Special Olympics Tanzania conducts free healthy screenings
A dentist Sophia Mandari (with gloves) conducting Oral Health screening to an intellectual disabled pupil at Mtoni Deaconic Lutheran Center in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Dentist Sophia Mandari, who led the oral health screening, underscored the importance of inclusive healthcare.
Dar es Salaam. Special Olympics Tanzania, through its Healthy Athletes programme, has conducted a free health screening for pupils with intellectual disabilities at the Mtoni Deaconic Lutheran Centre (MDLC) in the city.
Funded by the Golisano Foundation, the exercise focused on two key areas: Special Smiles (oral health) and MedFest (physical fitness), aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of learners with special needs.
Dentist Sophia Mandari, who led the oral health screening, underscored the importance of inclusive healthcare.
“Oral health is crucial for everyone, and people with special needs should not be left behind,” she said.
She noted that most of the children screened showed signs of gingivitis and dental caries, mainly due to inadequate oral hygiene practices resulting from their conditions.
She further urged caregivers to reduce the intake of sugary foods among the pupils, suggesting healthier alternatives such as fruits, groundnuts, and cashew nuts.
Dr Mandari also called on the government to play a more active role by deploying dental professionals to centres and schools for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“These individuals need consistent support to maintain their health. If we do not take responsibility, they cannot thrive,” she said.
Those diagnosed with gum disease or tooth decay during the screening were referred to nearby government hospitals for free treatment.
Matron of the school, Lwise Mghumba, appealed for support in securing health insurance for the pupils, many of whom come from low-income households.
“Many of these learners are on long-term medication, some of which is expensive. With health insurance, access to quality care would be much easier,” she said.
Mghumba also expressed gratitude to Special Olympics Tanzania for choosing MDLC for the exercise, stating that the initiative had come at the right time.
“We will share the lessons learned with parents and guardians so that we can jointly promote better health for our pupils.”
Anna Nyange from Smiless, one of the partners in the event, said she and her colleagues were delighted to be involved. The team distributed items such as toothbrushes to encourage proper dental care.
