The Asante Daktari Blood Donation Camp Season 2 was held on 23rd October 2021 at the sports grounds of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH). Organized by the Malcolm Foundation and the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), in collaboration with MNH, the event carried the season’s theme: “My Problem Is Your Problem, Help Me, I Help You, We Help One Another.”

The event aimed to appreciate medical professionals for their invaluable contributions toward serving a diverse and ailing community, with particular emphasis on people living with rare diseases. Activities included a jogging session, a blood donation camp, and keynote addresses from various stakeholders and sponsors such as the Blood and Bone Foundation, ASAS, Coca-Cola, EFM Media, Global Publishers, and Clouds Media. The occasion was graced by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Praxeda A. Ogweyo, Director of Clinical Support Services at Muhimbili National Hospital.

Representing Dr. Siana Nkya, President of the Tanzania Human Genetics Organization (THGO), Ms. Aneth David addressed the contribution of THGO in spearheading research, advocacy, and public awareness on the interplay between genetics and human health. She highlighted the major challenges facing patients with rare diseases, including poor community understanding leading to stigma, inadequate health services, limited research advocacy on genomics, insufficient diagnostic methods, and the lack of data on the prevalence of rare diseases in Tanzania and Africa at large.

In a heartfelt moment, Ms. Aneth David and other THGO members presented a condolence gift to the family of Malcolm Masoud, founder of the Malcolm Foundation and a patient who suffered from Muscular Dystrophy, to express the organization’s sympathy and honor his legacy.