Our Stories

From 26 March to 1 April 2026, So They Can, Babati District Council, and our partner organisations came together once again to bring healthcare closer to the people who need it most. For six days, families from across our rural school communities, who face real barriers of distance, cost, and limited health information, received free screenings, treatments, and referrals close to home.

The day camps, held at six of our primary schools, saw families come seeking help for conditions like malaria, HIV, diabetes and tuberculosis. Others arrived for support with nutrition, dental care, eye and ear health, cervical and prostate cancer screening, ultrasound examinations, mental health, and specialised assessments for children with disabilities.

2,510 community members joined our 2026 medical camp, more than half were children.

Identification and referral of children with special needs: 116 children were screened for special needs in hearing, sight and mental health. Working alongside specialised teams from Patandi Teachers College, Kafika House and Sibusiso Foundation, the team referred children onward for the expert care they needed, including young children identified with cerebral palsy.

Protecting girls and women from cervical cancer: 221 girls received the HPV vaccine for protection from cervical cancer, and 138 women were screened for cervical cancer screening.

Eye and dental health: 970 people received eye screening and 474 glasses prescriptions prescribed for children and adults. 363 were treated for dental conditions, many receiving care they had waited years for.

Early detection that saves lives: 918 people were tested for malaria and 1,425 for HIV, with new cases linked to follow-up care. Diabetes screening reached 411 people, uncovering cases of high blood sugar that might otherwise go undetected. And 278 people received ultrasound examinations, access to diagnostic equipment most would otherwise have to travel long distances, and pay, to reach.

Mental health and social welfare: 46 people received mental health support, and 95 people received social welfare services.

Blood donation: 36 units of blood were donated to support life-saving care in local hospitals.

This year’s strong attendance was driven by the efforts of So They Can’s local Champions and community leaders who spread the word from village to village.

Thank you to Babati District Council, Sibusiso Foundation, Kafika House, Patandi Teachers College, and every medical professional, champion and volunteer who gave their time to make our 2026 camp possible.