The Tanzanian government has sent a team of medical experts to Anjouan Island in Comoros with the aim of developing health cooperation between the two countries and ensuring that the citizens of the islands receive expert medical services.
Speaking during the reception of the doctors at his office yesterday, the Governor of Anjouan in the Union of the Comoros Islands, Hon. Dr. Zaidou Youssouf, thanked the Tanzanian government for sending its experts to help citizens suffering from diseases that require expert medical treatment.
He said that Anjouan Island has a larger population than other Comoros islands and urged citizens to come out in large numbers to have their health checked and receive appropriate treatment.
“We thank the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for bringing these experts to our country. This is a sign of the good diplomatic cooperation that exists between these two countries”, said Hon. Governor Dr. Youssouf.
He said that although most Anjouan citizens come from low-income families, they have welcomed the Tanzanian health professionals with open arms and have promised to provide them with adequate cooperation.
The Tanzanian Ambassador to Comoros, Mr. Saidi Yakubu, thanked them for the warm reception they received and said that last year, Tanzanian specialists held a large screening and treatment camp on Ngazidja Island by providing medical services from seven specialists, a total of 2,770 people were served.
“This year the camp is bigger. 17 specialist services will be provided in three major hospitals on Anjouan Island. In addition, the Tanzania Drug Depot (MSD) has been directly involved and has brought medicines that will be provided to all patients. The remaining medicines will be left at the hospitals for continued use”, said Ambassador Yakubu.
He said that so far more than 1,000 people have registered to receive the services which will also include public education on non-communicable diseases, in three special areas set aside for the public.
Ambassador Yakubu said yesterday that the team of experts visited the three major hospitals that will be used to provide services, namely Hombo, Pomoni and Bambao, to see the existing equipment and areas for providing medical care, while other experts are expected to arrive this evening.
Speaking on behalf of his fellow experts, a cardiologist from the Jakaya Kikwete Heart Institute (JKCI), Dr. Salehe Mwinchete said the team is ready to provide quality services to the people of Anjouan using the skills they have been blessed with by God, while promising to provide professional and loving services.
Experts participating in the camp are from six major institutions and hospitals in Tanzania, namely the Jakaya Kikwete Heart Institute (JKCI), Muhimbili Orthopedic and Brain Institute (MOI), Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Tanzania Drug Depot (MSD).
