TIDI lung marathon targets 3bn/- for treatment

KILIMANJARO: THE inaugural Tanzania Infectious Diseases Institute (TIDI) Lung Health Half Marathon is targeting 3bn/- to support improvement of health services for patients requiring long-term treatment and care at the institute in Siha District of Kilimanjaro Region.

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC) Nurdin Babu announced the fundraising target on Friday while outlining plans for the race that is part of activities marking TIDI’s centenary celebrations since its establishment in 1926.

He said proceeds from participation fees would be channelled towards strengthening lung health services, including construction and equipping of a specialised ward, improving oxygen services, conducting lung health screening and awareness raising programmes, as well as supporting research and other respiratory health initiatives.

“In addition to improving the participants’ health, proceeds from the sale of participation tickets are dedicated to enhancing health services at the institution, including construction and equipping of a specialised ward, strengthening oxygen services, lung health screening and awareness raising, and supporting research and other services to improve respiratory health,” he said.

Babu noted that priority would also be given to patients affected by occupational dust exposure, particularly workers in mines and other activities, where prolonged exposure could contribute to lung diseases.

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He called on corporate partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to support and sponsor the event to help achieve the 3bn/- target and strengthen lung health services.

“The Kilimanjaro Regional government cordially invites all corporate partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to come together in large numbers to support and sponsor this upcoming marathon so that we may achieve the goal of raising 3bn/- and leave a lasting legacy of quality lung health services for Tanzanians,” he said.

TIDI Acting Director, Leonard Subi, said the marathon is part of the institute’s centenary celebrations, adding that Health Minister, Mohamed Mchengerwa, is expected to grace the event.

Themed ‘Fight Silica Dust, Prevent Silicosis and Tuberculosis, Save Lives’, the marathon is scheduled for November 8, 2026, with organisers expecting more than 2,000 runners from across the country.

Subi said participants will compete in four categories; the 21.1km half marathon, 10km corporate race, 5km fun run and 2.5km children’s fun race.

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