Sending Aid

If you are not part of a large charity or organization. Below are some tips regarding sending aid to Tanzania.

Location

• The location of the hospital is extremely important
• This will determine whether goods need to be sent by land, sea, air or a combination

Equipment

• It is important to make sure that what is being sent cannot be purchased for cheaper in the country
• Medical suppliers do exist in Tanzania and this may be a more profitable way of getting aid quickly and cheaply to a specific area
• Pharmaceutical companies will frequently donate small amounts of equipment and give you a discount if told what the goods are for
• Remember that if you are sending equipment, try and send educational material with it

Funding

• Sending aid can be extremely expensive
• It is essential to plan carefully since financially cheaper options may be possible
• It is worth speaking to others who have sent aid to Tanzania
• Always check out HIDDEN COSTS e.g customs charges, weight vs. volume charges on air freight
• It may be worth doing a small test run

Security

• Sadly ship containers can be broken into and air freight goods can go missing
• It is essential that these things are well thought out
• For example, if you are sending computers for educational purposes DO NOT put them in their original packaging
• Label and tag all of the equipment that you send if possible
• Provide pad locks for the hospital if the equipment needs to be locked away