By Our Reporter
Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), in partnership with the Netherlands-based MKA Foundation, is conducting a specialised surgical camp targeting more than 40 patients with cancers and other conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, face and neck.
The camp, which runs until October 23, 2026, is also providing theoretical and practical training to MNH specialists to strengthen their skills in complex surgical procedures and improve access to specialised treatment locally.
Dr Baraka Kileo, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at MNH, said 32 patients had undergone preliminary assessments, with 15 already operated on by the time he spoke on Wednesday.
He said the initiative was helping strengthen local expertise and improve services for patients who might otherwise have to travel abroad for treatment.
“I commend the government for its investment in the health sector and our partners for their cooperation. Through this partnership, we are strengthening our expertise and improving services for patients who previously had to travel abroad to seek treatment,” Dr Kileo said.
The programme combines patient treatment with skills development, allowing specialists to gain practical experience in managing complex conditions affecting the oral cavity, jaw, face and neck.
Dr Abas Mugira, another oral and maxillofacial surgeon at MNH who is benefiting from the training, urged the public to seek medical attention early when they notice symptoms that could indicate cancer.
He identified mouth sores that fail to heal within two weeks, unusual swellings and persistent changes affecting the mouth, face or neck as warning signs that require medical assessment.
Early diagnosis can help patients access appropriate treatment sooner, while delaying medical attention may allow some conditions to progress.
One of the patients, Ismail Hussein, thanked the hospital for the care he had received after living with neck cancer for about a year.
He said treatment at MNH had given him an opportunity to undergo medical assessment and receive care aimed at addressing his condition.
Hussein commended doctors, nurses and other health workers for their efforts and encouraged people experiencing health problems to seek medical attention early.
The surgical camp comes as partnerships between local health institutions and international organisations provide opportunities to strengthen specialist skills and expand access to complex medical procedures in Tanzania.
For patients, such initiatives can help improve access to specialised care without the additional costs and logistical challenges associated with seeking treatment abroad.