Tanzania Ministry

CHI Health created the Machame Hospital Orthopedic Center. The team discovered a huge unmet need for more modern orthopedic surgery in the region. Most cases involve trauma repair but there are also many children needing corrections from congenital birth defects and disease. CHI Health's involvement included building several new orthopedic surgery theaters, physical therapy and dedicated patient wards and modern anesthesia and sterilization equipment. The team has performed more than 12,000 procedures since the new center opened.

There is only one nurse per 2,800 citizens in Tanzania. To address this shortage, the Machame Hospital School of Nursing started in 2010. CHI Health has focused on building infrastructure such as dormitories, classrooms, dining hall, roads and drainage. The team discovered that there are many African youth qualified and desiring to enroll, but cannot afford to attend nursing school (even though total cost for tuition and room and board is only $1,700 per year). CHI Health employees and others can sponsor these students. To date, 91 sponsored students have graduated. This program has been life changing for the students, their families and for the entire region.

Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world and many are living in houses that - even by African standards - are abysmal. For the immunocompromised HIV patients, but also for some with orthopedic, mental health or other conditions, the lack of adequate shelter is an impediment to their health. Houses for Health builds a small, basic house for these people. For about $3,500 the team can build a dry, safe home. Using 100% local materials and labor, this project assists the local economy as well. So far, the team has completed houses for 140 families, and they continue to build.

All of these projects have been funded by donors and supporters, not CHI Health operating funds. We welcome you to join us in these efforts. If you have questions or want to know more you can contact Bob Kasworm.