Muhimbili National Hospital launches first Public IVF services in Tanzania

TANZANIA—Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has introduced in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services, becoming the first public hospital in the country to offer this crucial treatment.

This pioneering move provides much-needed relief for couples grappling with infertility who previously had to seek IVF services in private hospitals or abroad.

According to recent research conducted by MNH, infertility affects approximately 30 percent of individuals screened, with women accounting for 65 percent of these cases and men 35 percent.

This statistic highlights that infertility is a significant concern, with three to four out of every ten patients being diagnosed with this condition.

At the inauguration of the new facility, named the “Samia Suluhu Hassan IVF Centre,” Vice-President Dr. Philip Mpango lauded the achievement, emphasizing its importance in supporting Tanzanian citizens facing fertility challenges.

This event also marked the arrival of a Mobile Clinic Van donated by the Aster Foundation and the activation of hearing aids (Cochlear Implants) for 15 children with hearing impairments.

Dr. Mpango expressed his satisfaction with the launch, noting that IVF services, previously only available in private hospitals at exorbitant costs, are now accessible to the public. He assured the public that the services at the new facility will be affordable.

Despite some private hospitals in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam offering IVF services, many Tanzanians had to travel abroad to countries such as Turkey, South Africa, and Kenya for treatment.

The IVF project, which began in 2019, represents a significant investment of 1.2 billion Tanzanian shillings, entirely funded by MNH’s internal revenue.

Dr. Mpango commended the Ministry of Health, the MNH Board of Trustees, and management for successfully executing this initiative.

He highlighted that this project aligns with the government’s commitment to reducing the need for Tanzanians to seek medical treatment abroad due to shortages of specialized professionals or medical equipment.

In addition to the IVF services, the availability of Cochlear Implant services—previously unavailable in Tanzania before 2017—marks a significant advancement.

Dr. Mpango anticipates that these new services will enhance medical tourism in Tanzania.

He also praised the increased accessibility to healthcare services facilitated by mobile clinics and thanked the Aster Foundation for their contributions, including two vehicles—one for Zanzibar and another for the mainland.

Dr. Mpango called on the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, to explore ways to further reduce the costs of IVF services, potentially through tax exemptions.

Minister for Health Ms. Jenister Mhagama also commended MNH for its successful implementation of the IVF project.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions, including the introduction of a health insurance scheme covering both basic and specialized services.

Ms Mhagama assured that the government would continue to oversee the provision of integrated healthcare services across all hospitals and work towards alleviating the financial burden on citizens.

MNH Executive Director Prof. Mohammed Janabi highlighted that, on average, three to four out of every ten patients at the women’s clinic have fertility issues, reflecting a global infertility rate of approximately 17 percent.

He added that the new centre is equipped to preserve women’s eggs for up to 30 years and includes facilities for testing male sperm and genetic material.

The centre is already staffed with ten specialists, and ten women are prepared to begin treatment following the launch, with plans to invite additional experts from abroad for further collaboration

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