In January 2026, Tanzania took a significant step forward in addressing hydrocele, a neglected tropical disease that continues to affect the health, dignity, and economic productivity of thousands of men across the country. Through the leadership of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), a free hydrocele surgical camp was implemented from 5th to 30th January 2026.
The initiative was funded by the Government of Tanzania with an allocation of TShs 4 billion, reflecting strong national ownership and political commitment to eliminating hydrocele as a public health and social burden. While the January phase focused on Dar es Salaam, where services were delivered at Kilakala Health Centre in Temeke and Kinondoni Health Centre in Kinondoni, the campaign is currently continuing in four additional regions across the country.
Experience from previous years has shown that the availability of free surgical services alone does not always translate into high uptake, largely due to stigma, misinformation, and limited awareness within affected communities. In response, One Health Society supported the campaign by leading targeted community awareness and engagement efforts designed to ensure that people were informed, confident, and able to access care.
One Health Society developed and disseminated clear, community-friendly educational content that addressed common myths and misconceptions about hydrocele, provided general health education on the condition, and offered practical guidance on where and how to access services. These efforts were implemented through face-to-face engagement in public transportation systems such as daladala, marketplaces, and other community gathering points, alongside a coordinated online awareness campaign that reinforced messaging and expanded reach.
By 31st January 2026, the results of this integrated approach were evident. Over 1,990 people had been screened, more than 1,000 individuals met the criteria for hydrocelectomy, and 799 patients successfully underwent surgery. This marked the highest patient turnout recorded for a hydrocele surgical campaign in recent years, demonstrating the added value of structured community engagement in maximizing the impact of public investment in health services.
During her visit to Kilakala Health Centre, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Magembe, recognized the role of community mobilization in achieving these outcomes and acknowledged the contribution of One Health Society in ensuring communities came forward to access the services.
“The strong turnout we are seeing reflects the value of partnerships that prioritize community awareness. The contribution of One Health Society in mobilizing and educating communities has been critical in ensuring these free services reach the people who need them.”
As the hydrocele surgical program continues in other regions, the January 2026 camp offers a compelling example of how government financing, when complemented by targeted awareness and demand-creation efforts, can deliver measurable, high-impact results. One Health Society remains committed to working with partners and donors to strengthen community-centered approaches that ensure life-changing health services reach those who need them most.
