TANZANIA ALLOCATES OVER TZS 4 BILLION FOR FREE HYDROCELE SURGERIES NATIONWIDE

The Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has allocated more than TZS 4 billion to finance free hydrocele (mabusha) surgical treatments across the country, enabling citizens to access life-changing medical services at no cost.

This was revealed by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Grace Magembe, during her visit on January 25, 2026, to an ongoing hydrocele surgery camp at Kilakala Health Centre in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam. The camp has been running for the past three weeks as part of the government’s broader initiative to combat neglected tropical diseases.

“The government has invested over TZS 4 billion in these services. The surgeries are conducted professionally using localized anesthesia, allowing patients to remain conscious and stable throughout the procedure,” said Dr. Magembe.

Dr. Magembe further noted that since the launch of hydrocele surgery camps in Dar es Salaam Region, more than 1,300 people have reported for screening. Out of these, 668 patients were diagnosed with hydrocele, and 457 patients have already undergone successful surgeries. The target is to reach 500 patients at Kilakala and Kinondoni health facilities.

She emphasized the importance of environmental cleanliness in preventing the disease, urging communities to eliminate stagnant water and clear bushes around their surroundings to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

“Preventing hydrocele and other mosquito-borne diseases requires collective efforts in maintaining environmental hygiene,” she added.

During the visit, Dr. Magembe also took the opportunity to educate citizens on the importance of enrolling in the Universal Health Insurance Fund, an initiative being implemented under President Samia’s first 100 days agenda, aimed at ensuring affordable healthcare for all Tanzanians.

On his part, the Dar es Salaam Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Mohammed Mang’una, encouraged residents to continue turning up in large numbers to access the free services, noting that statistics show the majority of beneficiaries are aged 45 years and above.

The hydrocele surgery campaign is currently being conducted in Dar es Salaam Region and will later be rolled out to other regions including Lindi, Mtwara, Pwani, Morogoro, and Mbeya, as part of the government’s nationwide health intervention strategy.