Today, May 9, Ifakara Health Institute participated in an event to receive the Uhuru Torch at Mang’ula ward, Kilombero District in Morogoro region. Ifakara participated on invitation from the Ifakara Town Council.

Twelve staff representing Ifakara’s Chronic Diseases Clinic Ifakara (CDCI), Heart & Lung Clinic, Laboratory and Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences (EHES) teams, took part in the event during which they collaborated with the council to test diseases like malaria and NCDs, provide education and showcase research work and activities implemented at Ifakara Health Institute.

Following the invitation from the Town Council, Lina Finda, a researcher at Ifakara said, “Among other help requested, the town has kindly requested for assistance from technicians to screen for malaria, HIV/AIDS and NCDs. Also, to provide sensitization on prevention and treatment of these diseases, and what services are available.”

“As always, this is a wonderful opportunity for us to collaborate and socialize with our stakeholders, demonstrate our presence in the town and give back to our communities,” she added.

As part of engaging with the community during the event, Ifakara staff in collaboration with representatives from the Ifakara Town Council held table exhibitions whereby visitors were given education through demonstrations about malaria and NCDs. 

People visiting the exhibition were able to learn about mosquitoes, their different species and breeding grounds, and the different innovative traps and tools used to catch mosquitoes such as using ribbons to seal eave spaces to control mosquitoes. 

The Ifakara team also provided education about malaria, HIV/AIDS and NCDs to the visitors including offering free testing and malaria medication.