Morogoro Expands Sickle Cell, Diabetes Screening

Morogoro Expands Sickle Cell and Diabetes Screening for Newborns

MOROGORO, March 14, 2025 – The government has intensified efforts to expand screening services for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Type 1 Diabetes in newborns, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Morogoro.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), announced the expansion as part of an ongoing national initiative to enhance early diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.

Leading the initiative, Dr. Asteria Mpoto, the National Coordinator for Sickle Cell and Blood Disorders Services, supervised the implementation of screening programs in Kilombero, Mahenge, Gairo, and Ulanga districts during a joint advisory and monitoring exercise.

Nationwide Training and Clinic Expansion

This development follows an intensive training program held from February 10 to 14, 2025, aimed at equipping healthcare professionals in seven regions and 50 local government authorities with specialized skills in newborn screening for SCD and Type 1 Diabetes.

A key resolution from the training was the establishment of specialized clinics within district hospitals to provide dedicated screening and treatment services. The Ministry of Health confirmed that most district hospitals now offer these services at least twice a week, significantly improving early diagnosis and intervention.

Government Commitment to Healthcare Accessibility

Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Mpoto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare accessibility under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership. She emphasized that these efforts aim to bring life-saving medical services closer to communities, ensuring timely detection and treatment of these chronic conditions.

With the expansion of screening services and specialized clinics, more newborns across Tanzania will have access to early diagnosis and better medical outcomes, ultimately improving public health nationwide.