The journey continues as we analyse the chapters of the book Faith in Action: A Decade of Compassion and Resilience with CADIS.
This will be an opportunity to delve into each experience recounted directly by CADIS leaders who, over the course of a decade, have seen with their own eyes and touched with their own hands the fragility of the people they assist, in every corner of the earth.
Chapter Seven - Mercy in Action: The Camillian Disaster Service’s Transformative Role in Tanzania’s Health and Humanitarian Crises
Fr. Shukrani Mbirigenda, is the author of this chapter. During the webinar presentation he pointed out that "Tanzania is a land of incredible potential, yet we face a wide spectrum of vulnerabilities. Our people must constantly navigate the threats of earthquakes, prolonged droughts, and seasonal floods, all while contending with the persistent challenge of communicable diseases. These aren't just statistics; they are daily realities that test the strength of our communities."
In Tanzania, the reality of disaster is a complex blend of natural geography and the unintended consequences of rapid societal shifts. Spanning over 900,000 square kilometers, the nation's landscape—ranging from the volcanic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro to the vulnerable coastlines of the Indian Ocean—creates a variable climate that oscillates between tropical humidity and semi-arid drought. This diverse geography makes the country a frequent theater for landslides, earthquakes, and floods.
The narrative of vulnerability in Tanzania is deeply tied to its urban evolution. Following the liberalization policies of the 1990s, rapid urbanization led to the settlement of previously uninhabited river valleys and floodplains. Without strict government oversight, these informal settlements have become "disaster by design" zones. In these areas, unplanned structures block natural waterways, and even well-intentioned coping mechanisms—such as placing heavy stones on weak roofs for stability—transform into hazards during severe storms. This structural fragility is compounded by a political legacy where transparency and accountability in disaster response remain areas in need of significant improvement.
Against this backdrop, the Camillian Disaster Service (CADIS) Tanzania has redefined its mission, moving beyond traditional hospital-based care to a "school of charity" that meets the poor in their most desperate moments. This shift was most evident during two major interventions: the COVID-19 pandemic, which stripped informal workers of their livelihoods, and the devastating floods in the Rufiji river basin. By providing essential resources like food, sanitation, and even electricity to displaced families, CADIS seeks to enliven the charism of mercy established by St. Camillus de Lellis.
Fr. Shukrani analysed the two case studies: “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw how the restrictions hit our most vulnerable members the hardest. Specifically, single mothers who rely on daily informal trade found themselves without any income overnight. To support them, CADIS Tanzania didn't just provide safety gear like face masks and sanitizers; we provided essential food supplies and deep psychosocial support to 30 mothers who were on the brink of despair.”
Regarding the second case study, he said: "Recently, when the Rufiji district was submerged by devastating floods, we mobilized to meet the most urgent needs. Beyond providing food, such as rice and essential toiletries, to those displaced from their homes, we recognized the need for safety and dignity, which led us to assist in restoring access to electricity for the affected areas."
Ultimately, the chapter argues that CADIS represents a new path for the Camillian Order in Tanzania—one that prioritizes a "preferential option for the poor." This evolution suggests that modern healthcare ministry must extend beyond clinical walls. The text concludes with a call for contemporary Camillians to integrate professional healthcare skills with disaster management training, ensuring they are equipped to walk with the sick and marginalized through the increasingly complex landscape of modern disasters.
CADIS work in Tanzania has shown that immediate relief is only the beginning. CADIS Tanzania has moved toward true capacity building, helping the women we serve improve their business practices so they can be self-sufficient long after the crisis ends.
To learn more about this CADIS project, order a copy of the book in ENGLISH or ITALIAN.
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