25/04/2026
New sterilization increases the sustainability for the surgery department and operation theatre
When we started our mission in Sumbawanga 16 years ago, we found a 45-year-old steam sterilizer from Webeco, which had no indications except heat and pressure and triggered self-destruction in 2015 with an explosion. In 2012, we brought a 25-year-old sterilizer from Germany, which has served us well so far, but is now getting on in years. Every time you are in the sterilization room, it hisses and flashes and capacitors have to be replaced frequently.
Against this background, in December 2025 we ordered a new sterilizer, which was delivered on 19.04.2026 and installed and commissioned on 22.04.2026. The device has a capacity of 150 liters and is configured with a 3-stage vacuum program. With this device, we are now setting another milestone for the sustainability of our project in the central sterilization department of the Dr. Atiman Memorial Hospital.
Compared to the Regional Hospital and the Municipal Hospital at the Sumbawanga site, this device is leading. Action Medeor is a supplier and has delivered excellent and reliable service with Christoph Bonsmann and Geofrey Temehango.
The device was financed by the Sumbawanga project and by name Martina Kuhlmann, Klaus Janssen, Anke Arnold, Mandy Pleikies, Zohra Schardt, Sebastian Gampe, Sandra Lorenz, Dr. Ulrike Seeliger-Ollmann, Daniel Thüring, Jana Hahn and Marcus Strotkoetter. Third-party funding was not used. Special thanks are due to all donors of the project.
The handover of Action Medeor to Interplast Germany e.V. - (Munich Section/Project Sumbawanga) and to the Dr. Atiman Memorial Hospital Sumbawanga took place during the ongoing operation of the operating room.
Reverend Mother Yasinta Rugabagi, with whom we have now been working very closely for 16 years, Dr Yusuf Magaka – Chief Medical Officer in Charge, Geofrey Ndunguru – Chief Liaison Officer, Godfrey Sungura – Technician and Raphel Njawike – Technician expressed their gratitude for this outstanding positive development.
In the picture from left to right: Ahazi Wilson (OT-Male Nurse), Geofrey Temehango (Action Medeor), Mary Steven (Head of OT) and Marcus Strotkötter (Medical Consultant/ Interplast Germany)
