A donation of assorted items, worth TZS 8 million, was given to three primary schools within Chalinze district, Tanzania. The donation, from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) support group, will help improve the learning environment and well-being of the pupils.

The donation was handed over on December 1 and 2, 2022 by a team of researchers from Ifakara Health Institute within the project titled “The laboratory, semi-field and field evaluation of insecticide-treated eave nets (ITENs) and window screens (ITWS) for malaria control in Tanzania” implemented between 2018 and 2022 in Chalinze district. 
 
The beneficiaries of the donation included primary schools in the villages of Pongwe, Madesa and Mazizi where the trial took place. They received items that were presented to the school management in the presence of the students, parents and local leaders.

Each school received blackboard paints, footballs and handballs, sports jerseys for boys and girls, 12 boxes of sanitary pads, and first aid kits. In addition, Pongwe Primary School received payment for the installation of electricity while Madesa and Mazizi Primary Schools received drum sets including an iron lockable office shelf for Madesa and a printer and A4 papers for Mazizi. All donated items were selected based on the teacher’s and parents’ suggestions.

Additionally, the Mazizi Dispensary received three devices for measuring blood quantity, blood pressure and sugar level. 

During the presentation of the donations, dissemination and feedback about the intervention installed in the villages were also discussed. The project team gave a few remarks to thank the community in the three villages and the Swiss TPH team.

“We thank the people of Pongwe, Madesa and Mazizi for their continued support, tolerance and hospitality during the studies. We hope for continuity in strengthening the good relations between researchers from Ifakara, Swiss TPH and LSHTM with or communities in these villages. Our sincere appreciation goes to Swiss TPH Support Group for the donation,” said one of the team members Dr. Zawadi Mageni Mboma. 

Other Ifakara team members included Olukayode Odufuwa and Rose Philipo.