Sheikha Jawaher's Initiative Brings Mobile Medical Services To Zanzibar's Underserved

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) and UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Children, has launched 'The Big Heart Mobile Medical Services' on Unguja island in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access in underserved regions worldwide.

The mobile clinics, a result of a 2019 partnership between Aster Volunteers and TBHF, currently operate in eight countries. These include Ethiopia, Sudan, Somaliland, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bangladesh. To date, they have reached 178,740 beneficiaries through 1,937 medical camps.

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This year, the project has expanded to include four new countries: Zanzibar in Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The advanced mobile clinic will engage renowned medical professionals to deliver quality healthcare to at least 20,000 beneficiaries annually.

The clinics are powered by solar energy to reduce their carbon footprint while providing sustainable healthcare solutions. Staffed by medical professionals from Aster Hospitals in the UAE and India and volunteer doctors from Medcare Hospitals, these clinics ensure high-quality care.

The mobile clinic operates with local partners such as the Zanzibar Ministry of Health (MoH), Muhimbili National Hospital, and the State University of Zanzibar. It offers vital health services like blood pressure checks, blood sugar monitoring, BMI assessments, and occasional cholesterol or ECG tests.

Health talks are conducted in multiple languages covering various topics including Basic Life Support (BLS) Awareness. Additionally, the clinic participates in impactful health campaigns organised with regional associates to further community well-being.

Commitment to Long-Term Impact

TBHF and Aster are committed to running the clinic for at least ten years. This will uplift 250,000 lives in Zanzibar by providing essential healthcare services to those with limited or no access to basic healthcare.

The project also supports Zanzibar's growing economy by ensuring both local communities and tourists have access to quality medical services. This is crucial for sustaining the island’s economic growth in the coming years.

Support from Leadership

Dignitaries who attended the flag-off ceremony included Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health of Zanzibar; Alisha Moopen, Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare; Jaleel PA, General Manager and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Aster DM Healthcare; Dr. Fatma Kabole, Deputy Director of Preventive Services and Health Education in Zanzibar; Dr. Mngereza Mzee Miraji, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar; and officials from TBHF.

During a meeting with the Minister of Health of Zanzibar and leading officials from Aster Healthcare, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi emphasised that access to healthcare is a fundamental right for every individual and nation. She stated that this responsibility extends beyond governments to any entity capable of contributing and driving change.

Future Plans

The initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TBHF and Aster Healthcare was set for five years but has now been updated to a ten-year tenure due to its success. The partnership has also expanded to include four more countries with plans for Uganda and Rwanda currently underway.

Clinics in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Nepal are scheduled for launch later in 2024. The mobile clinic will also offer virtual consultations with specialists to ensure advanced care for those in need.

"The launch of the mobile medical clinic in Zanzibar reflects The Big Heart Foundation’s commitment to forging partnerships with local authorities," said H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi. "We aim to create effective solutions for underserved populations facing significant challenges accessing healthcare."

This initiative underscores TBHF's dedication to sustainable humanitarian projects that drive positive change wherever needed. With support from H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, TBHF remains committed to continuing these efforts globally.

With inputs from WAM