Neglected Surgical Conditions
Das Kafika House
Kafika House, formerly known as "The Plaster House", is an organization headquartered in Arusha, at the foot of Mount Meru. It operates a network of rehabilitation centers in cooperation with partner pediatric hospitals. The rehabilitation centers are located in Arusha, Karatu, and Moshi. Kafika House provides treatment and rehabilitation for children with neglected surgical conditions. The organization's former name, "The Plaster House", inspired the name of the German non-profit organization "Pflaster für Tansania e.V."
KAFIKA HOUSE
At Kafika House, children with congenital and acquired medical conditions, as well as physical deformities, receive access to urgently needed medical care. Conditions treated include clubfoot, cleft lip and palate, burns and their complications, limb deformities, and disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. In addition to necessary surgical procedures, care includes physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and follow-up treatment. The aim is to help children lead lives that are as independent and free from pain and physical limitations as possible.
In 2006, founder Sarah Rejman envisioned creating a safe haven for children with disabilities. Beyond providing surgical treatment, her priority was to establish a safe and caring environment where young patients could take the time they needed to recover and rehabilitate. Equally important was ensuring that the children received emotional support, opportunities to interact with other children, and access to education. Today, Kafika House welcomes and cares for more than 1,000 children every year.
VISION
For Sarah Rejman and her team, quality medical care does not end with surgery. Rehabilitation, continuous follow-up care, and long-term support are equally important parts of their work. Kafika House aims to make these services accessible to as many children in Tanzania as possible, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
While Kafika House previously operated additional rehabilitation facilities in Karatu and Moshi, these locations have since closed. Nevertheless, the organization remains committed to expanding access to specialized surgical care and rehabilitation across Tanzania.
Looking ahead, Kafika House plans to extend its reach to more regions of the country and establish its own surgical center, where children can receive the operations they need. The long-term goal is to ensure that more children have access to comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, regardless of where they live.
THE JOURNEY
Kafika House makes an invaluable contribution to the care of children with surgically treatable disabilities in Tanzania. In many parts of the country, disabilities remain heavily stigmatized. As a result, some parents do not seek professional medical help for their children, and children with disabilities are sometimes kept hidden from their communities. Through its outreach team, Kafika House reaches even the most remote regions of Tanzania, raising awareness within local communities about disabilities, their causes, and available treatment options.
Once children arrive at Kafika House, they are warmly welcomed and examined by the medical team. During the initial assessment, the team determines whether a child is eligible for the Kafika House treatment program. If accepted, the child receives the necessary medical examinations and preparations before undergoing surgery at one of the cooperating hospitals. Following surgery, Kafika House provides rehabilitation, nursing care, and ongoing support throughout the recovery process.
The partner hospitals specialize in surgical procedures for children with physical disabilities and congenital deformities. Many of these conditions can be treated shortly after birth in countries with well-developed healthcare systems, allowing affected children to grow up with few or no long-term limitations. In Tanzania, however, access to specialized surgical care remains limited, particularly in rural areas.
Through successful surgery and rehabilitation, children are given the opportunity to significantly improve their quality of life. Treatment can restore mobility, reduce pain, and help children become more independent. Above all, it gives them a better chance to attend school, participate in their communities, and build their own futures.
THE "NEW" LIFE
Following surgery, the child returns to Kafika House, where they receive comprehensive rehabilitation and care until they have recovered sufficiently to return home. The rehabilitation period typically lasts between three and six months. Whenever possible, parents are welcome to stay at Kafika House alongside their children. If this is not possible due to personal or family circumstances, dedicated caregivers, known as "House Mums", look after the children throughout their recovery.
Rehabilitation is a central part of the treatment process. Without adequate postoperative care, many children would have little chance of making a full recovery if discharged directly home after surgery. The living conditions of many families in Tanzania differ significantly from those in countries such as Germany. Limited access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygienic living conditions can increase the risk of postoperative complications. Furthermore, some children are expected to help with physically demanding household or agricultural work, which may interfere with their recovery.
By providing a safe environment, professional medical care, physiotherapy, and daily support, Kafika House gives children the time and assistance they need to heal properly. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that the benefits of surgery are sustained and that children can return to their families with greater independence and an improved quality of life.
