Mwele Malecela Days of Action (Mwele-DOA) is an annual initiative honoring the legacy of Dr. Mwele Malecela, a Tanzanian leader and global champion for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The Mwele-DOA mobilizes communities, people affected, youth, and policymakers to work together for sustainable solutions against NTDs.
During its launch in 2025, the initiative educated 70 parents at Mbagala Health Center, sensitized 200 food vendors at Ilala Market, and empowered 60 youth leaders on NTDs advocacy. This impact was led by 20 volunteer NTD champions to drive awareness and community change.
Building on this momentum, the 2026 edition of Mwele-DOA will focus on schoolchildren, Community health workers (CHWs), and people affected, with activities that focus on training of CHWs and primary school health teachers, including the voices of people affected through capturing their stories and supportive care, and sensitizing the primary school children on updates of preventive measures such as hygiene and mass drug administration program and generating evidence for integration of NTDs into existing health systems.
Key Components of the project include:
1. CHWs and teachers training and capacity development
2. School Engagement activities
3. Integrated screening for Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) and cervical cancer
4. Community Engagement and Advocacy
