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For many Zambian families, serious illness often raises a difficult question: should the patient seek specialist care far away, or is there a reliable option closer to home?
That question is becoming more important as weight related illness, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and circulation problems increase across the region.
At The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, specialist clinics held on 17 and 18 June 2026 brought together patients seeking assessment for weight related illness, reflux, hernia, vein problems and dialysis access.
Before surgery
Dr. Syed Tanseer Asghar is among the specialists working with patients whose weight has begun to seriously affect their health. He is a bariatric, laparoscopic and general surgeon, but in simpler language, his work focuses on surgery for dangerous weight gain and related illness, often using small cut techniques.
Surgery has transformed his life completely and improve his level of confidence tremendously
His Tanzania work has been associated with building services for weight related illness, training local teams and introducing advanced minimally invasive care. About 100 surgeries have reportedly been performed locally through his programme.
“Patients often come after trying many things for many years,” Dr. Tanseer said. “When weight is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, reflux, poor sleep, joint pain or difficulty walking, it needs proper medical assessment.”
Specialists stress that surgery is not for every patient. Before treatment, doctors must assess blood pressure, sugar levels, nutrition, mental readiness, family support and the patient’s ability to attend follow up.
“Sometimes the safest advice is to wait and prepare the patient properly,” Dr. Tanseer said. “The goal is not just to operate. The goal is safe treatment and long term health.”
The concern is relevant to Zambia. The 2017 Zambia STEPS survey found that 24.2 percent of adults aged 18 to 69 were overweight, while 7.5 percent were obese. Women were more affected, with 32.5 percent overweight.
Dr. Sana’s work adds another layer for patients with kidney and circulation concerns. Recognised as Pakistan’s first female vascular surgeon, she treats blood flow problems, varicose veins, slow healing wounds and dialysis access.
Dr. Sana Sharafat Ali
“Families should not wait for an emergency before asking about dialysis access,” Dr. Sana said. “Early planning can make treatment safer and less stressful.”
For kidney patients, dialysis helps clean the blood when kidneys become weak. But dialysis needs a safe way to reach the blood. If this access is planned late, treatment can become more difficult.
Another similar specialist clinic is expected at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam in September 2026.
For guidance on upcoming specialist clinics and regional inquiries: health@inafrika.co.tz. Patients with urgent symptoms should seek immediate care at the nearest health facility.
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