The President of the Republic of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete officially opened the new DREAM Centre in the heart of Iringa on October 26th.

The city of Iringa is situated in the heart of Tanzania, 600km from Dar es Salaam and on the road that connects Tanzania to Zambia and Malawi.

The region of Iringa, as was remembered by the President, is the region that has most been hit by the HIV virus, in all of Tanzania and has an enormous need for new treatment centres and diagnostic laboratories.

The centre which was built by DREAM is able to treat 2000 patients. The Molecular Biology Lab will offer its services to various medical centres in the area, particularly in the rural areas, serving therefore, the numerous missionary centres already active in this region. The centre has been realised thanks to the contributions offered by the CARIPARO Foundation, the Symphasis Foundation, the Belgian Cooperation, the Italian Bishops’ Conference and Manos Unidas

Nunzio Apostolico, Mons. Joseph Chennot and the Bishop of Iringa Mons. Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa were also present at the opening ceremony.

The President, during his official speech, spoke of his special bond with the Community of Sant’Egidio: "When I found out that my friends from Sant’Egidio had invited me to the opening ceremony of the new DREAM Center, he stated, I could not say no. I wanted to be here to express my gratitude and and to thank the Community for all they have done here in Tanzania.

The President also remembered a specific international meeting of prayer for peace, held in Naples in 2007, in which he had been a guest of honour.

During the visit, the President greeted all the DREAM staff and also inaugurated the tele-cardiology service with the Hospital of San Giovanni in Rome. This service will allow cardiologists from Rome to examine the electrocardiographs carried out in the DREAM Centre-

Before leaving, the President signed our "visitor’s book", leaving a message of respect and affection: "Congratulations and best wishes on this landmark achievement. God bless".