Tanzania's High Commissioner to Malawi, Agnes Kayola, recently attended the closing ceremony of a specialist medical camp at Kamuzu Central Referral Hospital in Lilongwe. The camp, which started on September 28, 2026, was conducted by a team of specialist doctors and medical experts from Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. The event marked a significant milestone in the health cooperation between Tanzania and Malawi.
The medical camp provided specialist medical services and consultations to over 810 patients at Mzuzu Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital. A total of 64 patients underwent specialised surgical procedures in Malawi, while 49 were referred to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania for further treatment. This initiative demonstrated the commitment of both countries to improving healthcare services for their citizens.
Bestone Chisamile, the Permanent Secretary responsible for Administration at Malawi's Ministry of Health and Sanitation, praised Benjamin Mkapa Hospital for translating health cooperation between Tanzania and Malawi into practical results. He noted that discussions had begun to formalise broader cooperation covering medical services, training for health professionals, pharmaceutical matters, and patient referrals.
Ambassador Kayola highlighted the importance of the camp in providing citizens and medical professionals from both countries with access to specialist healthcare services and opportunities for professional knowledge exchange. She commended the governments of Tanzania and Malawi for their efforts to strengthen cooperation in the health sector.
The achievements of the medical camp reflect significant investment in the health sector by Tanzania's President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as her efforts in her role as the African Union Champion for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health. Ambassador Kayola expressed her appreciation for the President's commitment to improving healthcare services in Tanzania and the region.
Preparations have begun to formalise an agreement on a patient referral programme that would enable Malawians to access affordable specialist treatment in Tanzania. This initiative is expected to further strengthen health cooperation between the two countries and expand access for Malawian patients to specialised medical services that may not be readily available in their home country.
The medical camp and proposed patient referral programme demonstrate the growing cooperation between Tanzania and Malawi in the health sector. Both countries are working together to improve healthcare services, share knowledge and expertise, and increase access to specialist medical care for their citizens.
Key points
- Over 810 patients received specialist medical services and consultations during the medical camp.
- 64 patients underwent specialised surgical procedures in Malawi, while 49 were referred to Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania for further treatment.
- Preparations have begun to formalise an agreement on a patient referral programme between Tanzania and Malawi.
