Healthcare is a fundamental right, but in many countries, access to specialized care and advanced medical techniques is lacking. To bridge this gap, a specialized Dutch medical team will travel to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma, Tanzania, from November 9 to 16, 2024. This team consists of experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and specialists who will not only perform medical treatments but also train local doctors and healthcare providers in modern techniques.

The mission focuses on advanced laparoscopic surgery, kidney transplants, and gynecological procedures. These are minimally invasive treatments that enable faster recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Intensive training in Basic Life Support (BLS) is also provided, enabling healthcare providers to independently perform life-saving skills. In addition to medical expertise, large quantities of medical equipment and supplies are also donated, including heart-lung machines, ECG monitors, and dialysis equipment.

The Focus for Africa team on a mission to Tanzania, departing from Schiphol. Early morning departure from ZGT in Hengelo, the Netherlands. Meet the staff of the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania.

Advanced medical care

The team focuses on four specialized areas:

• Laparoscopic surgery: A minimally invasive surgical technique that reduces pain and speeds recovery. It is used for gallbladder surgery and tumor removal, among other things.
• Laparoscopic gynecology: For gynecological procedures such as the treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts and hysterectomies.
• Laparoscopic kidney transplantation: An innovative method that ensures less pain, smaller scars and a shorter recovery time for the donor.
• Training in Basic Life Support (BLS): Training for local doctors and nurses in life-saving actions and resuscitation techniques.

Collaboration and knowledge transfer

In addition to performing surgeries, training and knowledge transfer play a key role in this mission. The goal is to support local medical staff in improving their skills so they can elevate patient care in the long term. The mission contributes to building sustainable medical capacity in Tanzania.

The mission is led by experienced physicians, including Dr. Diederik Kimenai and Dr. Joost Sprakel, who focus specifically on laparoscopic kidney transplants. Other specialists on the team include anesthesiologists, surgeons, and specialized nurses.

Surgery at the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital led by Dr. Diederik Kimenai and Dr. Joost Sprakel.

Donation of medical equipment

In addition to medical care and training, a large amount of medical equipment and supplies is also donated. Some important donations include:

• Heart-lung machines for complex cardiac surgery
• ECG machines for monitoring heart activity
• Dialysis chairs for kidney patients
• Mobile blood pressure monitors
• Pulse Oximeters for oxygen saturation measurement
• Protective clothing and medical disposables
• Children’s aids and toys
• Scales and patient lifts
• Oxygen concentrators
• Electric dialysis beds
• Orthopedic aids such as wrist braces and walkers
• Surgical instruments and sterile sets

These donations were made possible by the ZGT-Overzee foundation, which is committed to improving healthcare in developing countries. Other hospitals, such as the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, also received medical equipment through this initiative.

clothing donated from the Netherlands to the Benjamin Mkapa Hospital

A joint effort

This mission is an international collaboration between Dutch and Tanzanian doctors and healthcare providers. The medical staff at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital is working closely with the Dutch team to master the techniques and apply them independently.

The presence of the Tanzanian Ambassador, H.E. Caroline Chipeta, at the inspection of the donated materials underscores the importance of this collaboration.

The long-term impact

The combination of surgical care, training, and the donation of medical equipment contributes to a sustainable improvement in healthcare in Tanzania. Thanks to this mission, patients gain access to high-quality medical care, and local healthcare providers are trained in innovative techniques.