Updated on 10 June 2008
The Central Health Board (CHB) of the KSI Jamaats of Africa recently organised a major health screening program for its Jamaat members in Lindi and Mtwara. The main objective of this program was to determine the occurrence of disease and early diagnosis of associated risk factors, especially in such constituents where access to health care and services are limited.
Screening in Mtwara
This is a second successful campaign of its kind following one recently held in Zanzibar. CHB, along with a team of 12 members departed for Mtwara on Friday 25th April 2008. The team comprised of a male and female doctor, Board Members and volunteers, Jaffery Medical Students Association (JUAMSA) 4th year medical students, as well as Sheikh Tahir Ridha who was an invited guest of CHB.
While CHB carried the necessary medical equipment and accessories required for the screening, Lindi and Mtwara Jamaats kindly provided for convenient screening facilities as well as other arrangements including food and accommodation for the team.
Through the 12 hour road-trip from Dar-es-Salaam, the team arrived in Lindi for a short break before proceeding to Mtwara. Hasnain Bhai Manji, President of Lindi Jamaat graciously welcomed the CHB team and also accompanied them for the onward trip to Mtwara.
Upon arrival, the Mtwara Jamaat led by the President, Roshan Bhai Ladha warmly welcomed the CHB team. The CHB Vice Chairman, Al Hajj Mohsin Manji and Dr. Imran Hassam were given the podium to address the Jamaaat on the importance and benefits of such a program, as well as sensitize individuals to health related issues, especially those prevalent in Khoja communities.
The next day on Saturday 26th April 2008, the health screenings of a number of individuals were conducted. These screenings included ECG, blood pressure, BMI, blood glucose tests, and doctor evaluations. Individual blood samples were also collected, stored and transported back to Dar-es-Salaam. These samples will be run and analysed at Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre for full blood picture, renal function as well as lipid profile. Thalassaemia tests for young children, youth and recently married couples will also be carried out.
Overall 31 people (18 males and 13 females) turned up for the screening.
Screening in Lindi
On the same afternoon, the CHB team proceeded back to Lindi where arrangements had been made to conduct screening for its members. After Maghrib prayers, participants arrived on site, where identical tests and procedures were carried out. The screening lasted until midnight, and saw 21 participants undergo tests and doctors consultations.
The results of the screening will be communicated to the individual members who participated in the CHB major health screening program.
The CHB is grateful to the:
- Lindi and Mtwara Jamaats for their warm hospitality
- Central Medical Board of Dar-es-Salaam Jamaat and Ebrahim Haji Charitable Health Centre for their support
- Doctors, nurses, and volunteers who wholeheartedly gave their time and efforts in extending services to the community members; whilst the bus trip was exhausting, the experience gained on this three day trip was worth every moment.
For more information, email chb@cats-net.com