Working group hopeful that construction of the Tanzania heart clinic can begin soon

Confidence in the proposed heart and vascular clinic grew during the working visit to Moshi in November 2019. As the delegation discussed construction requirements with Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, everyday hospital work continued. Dutch and Tanzanian colleagues could already support each other before a new building existed.

Good equipment and the skills to use it

In the ECG room, cardiac rhythm analyst Algonde Brinkhuis saw how heavily the available machine was used. Worn leads made it harder to record good-quality ECGs. New equipment and exercise-test bicycles were on their way from the Netherlands. Training would help staff use these resources independently.

The partnership also reached beyond the treatment room. Music therapist Saskia Gevers worked with staff at a centre for children living on the streets. Making music and building simple instruments together helped establish contact and involve children in the activities.

The clinic’s preparations took shape through building discussions, practical training and personal encounters. RTV Oost’s report shows the amount of work behind these early steps.