Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Launches Mobile Medical Services in Zanzibar
In a significant move to enhance healthcare access in underserved regions, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), has inaugurated ‘The Big Heart Mobile Medical Services’ on Unguja Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Partnership and Reach
This initiative is a result of a partnership formed in 2019 between Aster Volunteers and TBHF. The mobile clinics currently operate in eight countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan, Somaliland, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bangladesh, and have served 178,740 beneficiaries through 1,937 medical camps. This year, the project has expanded to include Zanzibar, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Healthcare Services
The mobile clinic will provide essential health services such as blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and occasional cholesterol or ECG checks. Health talks will be conducted in multiple languages, covering topics like Basic Life Support (BLS) Awareness. The clinic will also participate in health campaigns organized with regional partners.
Commitment and Impact
TBHF and Aster are committed to running the clinic for at least 10 years, aiming to uplift 250,000 lives in Zanzibar, especially those with limited or no access to basic healthcare. The clinic will be operated in collaboration with local partners, including the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Muhimbili National Hospital, and the State University of Zanzibar.
Inauguration Ceremony
The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health of Zanzibar; Alisha Moopen, Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare; and other officials. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi emphasized that access to healthcare is a fundamental right and should be provided without barriers, especially for women and children.
Sustainable and Advanced Care
The clinics are powered by solar energy and staffed by medical professionals from Aster Hospitals in the UAE and India, along with volunteer doctors from Medcare Hospitals. The clinic will also offer virtual consultations with specialists to ensure advanced care for those in need.
Future Plans
Following the success of the project, the partnership between TBHF and Aster Healthcare has been extended to a 10-year tenure and expanded to include four more countries. Clinics in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Nepal are scheduled for launch later in 2024, with plans for Uganda and Rwanda in progress.
Doubts Revealed
Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi -: Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi is a princess from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She is known for her charitable work and efforts to help people in need.
Zanzibar -: Zanzibar is a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, part of Tanzania. It is known for its beautiful beaches and rich history.
Aster Volunteers -: Aster Volunteers is a group of people who work with Aster DM Healthcare to provide medical help to those who need it. They do this through various programs and initiatives.
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) -: The Big Heart Foundation is a charity organization that helps people in need around the world. They focus on providing healthcare, education, and other essential services.
Unguja Island -: Unguja Island is the main island of Zanzibar. It is where the capital city, Zanzibar City, is located.
Mobile clinics -: Mobile clinics are vehicles equipped with medical equipment and staffed by healthcare professionals. They travel to different places to provide medical services to people who can’t easily reach hospitals.
Solar energy -: Solar energy is power that comes from the sun. It is used to run various devices and machines, including the mobile clinics in this project.
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East. It is known for its modern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Beneficiaries -: Beneficiaries are people who receive help or benefits from a program or initiative. In this case, they are the people who get medical services from the mobile clinics.
