Climate change-focused project improves healthcare access for 270,000 Tanzanians

Dodoma. Over 270,000 citizens in the climate-affected areas of Dodoma and Kigoma regions have benefited from a project called Kijanisha Afya that enhances the delivery of primary healthcare services.

The one-year project, running from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2024, is funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania with a budget of €600,000, approximately Sh1.5 billion.

Tanzania’s organisation, the Energy and Livelihoods for Communities (ELICO) Foundatio, is mandated for the project implementation.

Chemba and Mpwapwa in Dodoma, and Buhigwe and Kasulu in Kigoma are the four districts that have hosted Phase I of the project.

The regions were selected due to their vulnerability to climate change impacts, with Dodoma experiencing severe droughts and Kigoma facing frequent flooding.

During a recent visit to the Makamaka Village Dispensary in Chemba, ELICO Foundation Programme Manager Fredrick Mushi said the project aims to help healthcare centres in those regions to cope with climate-related challenges.

“Unlike Dodoma, which is very dry, Kigoma is affected by frequent flooding, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. This is why we focused on sustainable solutions to ensure healthcare centres can remain operational,” said Mr Mushi, noting that the Irish Embassy has committed to extending support for an additional three years.

A recent workshop for District Medical Officers (DMOs), Regional Medical Officers (RMOs), and other key stakeholders discussed the need for infrastructure improvements as a functional element after the project's conclusion.

“One of our goals is to ensure that the infrastructure we introduce stays functional in the long term. Too often, projects end and the facilities fall into disrepair,” said Mr Mushi.

The project was based on a survey conducted in collaboration with UNICEF, which identified key challenges in accessing healthcare, especially in remote areas.

The survey involved healthcare workers, DMOs, and local citizens, gathering insights that helped shape the project’s approach.

The Kijanisha Afya initiative includes installing solar panels at healthcare facilities to provide a reliable power source.

It also introduces solar-powered appliances, rechargeable electric motorcycles, bicycles, and improved water supply systems.

“Electricity is essential for safe childbirth, vaccine storage, and proper medical care. Without reliable power, healthcare services suffer,” said the DMO for Chemba District, Dr Marco Mgonja.

Water access is another critical issue as before the project the Makamaka Dispensary relied on a well located 600 meters away.

In the past, water was being carried by donkey carts or children, but currently with solar installation, the dispensary has sufficient water, improving hygiene and reducing disease outbreaks.

“Solar power has transformed our facility,” said Dr Mgonja, “With reliable water, we’re able to maintain cleanliness, sterilise medical equipment, and improve overall care. Even remote areas benefit from electric motorcycles, which allow clinical officers to deliver vaccinations, health education, and nutrition services.”

The solar-powered motorcycles eliminate fuel costs and are charged using the same solar panels that power the clinic.

Each motorcycle, valued at over Sh6 million, is used to provide healthcare services to hard-to-reach villages.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the district has budgeted for the maintenance of electrical systems, water infrastructure, and motorcycles.

“We’ve set aside funds for repairs and have established a system for covering water bills to maintain the facilities,” added Dr Mgonja.

Makamaka Dispensary Medical Officer Akwilina Dobey highlighted the importance of solar power for nighttime patient care.

The water well benefits the dispensary and over 3,000 villagers as well as their livestock. However, challenges remain as Ms Dobey mentioned the lack of housing for staff, which complicates emergency responses at night.

Additionally, she said there is a need for better waste management facilities, medical tools, and computers.

The President’s Office representative, Mr Baraka Samson, assured the community that these issues were being addressed.

Meanwhile, ELICO’s Executive Director, Mr Sisty Basil, announced plans to install an outdoor lamp for better lighting and promised additional medical equipment for testing.

A community member, Bahati Mohamed, expressed gratitude for the solar power, saying that, “Electricity will help pregnant women deliver safely, unlike before when we had to use large flashlights.”