The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TiKA) has donated a state-of-the-art training ambulance to the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to strengthen Tanzania’s emergency medical services and disaster preparedness efforts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, MUHAS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Appolinary Kamuhabwa, expressed gratitude for the generous donation, highlighting its significance in enhancing disaster response training and saving lives. He emphasized that the ambulance would play a
crucial role in training healthcare professionals, supporting government initiatives, and preparing for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “With this collaboration, we are introducing the first paramedic course in the country and expanding our disaster response training across Tanzania,” Prof. Kamuhabwa said. He outlined a nationwide disaster training program set to begin in 2025, covering Dodoma, Zanzibar, Arusha, Mwanza, and Morogoro.
The Head of the Emergency Medicine Department at MUHAS, Dr. Said Kilindimo, acknowledged TiKA’s ongoing support, including the recent “Training of Trainers” course in Izmir, Turkey, which equipped 20 instructors with advanced disaster response skills. He reiterated MUHAS’s commitment to introduce paramedic training hence improving Tanzania’s emergency healthcare system. TiKA President Serkan Kayalar reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with MUHAS, emphasizing that the impact of the donation would extend beyond the university to benefit the broader community. The handover ceremony took place on March 4, 2025, and was also attended by the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Tanzania, H.E. Bekir Gezer; TİKA Country Director, Madam Filiz; MUHAS Deputy Vice Chancellors; the principal; the Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine; staff; and students from the Department of Emergency.