Healthcare for Rural Communities in Ruaha
The Miyombweni Ward in the Mbarali District is part of the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem, and a place where healthcare is distant, both in geography and availability. For many residents living in rural villages, accessing medical treatment means traveling for hours on foot or by bicycle along unpaved roads. In February 2025, Nawiri Foundation, together with Tanzanian partners DeLight Dental Polyclinic, Smart Vision Eye Care, and Kafika House, organised a medical camp to provide free essential healthcare services. Over four days, 998 people received medical attention, addressing longstanding health concerns in a region where such services are scarce.
The camp was set up in an open community space within Mapogoro village, where makeshift treatment stations were arranged to serve the steady flow of patients arriving each morning. Some had walked from neighbouring villages, taking the opportunity to seek care they would otherwise struggle to access. Many had never visited a dentist or eye specialist before. Throughout the week, the air the village was thick with the scent of medicinal antiseptics, mixed with the more familiar smells of sweat and earth as patients waited patiently for their turn to access healthcare.
DeLight Dental Polyclinic, a Tanzanian dental care provider, ran the dental station. A team of dentists and assistants treated 252 patients, offering free check-ups, preventive care, and extractions where needed. Many patients presented with untreated cavities, gum infections, and tooth sensitivity. The team performed 150 extractions and provided education on oral hygiene, a critical need in communities where access to dental care is rare and knowledge about prevention is limited. For many, this was the first time they had received professional dental treatment, making it a vital intervention in preventing future complications.
Nearby, Smart Vision Eye Care set up their screening station. Over the four days, 67`1 people had their vision tested, with 349 receiving prescription glasses. The impact of these screenings was immediate. Many elderly individuals who had struggled with daily tasks due to declining eyesight could see clearly again. Parents brought children who had difficulty reading in school, unaware that vision impairment was the cause. Alongside screenings and glasses distribution, the team provided education on eye health, explaining conditions like cataracts and referring more complex cases for further treatment.
For families of children with cleft lips and club feet, Kafika House offered support and assessments. The organisation focuses on rehabilitation and early intervention, ensuring children with these conditions receive the care they need. Over the course of the camp, 79 children were screened, and their families received guidance on treatment options, referrals for corrective procedures, and advice on rehabilitation. Many parents had never spoken to a medical professional about their child’s condition before, relying instead on home remedies or living with uncertainty about what options were available.
The camp was supported by local health officials, ensuring coordination with existing services. District Medical Officer Dr. Roy and Deputy District Executive Director CPA Shirima visited the camp and assigned two government doctors, one dentist and one eye specialist, to join the initiative. Their presence reinforced the importance of medical outreach in remote communities and helped connect patients needing long-term care to government healthcare facilities.
By the end of the camp, 998 people had received treatment. The numbers tell part of the story, but the impact is seen in smaller moments: a mother holding her child’s hand after a cleft lip consultation, an elderly man smiling through his new glasses, a young boy testing his teeth with his tongue after an extraction. The need here is ongoing. Access to healthcare remains limited, and distance remains an obstacle. Plans are already in discussion for future camps to ensure ongoing healthcare access to support rural communities in Southern Tanzania.
Key Services Provided In Summary:
Dental Care (DeLight Dental Clinic): 252 visits, 150 extractions that included free check-ups, screenings, preventive care, education, and treatments.
Eye Health Services (Smart Vision): 671 individuals received eye care, with 349 getting glasses. Services featured free screenings, vision tests, free eyeglasses, and eye health education.
Rehabilitation Services (Kafika House): 79 children screened for cleft lips/club feet, with advice, counseling, and guidance on corrective options provided.