Lake Victoria First Medical Ship to care for the surrounding Islands

Geita Gold Mine (GGM) has signed a five-year contract worth over TZ 680million to support Lake Victoria's first medical boat, which is an initiative of The Jubilee Hope Medical and Dental Programme - a partnership between the African Inland Church of Tanzania and the Vine Trust.

As part of the contract, GGM will cover all fuel and maintenance costs for the boat until 2019, thereby ensuring that the 450,000 residents of the Lake Victoria islands have access to the much needed primary health care services. It is anticipated that the Programme will provide medical and dental care to about 100,000 residents per annum.

"GGM is proud to participate in this noble initiative," said Managing Director of GGM, Michael Van Anen. "This is in keeping with our core value of leaving our host communities with sustainable futures."

Willie McPherson, Vine Trust CEO, speaking of the project, said "I'm delighted with the optimism and good will that Jubilee Hope is being greeted by within the Lake Zone of Tanzania and the wide support amongst those concerned with the provision of primary health care in the island communities" Jubilee Hope is the third medical ship we have launched to benefit remote communities in developing countries. 

Other similar ships treat their one-millionth patient on the Peruvian Amazon in South America.

GGM has previously funded a number of health care projects in the Geita region, which include the construction of dispensary facilities for the local health centres, the upgrade of Regional Geita hospital operating theatre and maternity ward and the construction of the Geita HIV/AIDS and Information Centre in Geita Town.