11 HEALTH FACILITIES BENEFITED WITH 22 STAFF HOUSES IN COASTAL REGION OF TANZANIA

Hundreds of local community members joyful witnessed the handing over of 22 health workers staff houses to 11 health facilities located inChalinze, Bagamoyo and Mafia district council in a ceremony held yesterday 13^th of September 2016 at the Msoga health facility in Bagamoyo district. The staff houses have been constructed by the Benjamin W. Mkapa Foundation as an implementing partners under the Ministry of Health, Community development, Gender, Elderly and Children. The project which isled by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzaniawas financiallysupportedby the Global Fund to Fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria- Round 9.

Former President of Tanzania, H.E Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (center) cutting a ribbon to officiate the handing over of 22 health workers staff houses in Coastal Region, on his left is Chairman of Board of Trustess – BMF, Amb. Charles A. Sanga and his right is Regional Commissioner of Coastal Region, Hon. Eng. Evarist Ndikilo.

This half day event was graced by the Former President of the Tanzania, H.E Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete as the guest of honor, whom was also accompanied by various other representatives from the Mkapa Foundation, Ministerial offices and the Coastal region. Speaking at the crowd that showed up to witness the event, H.E. Dr. Kikwete thanked the Settlor of BMF, H.E Benjamin W. Mkapa for his tireless effort in serving millionsof Tanzanians in many ways despite retiring from Presidency, one of which is the establishmentof a vessel which complements the government’s efforts in strengthening health systems. Also he thanked the MkapaFoundation and Global Fund to Fight against AIDs, TB and Malaria for the good work it has carried for many years, including the construction of staff house,which were handed over.

Former President of URT,  H.E Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete handing over the certificate of handing over the houses from the Mkapa Foundation to the Representative of the Ministry of health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Mr. John Michael.

He further urged the respective local government authorities who received the houses to proper take good care of them including setting budget for regular maintenance. “If you do proper maintenance you will not be forced to do rehabilitation” said Dr. Kikwete

Speaking on behalf of the citizen of Coastal region, the RC of Coastal region Hon. Eng. Evarist Ndikilo thanked the Foundation for its commendable effort in improving the lives of Tanzanian people countrywide. He urged the Ministry of health to ensure allocation of more health workers that are to be recruited once the Government employment permit is released, whereas this will reduce the gap of the shortage of health workers faced by the health facilities in the region. He insisted their plan to upgrade Msoga health centre to become a district hospital hence the recently handed over houses would enable them attract skilled health workers who will provide quality health services, especially emergency services. He further requested the Ministry of Health to allocate technical team of biomedical engineers to come and assist in fitting and settingup various medical equipment, which were lying idle in the store rooms for more than 1 year. By doing so the facility will be able to provide broader health services and assist in decongesting the Tumbi Hospital which is the Coastal Regional Hospital.

A front view of one among 480 health workers staff houses constructed by BMF

One among many beneficiaries of the staff house, Dr. Patricia Kihulla –Assistant Medical Officer at Msoga health centre with her family in Msoga, Chalinze

Giving the brief of the project, the CEO of BMF, Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro said that, the22 houses are among 480 health workers staff houses which have been constructed country wide under the 5 year project for strengthening health system in the country. The 22 houses have costed a sum of Tanzanian Shillings 1.2 billion with an estimate of Tshs 54 million per house. The houses have been built in 11 health facilities located in District Councils of Chalinze (10), Bagamoyo(2) and Mafia (10).

Dr. Patricia Kihulla who serves as the Assistant Medical Officer at the Msoga Health Centre who occupies in one of the houses said that she enjoys staying close to the facility as she is able to attend to emergency cases without any setbacks.“Living at this house has given me more motivation to serve Msoga community with all my heart. I don’t have to worry about my kids or family when I am attending a night shift since they are close by here” said Dr. Patricia.

Msoga villagers joyful following up the ceremony held yesterday at Msoga health facility in Chalinze district.