TANZANIA TAKES LEAD IN AFRICA WITH PLANS FOR LARGEST KIDNEY TRANSPLANT CENTRE

The facility will focus on training specialists and conducting research to combat the rising burden of kidney diseases.

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Tanzania to Host Sub-Saharan Africa’s Largest kidney Transplant and Training centre
Tanzania to Host Sub-Saharan Africa’s Largest kidney Transplant and Training centre


In a bold move set to redefine healthcare in the region, Tanzania will soon host Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest kidney transplant and training centre, positioning itself as a regional leader in advanced organ transplant services.

The state-of-the-art facility will be established at the Benjamin Mkapa Zonal Referral Hospital in Dodoma, following the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tanzania and Japan’s Tokushukai Medical Corporation. The agreement, formalised on the sidelines of the World Expo Osaka 2025, includes a capital grant of Sh1.3 billion to kickstart the project.

This transformative initiative is a joint effort with the University of Dodoma (UDOM), which will co-develop and oversee training programs for medical professionals, researchers, and biomedical engineers.

Benjamin Mkapa Hospital Executive Director, Prof Abel Makubi, described the project as a milestone that will elevate Tanzania’s status as a medical tourism destination for kidney transplants and broader organ-related healthcare.

“This MoU establishes a centre of excellence for kidney transplantation in Tanzania and across the Sahara region,” Prof Makubi stated.

In addition to offering kidney transplant procedures, the facility will focus on training specialists and conducting research to combat the rising burden of kidney diseases. The training will extend into manufacturing and maintaining medical equipment locally, helping reduce reliance on imports and extending the lifespan of crucial healthcare tools.

UDOM Vice Chancellor, Prof Lugano Kusiluka, emphasised the long-term vision of the project, noting that it will pave the way for the centre to expand into other organ transplant services in the future.

“With this agreement, we will also train professionals on how to manufacture and maintain medical equipment to extend its lifespan and reduce costs,"  Prof Kusiluka said.

The MoU between Tanzania and Japan is one of six agreements signed during the international forum, showcasing a growing collaboration between the two nations. Another notable agreement was signed between UDOM, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, and Japan’s Africa Economic and Development Association (AFRECO), further deepening ties in the health and development sectors.

With the project expected to break ground later this year and conclude within three years, the initiative marks a new chapter in Tanzania’s healthcare evolution, one that promises to bring life-saving treatment closer to home for thousands across the continent.

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