10 Years of Free Reconstructive Surgeries — Restoring Hope and Dignity

Dar es Salaam, 16 April 2026:  The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, in partnership with Reconstructing Women International (RWI) and Muhimbili National Hospital, has successfully marked the 10th year of its life-changing plastic reconstructive surgery program—restoring hope, mobility, and dignity to women and children across Tanzania.

From 13–17 April 2026, a team of international plastic surgeons from the United States, Canada, and Europe worked alongside local specialists from Aga Khan Hospital, Muhimbili National Hospital, Bugando Medical Centre, and Mnazi Mmoja Hospital (Zanzibar). Together, they performed 16 complex reconstructive surgeries for patients affected by burns, trauma, and gender-based violence.

Prior to the procedures, over 300 patients from across the country underwent free screenings, including outreach in Zanzibar, ensuring that those most in need received access to specialised care.

Over the past decade, this impactful initiative has transformed hundreds of lives, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships to expand access to advanced healthcare and support underserved communities in Tanzania.

The programme received vital support from partners, including Stanbic Bank Tanzania, the Welfare Association of Pakistan – Pakistan Women Wing, and the Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, whose contributions were instrumental to its success.

Dr. Hamad Nyembea, Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, visited the hospital and commended the initiative. He emphasized the importance of such collaborations in strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare system—enhancing patient care while building local medical expertise through skills transfer and training.

This milestone reflects a continued commitment to delivering specialised care and creating lasting impact for those who need it most.

About Aga Khan Health Services

Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of three AKDN agencies that support activities in health, alongside the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan University. Together, they provide quality health care to 14 million people annually and work closely on planning, training and resource development. AKHS also works with the Aga Khan Education Services and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat on the integration of health issues into partnered projects.

AKHS is organised into national service companies in Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania and Uganda.  While strengthening its institutions and the links between them, each health service company joins government health services and other providers in building effective national health systems. AKHS and AKU manage 940 hospitals and outreach health centres.

For more information, please contact:

Geofrey Anael
PR Coordinator
Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
📞 +255 654 540 226
📧 geofrey.anael@akhst.org