This story was featured in Daily News Tanzania, which covered Project Rise’s three-day Dental Health and Oral Hygiene Camp in Sikonge District.
Over 3 days, from 17th to 19th July, hundreds of people from Ipole and neighbouring villages in Sikonge District received free dental checkups, treatment and health education at a Dental Health and Oral Hygiene Camp organised by Project Rise, the philanthropic initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community.
Care that meets people where they are
The camp included examinations, extractions, fillings, cleaning and scaling, and treated infections and pain, sending the more complicated cases on for specialist care elsewhere.
The camp benefitted nearly 2,000 individuals, including children, out of whom 50 cases were referred for advanced care.
Amani who had been living with tooth pain for months, shared:
“I had been putting off treatment because travelling to a dental clinic is expensive and difficult. The dentists treated me with kindness and explained everything clearly. I feel much better now, and I’m thankful that this service came to our village.”
This is the second time volunteers have set up a camp in the region under the banner of Project Rise.
“Many oral health problems can be prevented with early intervention and good hygiene practices,” said Dr Yusuf, programme coordinator from Saifee Hospital, Dar es Salaam. “By bringing dental professionals directly into the community, we hope to relieve pain, encourage preventive care and help people make informed choices about their oral health.”
The district council
Government representatives welcomed the initiative and pressed for further work with local authorities.
“We are grateful to His Holiness and the Dawoodi Bohra community for bringing this dental outreach camp to Sikonge. The camp expanded to the district hospital, allowing even more people to receive care. We sincerely hope to see more initiatives like this in the future, as they have been immensely beneficial to our community.”
Hellen Aloyce, District Coordinator for Dental and Oral Health Services, Sikonge.
The camp reflects the Dawoodi Bohra community’s commitment to serving society. Through Project Rise, the community continues to work alongside governments and local partners on healthcare, education, nutrition, environmental conservation and other initiatives that strengthen communities.