The week-long programme, which began on August 26, 2026, will run until September 1. It focuses on providing free medical services, humanitarian assistance and supporting the renovation of selected health facilities.
The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has deployed a team of 20 medical personnel and other specialists to take part in the exercise. The delegation is led by Brig Gen Dr Jean Chrysostome Kagimbana.
The RDF team is working alongside medical personnel from Burundi, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda and the host country, Tanzania.
Speaking during the opening ceremony at the TPDF Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam, Lt Gen SH Othman, the Chief of Staff at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) Headquarters, highlighted the importance of the CIMIC Week.
He said the initiative aims to provide free medical services to communities while strengthening cooperation, unity and partnerships among the armed forces and citizens of East African Community member states.
Lt Gen Othman commended the participating countries for their commitment to promoting regional cooperation and thanked the Heads of State and Chiefs of Defence Forces for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among EAC member states.
Following the official opening, military medical teams from the participating countries were deployed to provide medical services in several areas, including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Coast Region and Zanzibar.
The RDF medical team, working in partnership with the TPDF, provided medical services at Tumbi Hospital in Tanzania’s Coast Region, located about 40 kilometres from Dar es Salaam.
The services offered include orthopaedics, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, gastroenterology, paediatrics, ear, nose and throat treatment, hearing assessments, dental care, dermatology and eye care.
On the first day alone, 183 patients received medical services.
Dr Amoans Malin, the Director of Tumbi Hospital, welcomed the initiative, saying it plays an important role in improving access to healthcare and strengthening relations between the military and local communities.
Angelus Polycarp Mwaya, a resident of Mlandizi Kibaha, praised the medical services and the cooperation between RDF and TPDF medical personnel.
“This programme strengthens the good relationship between the community and the military,” he said.
Another resident, Ally Joan, said many people had turned up to receive treatment, including patients suffering from serious conditions requiring specialised medical attention.
He described the initiative as an important opportunity for residents to undergo medical check-ups, learn more about their health and access specialised services. He also commended the organisers and participating medical teams for bringing healthcare services closer to the community.
