The Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamaat (KSIJ) has intensified its contribution to public health by organising a three-day free medical and eye camp at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, offering screening, treatment and health education to residents.
The camp, organised through the Jamaat’s institutions, is part of activities commemorating the death of Imam Hussein (A.S), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who was killed in Karbala, Iraq, more than 1,400 years ago.
The organisers said the initiative was intended to translate the values associated with Imam Hussein into practical community service by providing healthcare without discrimination based on religion, ethnicity or gender.
Speaking at the camp, KSIJ Dar es Salaam Chairman Alhaj Mohammed Razzadewji said Imam Hussein’s legacy was centred on sacrifice, service and standing up for the wellbeing of society.
He said those values remained relevant today, particularly in efforts to address health challenges affecting communities.
“Serving the community is one of the principles that every human being should embrace,” he said, citing Imam Hussein’s sacrifice as an example of putting the interests of others before oneself.
The camp is providing eye examinations, blood pressure and diabetes screening, breast and cervical cancer screening for women, prostate examinations for men, mental health education and voluntary blood donation.
According to Mr Razzadewji, the response from the public has increased compared with previous years, with the camp having the capacity to attend to up to 2,000 patients a day.
He said the organisers had strengthened arrangements for patients requiring specialised treatment, particularly those diagnosed with cataracts and other eye conditions.
“This year’s camp was different from last year. All patients diagnosed with cataracts were referred directly to one of our hospitals, Medwell in Kibaha, Pwani Region. Others were given appointments for treatment at our Medwell hospitals and at the KSIJ Charitable Eye Centre in Temeke,” he said.
The chairman said the high turnout was also an indication of growing awareness about the importance of regular health checks.
He said some beneficiaries were diagnosed with conditions they had previously been unaware of, including cataracts, poor eyesight and high blood pressure.
Some patients with eyesight problems were provided with glasses, while others received medication or referrals for further treatment.
The Jamaat has also partnered with Muhimbili National Hospital through its Blood Bank Unit and the Ocean Road Cancer Institute to provide blood donation and breast and cervical cancer screening services.
Mr Razzadewji urged eligible members of the public to make voluntary blood donation part of their routine, noting that hospitals continue to face demand for blood, particularly in emergencies involving pregnant women, accident victims and other patients.
The camp’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Noushad Bandali, said voluntary blood donation was a life-saving service that required greater public participation.
“Blood donation should become part of the culture of every eligible donor,” he said, urging people to donate regularly.
Dr Bandali also highlighted mental health as another area requiring greater attention, saying many people continue to face stress and other mental health challenges without seeking information or support.
For one of the beneficiaries, Mariam Akida from Mbagala, the camp provided an opportunity to address a long-standing eyesight problem.
She said she had experienced poor vision for a considerable period before learning that she had a cataract.
Ms Akida also commended the organisers for directing patients to different service points, saying the system helped reduce congestion and waiting time.
Camp coordinator Jahmeed Kassam said about 500 facilitators and health professionals had been deployed to provide services during the three-day event.
He said the camp was open to members of the public, regardless of their religious or social background.
The initiative has attracted religious, government and political leaders, while residents from different parts of Dar es Salaam have turned up to access medical services and participate in programmes focusing on the life and teachings of Imam Hussein.
Beyond providing immediate medical services, the organisers said the camp was also intended to promote a culture of preventive healthcare by encouraging people to regularly check their health status and seek treatment before illnesses become more serious.
