TANZANIA–GERMANY DENTAL PARTNERSHIP TRANSFORMS ORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN ARUMERU WEST, MP LUKUMAY PRAISED
By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUMERU
ARUMERU West Member of Parliament, Dr. Johannes Lembulung Lukumay, has said that the visit by German dental specialists has revealed the magnitude of oral health challenges affecting school children and other community groups, laying the foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at improving oral healthcare services in Tanzania.
Speaking at Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital after visiting a free dental treatment camp jointly conducted by German and Tanzanian specialists, Dr. Lukumay said the collaboration has produced encouraging results by identifying the real extent of dental health problems within the community while opening doors for significant investment in the country's oral healthcare sector.
He commended President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for strengthening Tanzania's diplomatic relations and international cooperation, saying the conducive environment has enabled German dental specialists to work alongside professionals from Muhimbili National Hospital, Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital and local government health teams in the Arusha Region.
Dr. Lukumay said the visiting team, led by German dental specialist Dr. Ursula Suessbier, was impressed by Tanzania's progress in the health sector after witnessing modern dental equipment comparable to that used in Germany.
"Even our colleagues from Germany were impressed to find that Tanzania has modern dental equipment similar to what they use back home. This reflects the Government's remarkable investment in the health sector," he said.
He explained that after conducting dental screenings in schools and among different community groups, the joint Tanzanian-German team discovered a high prevalence of oral diseases. The findings prompted both sides to agree on establishing a long-term partnership through Dental Global Germany, in collaboration with NEPT-UK Tanzania and other development partners.
According to Dr. Lukumay, the partnership will focus on providing dental treatment, training Tanzanian oral health professionals, and promoting professional exchange programmes between Tanzania and Germany.
He revealed that the partners had initially planned to offer employment opportunities for 100 Tanzanian dentists in Germany. However, after witnessing the shortage of dental professionals and the scale of oral health challenges in Tanzania, they decided to first support the strengthening of local dental services.
Dr. Lukumay thanked residents who turned out in large numbers to receive treatment at the medical camp and emphasized that maintaining peace and stability remains essential for attracting international development partners and medical experts.
He also pledged to continue working closely with Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital in addressing challenges facing the institution to improve healthcare services for residents of Arumeru West and neighbouring areas.
Responding to a question on what inspired him to invite the German specialists to Tanzania, Dr. Lukumay said he has spent many years building partnerships with organizations and institutions in Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain through various community development initiatives.
He added that he will soon travel to the United Kingdom to continue discussions with development partners on projects targeting children in Arumeru West, including clean water initiatives aimed at reducing the effects of excessive fluoride.
"I understand the many challenges facing our people, especially oral health problems. Government alone cannot solve every challenge, which is why continued collaboration with development partners is essential to ensure our citizens receive quality healthcare services," he said.
Meanwhile, Selian-Ngaramtoni Hospital Director, Dr. Amon Marti, praised Dr. Lukumay for facilitating the visit of the German dental specialists, saying the initiative has opened a new chapter in strengthening oral healthcare services at the hospital.
He said hundreds of residents had benefited from free dental screening and treatment during the outreach programme, while local healthcare professionals gained valuable knowledge through professional exchange with the international specialists.
Dr. Marti noted that preliminary assessments indicate oral diseases, particularly among children, remain a major public health concern in Arumeru, underscoring the need for continued investment in modern dental equipment, community oral health education and expansion of dental care services.
"Dr. Lukumay has effectively used his position to connect our institution with international specialists. This is not an ordinary achievement, but a significant step that will improve healthcare services for our people for many years to come," said Dr. Marti.
He added that the hospital will continue collaborating with the MP and other health partners to strengthen specialized healthcare services and address the persistent impact of excessive fluoride exposure affecting residents in parts of Arumeru West.
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