Authorities in Arusha have distributing 120 artificial limbs to persons with physical disabilities in the central business district and the environs in addition to 600 wheelchairs.

Arusha Urban MP, Mrisho Gambo, through a humanitarian campaign known as ‘Touching Lives!’ undertaken in association with other well-wishers, has donated artificial limbs to the needy here.

“We are also working to provide a total of 1000 pupils and students with disabilities with National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) covers to ensure that they can access treatments from public hospitals without problems,” Gambo said when speaking during the ceremony to present the items to beneficiaries.

“But for the children to be supported with these facilities, they must all be enrolled in school, therefore, I appeal to parents and guardians not to keep children with disabilities at home,” added Gambo.

Other items that were donated include 500 cooking stoves, eight sewing machines, and an assortment of bedding materials such as mattresses and beds for families of people with disabilities.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Godwin Mollel who attended the function said that many of the disabled pupils and students come from poor families; therefore the idea of providing them with national health insurance coverage was a welcome one.

Satbir Singh Hanspaul who is among the members of the local business community supporting the initiative said as long as residents of Arusha join hands, it will be possible for all the persons in need to be reached and served.

Anzirani Saidi, one of the beneficiaries from Albinism Women Sewing Group based in Sakina area, said they were glad to receive sewing machines that will further aid their undertaking.

With a population of more than 500,000 residents, Arusha Urban District is yet to compile the number of people with disabilities who currently need support.

The city however has streams in primary schools that are especially dedicated to pupils with disabilities, such as the Meru Primary which has a special department for children with impaired hearing. Uhuru Primary also caters for pupils who are challenged mentally.