St. Thomas Kilakala Health Centre, Tanzania

St. Thomas Kilakala Health Centre, situated in Tanzania, has a rich history marked by a remarkable journey of growth and transformation. Originating as a humble maternity home in 1982, the health center has consistently adapted to the evolving needs of its community. Over the years, it expanded from a maternity home to a dispensary and became a comprehensive health center. Despite its commitment to providing essential healthcare services, challenges such as poorly constructed wards, cultural practices, and outdated furniture hindered its ability to offer efficient and reliable care. However, with the visionary leadership of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, this health center has undergone a remarkable transformation. This transformation not only addresses longstanding community health gaps but also equips the facility with the skills and resources needed to operate sustainably, all while upholding its core mission of pastoral care.

 The Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood, driven by their charism to give glory to God through pastoral ministry, have been at the heart of this transformation. Their commitment to living the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus is deeply embedded in the care they provide at the St. Thomas Kilakala Health Centre. This institution is a testament to their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those they serve.

 The Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP) has played a pivotal role in equipping sisters and the hospital management with knowledge to address the challenges that face the health center. Before participating in the SBVP program, the Missionary Sisters lacked the required skills to run the health enterprise efficiently. The program brought about a fundamental shift in their approach, promoting sustainability and a broader societal impact. Critical skills such as marketing and collaboration with essential stakeholders were acquired. Notably, they formed critical partnerships that offered subsidized services within their facility, further enhancing their value proposition.

 Since the establishment of the operational theatre, an idea that was born during the SBVP training, St. Thomas Kilakala Health Centre has witnessed a surge in the number of patients seeking their services. With a newfound ability to charge for these services, the facility is slowly achieving financial stability. The transformation of the facility and the increase in the quality of care have significantly improved the attraction of patients. It’s a remarkable illustration of how the SBVP project has influenced the management to make the health center self-sustaining, securing its future.

 The additional funding from the Conrad Hilton Foundation has played a crucial role in uplifting the health center.

The foundation’s grant was used to upgrade the hospital infrastructure, a vital step in improving patient comfort and care. This development included acquiring 25 hospital beds with mattresses, 25 bedside lockers, paintings to create a pleasant environment, and screens for privacy. These improvements have not only elevated the patient experience but have also contributed to the facility’s resurgence.

The Sisters Blended Value Project, a joint initiative by Strathmore University and ACWECA, funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation, has brought about a remarkable transformation in the Missionary Sisters’ St. Thomas Kilakala Health Centre. From addressing cultural challenges to improving facilities and services, this partnership has turned a social ministry into a sustainable social enterprise. The impact on the community is substantial, ensuring that this health center continues to serve those in need while upholding its mission of pastoral care.