The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is set to officially launch phase II of the East African Community centre of excellence in cardiovascular sciences on Friday at its Mloganzila campus.

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, MUHAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Appolinary Kamuhabwa said the second phase builds on the success of the first, which saw the construction of a multipurpose facility and the provision of training for healthcare professionals

He noted that the event will be inaugurated by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda and will be preceded by a free two-day cardiac screening camp at the MUHAS Mloganzila campus, taking place on Wednesday and Thursday.

Prof. Kamuhabwa said the phase II of the project will focus on several key components: the construction of a state-of-the-art cardiac hospital, development of professional training curricula, extensive research on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases, and implementation of robust community outreach programmes.

“The Centre of excellence   for Cardiovascular Sciences is part of the East African Community’s broader effort to establish centres of excellence in various medical fields,” Prof. Kamuhabwa explained.

“Tanzania, through MUHAS, was entrusted to lead in the area of cardiovascular disease while Uganda was entrusted for cancer and Rwanda for biometric,” He added

He further stated that individuals found with heart complications during the screening will be referred to the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) for advanced care.

“We encourage the public to take part in this free cardiac screening, which is crucial for early detection and prevention,” he added.

 “We also welcome everyone to join us in celebrating this major milestone in advancing the country's healthcare system.”

Highlighting recent developments, Prof. Kamuhabwa recalled that on November 5 last year, MUHAS signed construction contracts worth 50 bn/- with Mohamed Builders and Hainan International Co. Ltd for the establishment of a new medical campus at Mloganzila.

 The signing ceremony was witnessed by MUHAS board chairman, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe.

Offering more insight into the project, Prof. Erasto Mbuge, coordinator of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project at MUHAS, said the campus construction will take 18 months to complete.

He noted that the project is split into two major lots. The first, valued at 23.4bn/-, includes the construction of an administration building, a modern library, ICT infrastructure, and amenities such as a football field and pedestrian walkways.

The second lot, valued at over 26.7bn/- will comprise lecture halls, laboratories, student hostels, and a cafeteria.

Prof. Mbuge emphasised that the expansion will significantly increase MUHAS's capacity to train healthcare professionals and help address the national shortage of medical personnel.

He underscored that the initiative is part of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, supported by funding from the World Bank.