13 February 2026: Chamwino District Hospital has been a lifeline for its community since it opened its doors in 2022. But from the beginning, one persistent challenge threatened its ability to deliver quality healthcare: water scarcity.

With a high influx of patients every day, the hospital struggled to maintain sanitation, provide clean water for patients and staff, and sustain a green environment around the facility.

Every day brought a reminder that access to water is more than a convenience; it is a lifeline.

Through the Kijanisha Afya Programme, this challenge has found a solution.

Funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, Kijanisha Afya is a holistic initiative that focuses on strengthening health systems, improving access to essential services, and promoting environmental sustainability.

The programme emphasizes innovative, community centered interventions, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and surrounding communities are equipped to deliver quality care while protecting the environment.

In Chamwino, Elico Foundation led a critical intervention by drilling a borehole to supply a reliable source of water to the hospital.

To maximize efficiency, the team also installed a solar-powered pump capable of delivering 40,000 liters in just eight hours, along with a 10,000-liter storage tank to store water for continuous use.

“This project has been transformative for us,” said Michael Surube Jipande, Medical Officer in Charge at Chamwino District Hospital. “Since we started operations in 2022, we faced continuous water shortages due to the high number of patients.

Today, thanks to the Kijanisha Afya Programme, that challenge has been addressed. The hospital can now maintain sanitation standards, serve patients better, and even contribute to environmental greening.”

The impact extends beyond basic hospital operations. The water from the borehole is not only used for sanitation and daily hospital needs but also supports tree planting initiatives, helping to create a greener, healthier environment for patients, staff, and the surrounding community.

Elico Foundation’s intervention demonstrates the Kijanisha Afya Programme’s commitment to sustainable, multi-dimensional solutions.

By combining renewable energy, water management, and environmental action, the programme ensures that healthcare facilities like Chamwino District Hospital can operate efficiently without compromising the planet.