Tanzania saw it’s first Cochlear Implant Surgeries in June 2017. This was a long time vision (since 2013) envisioned by Dr. Edwin Liyombo and Mr. Fayaz Jaffer. Since then, the duo have been working hard to realise this dream.

They have tirelessly worked to make this happen by establishing collaboration with the Cochlear Implants manufacturers in particular MED-EL.

Tanzania is the first country to have launched a CI Program at a National Level. Usually any CI Program begins in the private sector first before it evolves to a National Level.

Muhimbili National Hospital has so far performed 2 batches of surgeries (June 2017 and January 2018 for 11 pre-lingual children). The program is continuous and the 3rd batch is expected to be performed during July/August 2018. Alongside the CI Surgeries, the training for Local Surgeons is on-going with the aim of making CI Surgeries in Tanzania a routine surgery.

On the other hand, training for Audiologists and Speech Therapists is on-going involving professionals in the field. These trainings are extended beyond just Dar es Salaam with the aim of developing CI Surgery programs at various referral hospitals around the country.