Over 260,000 set to gain from lifesaving surgical services in Kilolo

Kilolo. Over 260,000 residents of Kilolo District, particularly those residing near Ukwega Ward, are set to benefit from surgical services following the completion of a new surgical building at Ipalamwa Dispensary.

This development was announced by the Country Director of Global Volunteers in Tanzania, Nayman Chavalla during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new facility.

The event was graced by the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Iringa Diocese, Dr Blaston Gaville, the founder and CEO of Global Volunteers, Mr Bud Philbrook, and the retired Bishop of the Iringa Diocese, Professor Owdenburg Mdegella.

Speaking at the event, Chavalla emphasised that the establishment of surgical services at the dispensary aims to facilitate access to medical care for pregnant women experiencing complications during childbirth. At present, patients requiring minor surgical procedures must be urgently transported to Ilula, Kilolo, or Iringa town, thereby increasing costs and risks for both mothers and newborns.

Chavalla further highlighted that Global Volunteers has been strengthening maternal and child health services through its Reaching Children's Potential (RCP) programme. As part of this initiative, the organisation has constructed the surgical building at Ipalamwa Dispensary to enhance healthcare services for the local community.

Global Volunteers is a U.S.-based non-governmental organisation that implements a variety of community development projects worldwide, with a focus on health, education, and nutrition in collaboration with local communities. Its mission is to improve the lives of people living in vulnerable conditions.

The Reaching Children's Potential (RCP) programme is one of the organisation’s flagship initiatives, designed to improve the health and development of infants, their mothers, and the wider community. The programme prioritises reducing childhood stunting, enhancing maternal and child health, and expanding educational opportunities for children.

Last month, the foundation stone for the surgical building was officially laid at Ipalamwa Clinic in Ukwega Ward, Kilolo District.

According to the Kilolo District Council's Construction Engineer, who was present at the event, the construction of the facility is 95 per cent complete and is expected to be finished imminently.