Our Work in Health Care
MDF is on a mission to provide affordable, quality healthcare in Tanzania through strategic partnerships, Targetted programs, and data-driven mapping.
SOME OF OUR WORK IN HEALTHCARE
A Journey of Sight: Eye Camp in Korogwe, Tanga
On the 27th of May 2024, the Mo Dewji Foundation (MDF) in collaboration with the Local Government Authority (LGA) of the Korogwe Town Council and Magunga City Hospital, conducted a 3-day comprehensive eye camp in Korogwe, Tanga. This initiative aimed to address the basic and advanced eye care needs for the most under-served.
Over the 3-day camp ...
- A total of 4,797 people were screened for various eye conditions.
- The dedicated medical team conducted 358 surgeries.
- Distributed 3,026 eye drops
- Provided 2,306 pairs of reading glasses.
“I felt torn apart and left out as a Simba SC fan when I was blind, not knowing who scored the goal when people were cheering, but now I can join in the celebrations and watch the match with immense joy.”
- Mohammed Ndago
“My eye was infected so much that I couldn’t recognize my own children. With the blessings of the All-Mighty, I can now see again and so excited to go back home to my family and friends and restart my life with farming activities. Mo Dewji truly cares for the poor – we all feel human again. Thank you, Mohammed!”
- Jessica Frank
“The collaboration with the Mo Dewji Foundation has been instrumental in executing this eye camp. Their support and resources have allowed us to deliver high-quality eye care to thousands of people over these three days.”
Sofia Mnapunda
SPOTLIGHT
Hear from an Eye Camp Patient
Eye diseases are among the top 10 health conditions afflicting the people of Tanzania. In response to this crisis, MDF founded an on-the-ground, mobile eye camp that offers free cataract screening and surgery, free reading glasses, medication, and other related procedures. MDF is also building community health profiles in each location they serve and is working with the Ministry of Health to leverage its statistical data and analyses to shape Tanzania’s national health policy.
Explore the Patient Experience at an MDF Eye Camp
MORE FROM OUR WORK
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Support
Spina bifida is a congenital charaterized by the incomplete closure of the spinal cord during fetal development. In Tanzania, over 7,500 cases of spina bifida and hydrocephalus are reported every year, with staggering 60% of affected children losing their lives due to inadequate care and treatment. Many families struggle to access medical services due to financial constraints, lack of awareness, limited health care systems in remote areas and archaic societal practices and discrimination faced within communities.
The Mo Dewji Foundation is working closely with the Ministry of Health and partnered with the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) and Association of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (ASBAHT) to combat this, and is working daily to:
Raise Awareness
MDF is working to educate communities about spina bifida’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options, as they seek to reduce stigma and promote early interverntion.
Fund Medical Treatments
The foundation provides financial assistance for prenatal screenings, surgical procedures, and postoperative care, ensuring that individuals with spina bifida receive the necessary medical support.
Advocate for Healthcare Access
By collaborating with healthcare institutions and policymakers, the foundation advocates for improved access to prenatal care, diagnostic services, and rehabilitation programs for individuals with spina bifida.
Support Comprehensive Care
The foundation recognizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to spina bifida treatment, encompassing medical, surgical, rehabilitative, and psychosocial interverntion
“I never thought my child will ever get treated because I cannot afford the high costs of the surgery. I am beyond grateful to the Mo Dewji Foundation for care they have shown us – May God bless you all.”
Neema Daniel
“For the first time my baby boy called me ‘Mama’ I am crying tears of joy – I cannot repay Mo Dewji for what he has done for me. May God bless him in abundance.”
Eva Peter
“When my relatives heard I gave birth to a child with a large head they broke ties and isolated me. I had nowhere to go – and then God sent Mo Dewji. I am at a loss for words. Mohammed – you saved me and my son.”
Jackline Ramadhan
PARTNERSHIPS
Tumaini La
Maisha
(TLM)
Tumaini La Maisha (TLM) is the largest Childhood Cancer Center in East Africa and has been a recipient of MDF support and funding for more than 13 years. In 2013, the survival rate for a child with cancer in Tanzania was 1 in 10. Today, the survival rate has increased sixfold thanks, in part, to MDF’s partnership.
In 2021, TLM officially began the National Children’s Cancer Network (NCCN) with the goal of opening 34 centers across the country. Their aim is for no child to be more than a 4-hour journey from being able to receive cancer treatment care. Thanks to the support of the Mo Dewji Foundation, TLM has been able to implement a comprehensive support system for children requiring cancer treatments at Muhimbili National Hospital and their partner centers, including covering the cost of drugs and diagnostic tools.
From treating children in 1 small room in 2013 to today supporting families across the country via more than 14 dedicated healthcare centers, TLM’s mission to support Tanzanian families impacted by childhood cancer is more impactful than ever.
MORE FROM OUR WORK
Building Community Resilience through health and wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Tumaini la Maisha is an independent organization that the Mo Dewji Foundation supports.
We encourage support from both individuals and organizations collectively.
Our ultimate goal is to provide holistic mobile health care services to communities that have limited or no access to health care services in rural areas. This would be in partnership with the Ministry of Health by extending its services primarily at regional referral centers to all the districts and all the wards in each region of the country.
Yes, we would be excited to receive innovative initiatives and discuss how best we can better serve the underprivileged communities in Tanzania.
Generally we look at past evidence of impact, scale of reach in terms of people, and cost efficiency.