Dar es salaam 17 March, 2025

Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, in collaboration with the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) through the Fleming Fund project, has officially received modern laboratory equipment that will help improve the accuracy and speed of pathogen detection services.

The equipment was officially handed over on March 17, 2025, by Ms. Ade Olarewaju, M.S, a Senior Officer of ASM and the Fleming Fund project leader in Tanzania. Among the equipment delivered were an Automated Blood Culture Analyzer (Bactec Fx40), an Autoclave, and an Incubator, which will be used to enhance disease diagnostics, sterilization of medical tools, and delivery of quality medical services.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of the hospital’s management, the Chairman of Temeke Hospital’s Advisory Board, Dr. Deus Charles Buma, thanked ASM for supporting the efforts of the Sixth Phase Government led by Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan in improving healthcare services. He emphasized that the hospital will utilize the equipment effectively to serve citizens efficiently, as intended by the Fleming Fund project.

On his part, the Medical Officer in Charge at Temeke Hospital, Dr. Joseph Kimaro, stated that the reception of the equipment is a sign of strong collaboration between international institutions and the Government of Tanzania. This equipment will help reduce the waiting time for blood culture test results from 7 days to less than 3 days, potentially saving the lives of many patients, including newborns. He highlighted that this support demonstrates the international community’s recognition of the efforts made by the Government of Tanzania, thus continuing to support the improvement of the health sector for the benefit of the people.

In formal discussions between Ms. Ade Olarewaju and the management of Temeke Hospital, both parties expressed a commitment to continuing this collaboration to ensure sustained improvement in healthcare services, particularly in the areas of pathogen diagnostics and treatment safety. They also agreed to explore new areas of cooperation, including conducting various microbiological research studies aimed at improving healthcare delivery and the optimal use of antibiotics.

All equipment, including the Automated Blood Culture Analyzer ( Bactec Fx40), Autoclave, and Incubator, has already been received, installed, and training for the hospital's professionals is ongoing in preparation to begin this essential service.