Project description

It is an NGO (non-governmental organization) founded by Mackrine Rumanyika in 2003, which works primarily for those affected by female genital mutilation, HIV / AIDS and teenage pregnancy, but also supports many other programs. HIMD relies on a health-based approach and is a non-confessional and non-tribal organization. The NGO is active throughout northern Tanzania in the regions of Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Manyara and Mara. The following programs are among the core activities of the organization.

Ekenywa Dispensary

Ekenywa Dispensary is a small clinic with 8 beds in the Ngaramtoni district of Arusha. The HIMD Head Office is also located in the immediate vicinity.  The clinic specializes in pregnancy care and birth support and mainly treats patients from the Masai communities that surround Ngaramtoni. General medical treatments, preventive examinations and minor surgical procedures are also carried out in the clinic.   Many of the treatments are free of charge or come with minimal fees for patients. The clinic also works with “NHIF” (National Health Insurance Fund), the national public health insurance, which covers a wide range of treatments at very affordable prices.

Youth Friends Corner

In the rear of the Ekenywa clinic premises, three wooden huts with tables and benches were built. Young people can gather in these “Youth Corners” and receive free advice on contraception and general sex education. Pregnant teenage girls are also advised and attempts are made to find individual solutions for them, as in Tanzania pregnant girls are permanently excluded from school and often also expelled from home by their parents.