360 diagnosed with high blood pressure during JKCI health camp in Mbeya
The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) paediatric cardiologist, Dr Stella Mogella, conducts a medical examination on a child, whose name could not be immediately established, during a health camp held in Mbeya on Thursday, February 20, 2025. PHOTO | HAWA MATHIAS.
What you need to know:
- A paediatric cardiologist at JKCI, Dr Stella Mogella, announced on Thursday, 20th February 2025, during a press briefing at a five-day camp held in the city.
Mbeya. The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has announced that 360 individuals, including 20 children, were diagnosed with high blood pressure following examinations by specialist doctors in the Mbeya Region.
A paediatric cardiologist at JKCI, Dr Stella Mogella, announced on Thursday, 20th February 2025, during a press briefing at a five-day camp held in the city.
The camp was part of the "Samia Suluhu Hassan Outreach Service" programme, organised in collaboration with Mbeya Regional Referral Hospital, the Regional Commissioner’s Office, and the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC).
Dr Mogella explained that of the 360 individuals examined, 340 adults were diagnosed with high blood pressure, enlarged hearts, and diabetes.
“Many of the children were found to have congenital heart conditions, such as heart defects and blocked blood vessels, and were referred to JKCI for further treatment,” she said.
Dr Mogella said diagnostic services began in the region on February 17, 2025, and ran until February 21, 2025, as part of the sixth-phase government’s health initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
She highlighted the challenge of many residents being unaware of their health conditions, which makes it difficult for them to recognise warning signs of serious health issues.
Furthermore, she urged the public to adopt regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and routine health check-ups to improve overall well-being.
A distinguished paediatric cardiologist at Mbeya Referral Hospital, Dr Gloria Mbwile, praised the government and JKCI for providing the camp and specialised services.
She emphasised that the initiative not only provided treatment but also enhanced their ability to offer advanced care for children with heart conditions, which could save lives.
Dr Mbwile encouraged patients diagnosed with heart issues to continue attending follow-up appointments at Mbeya Referral Hospital.
A resident of Forest in Mbeya, Ms Rahma Omary, who attended the screening, expressed her gratitude to the government for bringing these services closer to the people.
Previously, she had to travel to Dar es Salaam at great cost for treatment.
“I’m personally grateful to the government. I had diabetes, but after the tests, I discovered I have heart issues, and I’ve already received advice on the next steps,” Ms Omary said.
