Rotary Club Provides Free Medical Services to 1,650 Students in Tanzania

The Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam Oysterbay recently conducted a free medical camp in Kerege, Bagamoyo District, Tanzania, benefiting 1,650 primary school pupils. The camp, held as part of the Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) program, provided a range of health services including malaria screening and treatment, dental and eye care, menstrual hygiene education, and screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases.

A total of 1,650 students received care at the camp, 799 of whom were girls. The Rotary Club distributed 89 cartons of disposable sanitary pads and 40 packets of reusable pads to the female students. Dental kits were also provided to all the pupils who attended. The medical camp was made possible through the collaborative efforts of sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, reflecting the Rotary's motto of 'Service Above Self' and its mission to create positive change.

Why this matters: Access to basic healthcare and hygiene services remains a challenge for many students in rural areas of Tanzania. Initiatives like this free medical camp by the Rotary Club help address these gaps and promote the health and well-being of young students, enabling them to focus on their education. The provision of menstrual hygiene products is particularly significant, as it helps reduce absenteeism among girls who often miss classes during their menstrual periods.

The head teacher of Kerege Primary School noted the positive impact of the Rotary Club's contributions, stating, "Such contributions facilitate increased attendance for girls who usually miss classes during their menstrual periods." The medical camp not only provided immediate care to the students but also helped raise awareness about important health issues and hygiene practices that can benefit the wider community.

Key Takeaways

• Rotary Club of Dar es Salaam conducted free medical camp for 1,650 students.
• Services included malaria screening, dental/eye care, menstrual hygiene education.
• Distributed 89 cartons of disposable and 40 packets of reusable sanitary pads.
• Addressed healthcare and hygiene gaps, reducing absenteeism among girls.
• Collaborative effort of sponsors, volunteers, and community partners.