It has been a practice for several years for the Central Health Board (CHB) of The Africa Federation to meet with CHB Representatives from the constituent Jamaats preceding the Supreme Council Sessions;  this time the meeting was held in Dar es Salaam on Friday, 21st March 2008 at Mayfair Plaza. Representatives from Arusha, Lindi and Dar es Salaam Jamaats were present. Doctors from our community and medical students (JAMSA) were also invited to this meeting. Also present was the Vice Chairman of Regionale Counsel of Madagascar, Alhaj Mohamedraza Khamis.

The Chairman, Alhaj Aunali Khalfan presented the vision, mission and the objectives of CHB for the term 2007-2010. He also provided an overview of CHB activities and projects undertaken so far. Dr. Jamil Merali, CHB Medical Advisor explained about the referral procedures and processes for welfare and self-financing patients.

Br. Shabbir Lalji, CHB Administrator explained about Thalassaemia project and the plan/target to screen all Jamaats under Africa Federation by end of this year.

Some representatives from other Jamaats could not make it on time for the Friday meeting; the Chairman later met Nairobi, Moshi, Kampala and Lumbubashi Jamaat’s representatives separately and discussed similar issues with them.

Various pertinent issues in respect of regular communications, collaboration, health awareness programs, general health and thalassaemia screening programs, patients’ referral procedures etc. were discussed during these meetings.

The following points were raised by the Representatives and other participants which require follow-up and action:

1. Health Screening should be given impetus by all constituent Jamaats.

2. CHB officials and doctors should visit the Jamaats regularly to discuss progress on health matters, entice Jamaats to give health issues the priority it deserves.
3. Jamaats should provide proper facilities for ladies to undertake physical fitness activities. In many Jamaats, ladies are left out of the equation.
4. Pre-marital screening for Thalassaemia should be introduced, like what was done for the HIV/AIDS testing prior to engagement.
5. Plays and Dramas should be introduced to bring health awareness to the community. Noted that attendance in lecture programs are dwindling.  

Alhaj Mohamedraza Khamis speaking at the meeting     Participants listening to the Chairman's Presentation 


Dr. Jamil Merali explaining about the referral procedure          Hon. Sec. Shabbir Kermalli presenting the
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