JKCI takes life support skills to hospitality industry
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar, is set to offer basic life support training for Zanzibar’s hospitality industry.
This initiative aims to equip hotel workers and frontline staff, who frequently interact with tourists, to handle cardiovascular emergencies effectively.
According to JKCI Director Dr Peter Kisenge, the training aligns with the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to enhance tourism in the country.
He emphasised that health is paramount for tourists, especially the elderly.
Dr Kisenge spoke of the arrangement during the launch of the CardioTan Conference preparations, which is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar in April next year.
The conference, organised by the institute, aims to create a platform for medical professionals managing cardiac patients in Africa to present their research, share experiences, engage in discussions and develop solutions for improving cardiac care across the continent.
Dr Kisenge noted that the basic life support training for non-medical professionals in the hospitality sector will be a key component of the conference, which will be held from April 10 to 12, 2025.
“JKCI, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar, will use the CardioTan platform to provide this crucial training,” he said.
“This will be the first initiative of its kind in the country, empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to save lives in emergencies and act confidently and decisively when it matters most.”
Representing the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage Zanzibar, Samora Chacha, Director of Planning, Policy and Research, highlighted that the training will involve 720 hotel employees across the isles.
“This initiative is particularly exciting as it ensures that employees across more than 720 establishments and numerous tourist attractions are trained to provide basic life support when needed,” he emphasised.
“The ability to deliver lifesaving care in critical moments will greatly enhance the safety and well-being of both visitors and residents, reinforcing Zanzibar’s commitment to excel in hospitality industry.”
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Chairperson of the Organising Committee and Director of Clinical Support Services at JKCI, Dr Delilah Kimambo explained that the decision to focus on Zanzibar was due to its vibrant tourism industry and significant healthcare challenges.
“Our outreach programmes identified a critical gap in basic life support training among hotel workers and frontline staff who deal with tourists,” she said.
Regarding the conference, Dr Kimambo noted that cardiovascular diseases are influenced by a range of social, economic and environmental factors.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach that involves stakeholders from various sectors, including government, academia, industry and civil society.
“The theme of the CardioTan 2025 Conference, ‘The Power of Collaborative Efforts in Strengthening Cardiovascular Care Across Africa,’ is designed to deepen understanding of the unique challenges in delivering effective cardiovascular care in the region,” she concluded.
