A total of 3,879 Zanzibar residents have received eye screening and treatment, including free cataract surgery, during a seven-day specialised medical camp conducted by Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and Qatar Charity.
The camp, which concluded on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Sebuleni Health Centre in the Urban West Region, brought specialised eye services closer to communities, helping patients access treatment without having to travel long distances.
The initiative also provided free spectacles to 406 people, while 378 patients underwent small-incision cataract surgery.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Urban West Regional Commissioner Mohammed Ali Abdalla said the programme had significantly improved access to specialised eye care in Zanzibar.
He said the initiative demonstrated the impact of partnerships in taking essential healthcare services directly to communities, particularly patients who might otherwise struggle to access specialist treatment.
“Today, we are witnessing thousands of residents regain hope of seeing again. This partnership has shown that when we work together, we can bring specialist services closer to the people and reduce the burden of travelling in search of treatment,” Mr Abdalla said.
He said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue strengthening its cooperation with MNH and Qatar Charity to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
MNH Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo said the successful camp reflected the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that specialised services reach Tanzanians wherever the need arises.
She commended the medical teams and other health workers who participated in the exercise, saying their contribution had enabled hundreds of patients to regain their sight.
“Muhimbili will continue to be a close partner of Zanzibar in strengthening healthcare services. Our greatest joy is seeing hundreds of patients return home with restored sight and the opportunity to begin a new chapter in their lives,” Dr Kimambo said.
The camp started from August 29 to 31 at Kinduni Health Centre in North Unguja, where 971 residents were screened and treated for various eye conditions. Of these, 136 underwent cataract surgery.
Due to the high turnout, the services were extended to Sebuleni Health Centre from September 1 to 4. A further 2,769 patients were attended to at the facility, with 237 undergoing cataract surgery.
Overall, 6,880 people were seen by the medical teams during the seven-day exercise, with 3,879 receiving eye screening and treatment.
The organisers said the cataract procedures were conducted using a specialised mobile operating theatre, describing the approach as the first of its kind to be used for such services in Tanzania.
The camp underscores the role of collaboration between health institutions and development partners in expanding access to specialised care and reducing barriers that prevent patients from receiving timely treatment.