Tanzania – Dar Es Salaam

The Need

During this trip, you will experience the vibrant culture of Dar es Salaam while caring for communities in both urban and underserved coastal settings. While Tanzania once offered free healthcare, that policy ended in 2001. Today, many citizens find the national health insurance program unaffordable, leaving large populations without access to consistent medical care.

This mission provides a meaningful opportunity to serve residents in informal settlements, public clinics, and partner organizations that support children and women. Dar es Salaam is one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa, yet it still faces a significant shortage of medical providers—with just 0.31 doctors per 10,000 residents. Common health concerns in the region include neonatal complications, respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.

Clinics will be held in five communities around Dar es Salaam, where we will focus on treating preventable and treatable conditions. Volunteers will provide care for cases involving malaria, diarrheal illness, sexually transmitted infections, and sepsis. A major emphasis of this mission is dental care, with high community demand due to limited access. Additionally, women’s health will be a primary focus, including specialized support for maternal care, family planning, and infant wellness.

Our Work

In 2015, International Medical Relief began working in Tanzania with humanitarian partners who shared a common vision of providing healthcare to underserved communities. IMR was privileged enough to work with the Maasai people and learn more about their tribal traditions and lifestyle. Since 2015, IMR has held clinic missions in order to achieve IMR’s goal of providing sustainable health care solutions to aid the tribes and other Tanzanian communities. These clinic missions have served nearly 6,000 patients through more than 200 staff and volunteers.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Tanzania is one of the world’s most sought after places to visit. Fulfill your bucket list dream by providing medical care to some of the 120 ethnic groups surviving in this culture-rich indigenous country. You will have a first hand opportunity to help those without health care in an amazing East African country.

IMR teams are able to work with communities in Tanzania to provide health care services and equipment, but also to provide education to create a more sustainable and long lasting impact towards the wellbeing of that community. International Medical Relief (IMR) goal is to continue to improve health outcomes of the communities we serve and focus on prevention, health, nutrition, and strengthening health systems through partnerships with local medical staff.

Lodging/Transportation

You have selected a classic mission which is a 2-star accommodation. The lodging is simple, basic, safe, comfortable, and affordable. You will be in one of the most beautiful areas in all of Tanzania, surrounded by protected game parks, volcanic craters, and the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Each day you will travel out to small villages to provide health care. Each evening will be filled with wonderful local food and a beautiful place to call “home”!

Highlights

On your free day in Tanzania, immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of Dar es Salaam. Relax on a local beach, savor traditional Swahili cuisine, or wander through the bustling street food scene in Kariakoo. For a taste of adventure, take a day safari or hike through Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve—one of the oldest forests in Africa. Prefer something more laid-back? Enjoy a scenic boat ride to Mbudya Island for snorkeling, sunbathing, and peaceful ocean views.

Extend Your Stay