Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) is seeking to strengthen Tanzania’s position in specialised medical training across Africa through an agreement aimed at expanding expertise in interventional radiology, a field that enables doctors to diagnose and treat diseases using image-guided, minimally invasive procedures.
The agreement, signed on October 15, 2026, on the sidelines of the Fifth African Conference on Interventional Radiology at Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, comes as the hospital seeks to build on its experience in training specialists and respond to the demand for advanced medical skills across the continent.
MNH Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo said the hospital had trained 22 specialists from Tanzania, Kenya, Cameroon, Nigeria and Uganda since launching its interventional radiology training programme in 2018, including 14 Tanzanians.
The figures point to Muhimbili’s emerging role in developing specialised medical expertise beyond Tanzania’s borders, while also highlighting the programme’s contribution to strengthening the domestic healthcare workforce.
“The programme has trained 22 specialists from five African countries since its inception in 2018, 14 of whom are Tanzanians,” Dr Kimambo said.
She said the newly signed agreement would strengthen specialist training and professional collaboration, while creating opportunities for more healthcare professionals to acquire the skills needed to provide interventional radiology services.
The development is significant for health systems seeking to expand access to specialised treatment without relying exclusively on conventional surgery or referrals to medical centres outside their countries.
Interventional radiology uses imaging technologies, including ultrasound, X-rays and computed tomography, to guide instruments through the body to diagnose or treat specific conditions. Depending on the procedure, the approach can reduce the need for open surgery and may shorten hospital stays and recovery periods.
For Tanzania, expanding training in the field could help increase the availability of specialised services, build local expertise and strengthen the country’s capacity to manage complex medical conditions.
However, the long-term impact will depend on whether the training initiative is matched by investment in modern imaging equipment, adequately staffed facilities and sustainable financing to make the services accessible to more patients.
The agreement also presents an opportunity to deepen professional cooperation among African medical institutions, allowing countries to share expertise and strengthen their capacity to deliver advanced healthcare services.
With 22 specialists already trained through its programme, Muhimbili has an established foundation on which to expand its regional ambitions. The next challenge will be translating that training experience into a broader network of skilled practitioners and improved access to image-guided treatment across Africa.