilinyi.
He noted that many citizens still seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe, a situation he said contributes to late diagnosis and increased risk of complications.
Dr. Mbilinyi urged the public to adopt regular health screening as part of their lifestyle, emphasizing that most heart diseases can be managed effectively if detected early.
He also advised citizens to maintain healthy lifestyles by engaging in regular physical exercise, eating balanced diets, and avoiding tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
“A healthy lifestyle remains the strongest protection against heart disease. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful habits can significantly reduce risks,” he said.
Closing the working session, Assistant Director of the Government Information Department – Maelezo, Zamaradi Kawawa, said the annual gathering of Government Information Officers also includes outreach health services aimed at bringing specialized care closer to citizens.
She said the initiative is implemented in collaboration with key national health institutions, including JKCI, Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), and the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), to ensure wananchi access quality medical services without traveling long distances.
“This program is designed to ensure that citizens benefit directly from government institutions by receiving essential health services alongside capacity-building sessions for communication professionals,” said Kawawa.
Residents who received services expressed appreciation, saying the outreach had helped them discover health conditions they were previously unaware of and reduced the burden of traveling to Dar es Salaam for treatment.
Njombe resident Anna Mligo said she had long experienced rapid heartbeat and fatigue but had never undergone a heart examination before attending the screening.
“I used to feel tired easily and my heart would beat very fast, but I didn’t know the cause. After these tests, I have finally understood my condition and received proper guidance from specialists,” she said.
Another beneficiary, John Mwakipesile from Makambako, said the services were important in raising awareness about heart health and encouraging regular check-ups among citizens.
“These services are very helpful because many people cannot afford to travel to big hospitals. We are thankful and we hope JKCI will continue bringing these services closer to us,” he said.
