ECMO Conference 2026
From Awareness to Implementation: ECMO in East Africa
On 23rd of May 2026, we were honored with the opportunity to host, plan, organize and execute East Africa’s first ECMO Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
We extend special thanks to Saifee Hospital Tanzania in being our esteemed partners for this event.
Additionally we would like to thank the respected Chief Guest, the Speakers and all the participants who were able to attend and contribute meaningfully to this event.
What is ECMO?
ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is an advanced procedural therapy that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs in cardiac or respiratory failure patients, allowing them time to rest and recover.
Aim of the Event
This conference was a first-of-its-kind medical event in Tanzania focused on introducing ECMO to the local healthcare system.
It was designed to be a high-impact awareness and education platform that brings together specialists, physicians, nurses, perfusionists, and hospital leaders to understand what ECMO is, when it is used, and what it takes to implement it safely.
Rather than a routine CME, this event marked the starting point for ECMO adoption in the country—laying the foundation for future training, infrastructure development, and clinical programs.
Who was the Chief Guest?
The conference was graced with the presence of Dr. Asha Mahita, Medical Tourism Coordinator from the Ministry of Health, Tanzania. In her speech she was very grateful towards Najmi Consultancy for organizing this groundbreaking event and to Saifee Hospital for hosting it.
There were multiple discussions between her, our Director and our CEO alongside Dr. Enica Massawe, the Secretary Dean of the School of Clinical Medicine, MUHAS – regarding the ways in which ECMO in Tanzania may be accommodated, the limits and the extents to which patients’ lives can be saved.
Why did we require this Event?
Critical care in Tanzania is evolving, but access to advanced circulatory support therapies remains limited. ECMO has the potential to support patients who would otherwise have very limited options.
This conference aimed to:
- Introduce ECMO in a clear, practical, and clinically relevant way
- Build early awareness among key decision-makers
- Create interest in developing ECMO programs locally
- Connect Tanzanian healthcare professionals with international expertise
- Introduce Tanzania’s only ECMO training program
Sessions of the Day
- Introductory ECMO Sessions
Understand the fundamentals, indications, and real-world applications
- International Expert Sessions (Online)
Insights from experienced ECMO professionals across the globe - Live ECMO Demonstration
A visual and practical look at ECMO equipment and workflow
- Case Discussions
Focus on patient selection, safety, and feasibility in local settings
Who Attended?
- Intensivists/ Critical care physicians
- Internal medicine specialists
- Emergency medicine physicians
- Perfusionists
- Cardiologists & Pulmonologists
- Cardiothoracic surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Medical Distribution Company personnel
- Medical Doctors and Surgeons
- Professors and Academic leaders
What was special about this event?
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, the Chief Guest declared and recognized the start of ECMO services in Tanzania. Najmi Consultancy is immensely proud and grateful to the Government of Tanzania for the recognition to be the stakeholders for the beginning of Tanzania’s ECMO journey.
We designed and distributed an ECMO Pin to wear for all the attendees and asked them to wear it only if they truly believe that ECMO saves lives.
Towards the end of the event, we officially PRE-LAUNCHED our First Adult ECMO Workshop. More information coming on that soon. Follow us on instagram to stay updated.
What’s next?
As mentioned during the conference, Najmi Consultancy now aims to spread ECMO training across the region starting in only a few months and followed with many more training sessions and programs.