Health Minister Urges Acceptance for Intersex Children

The Health Minister, Honorable Ummy Mwalimu, has issued a heartfelt plea to Tanzanians, urging them to cease the practice of concealing intersex children and instead ensure they receive medical attention and support, emphasizing that effective treatments are available for this condition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Third Annual Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Urological Surgeons (TAUS) in Dar Es Salaam Minister Ummy emphasized the importance of early intervention for intersex children, stating that their condition is not a curse but a medical issue that can be addressed.

“We implore parents and guardians not to hide children born with both sexes but to seek medical help early. This condition is treatable, and it is crucial to ensure these children receive the care they need from the beginning,” said Ummy.

She stressed that early medical intervention, including surgical procedures, can be provided after proper assessment to determine the child’s gender identity, rather than waiting until they are older.

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Ummy reiterated the commitment of the Sixth Phase Government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to position Tanzania as a leading destination for medical tourism in the East and Central African region. Efforts include increasing the number of specialized medical professionals.

“President Dr. Samia has launched the Dr. Samia Health Super-Specialized Scholarship Program to support advanced medical training. In the 2023/2024 academic year, a total of 10.9 billion Tanzanian shillings were allocated to sponsor 1,109 students for specialization studies,” Minister Ummy announced.

Out of these 1,109 students, 48 are specializing in urology surgery, with 5 focusing on subspecialty training in urology surgery,” she added.

In response, Prof. Sydney Yongolo, President of TAUS, encouraged young doctors to pursue specialized training, highlighting the government’s efforts to create conducive working environments and recognize specialized medical professionals.

Intersex individuals are born with physical characteristics that do not conform to typical binary definitions of male or female. Often, they face stigma and discrimination, leading to their concealment within families. However, early diagnosis, medical care, and societal acceptance can greatly improve their well-being and quality of life.

The government’s dedication to medical training and specialization underscores its commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring inclusivity for all citizens, regardless of gender identity.