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A story from the FAME & Kafika House Pediatric Care Program

At birth, Lily was perfectly fine, but once she started walking, I realized something was off. At first, we assumed it was just normal bowlegs, but over time, the bowing worsened and her legs began to curve outward more noticeably. Naturally, we wondered, "What should we do?"

A friend of mine told me that in Arusha, at a hospital called Kafika House, a parent they knew had taken their child for cleft lip treatment. They told me that the hospital was in the upper Ngaramtoni area (over 146 miles from their village). I decided to give it a try and began saving up for the bus fare. When I later learned that the service was free, I immediately thought, “Let me take my daughter,” and we set off for Arusha.

We arrived at Kafika House in Arusha around February 10th, only to be told that the services my daughter needed wouldn’t be available until May. I cried, fearing that her condition might worsen significantly by then. Then someone asked, “Why are you crying, mama? If you live near Karatu, there’s another hospital there that can help.” So, I traveled to Karatu.

At the Karatu bus stand, I asked some shopkeepers, "Where is Kafika House Hospital?" I was told that it was a new center, and someone kindly offered to take me there. Although I had no documentation or appointment slip, the staff at Kaifika House welcomed us very warmly.

After explaining our situation, they told me to wait until early March, when they would run some tests. They asked if I was okay with that, and I agreed. At this point, even if it meant leaving her at the center, I was willing to do so, all I wanted was for my daughter to get the help she urgently needed.

I left her in their care and returned home. The center was so beautiful and the staff were so kind, so I knew she would be in safe hands. The team kept me up to date on her treatment as things progressed, and on March 4, I received the good news that she had been taken to the clinic. I waited until the 7th, and when I called, I was told that the surgery had already been done. I was so happy, yet I was still worried and asked, “How is she doing?”

When I finally saw her that day, I broke down in tears and whispered, “God—she’s really been through so much.” But just recently, I visited her again and saw that her legs are now completely straight. Although this journey has been long and uncertain, watching her progress fills me with hope and gratitude for the care she has received.

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A Note on Our Partnership

Through the FAME and Kafika House partnership, children with Blount’s disease, commonly known as bowed legs, are receiving the specialized care they need to grow strong and healthy. With the expertise and compassion of consultant orthopedic surgeon Dr. Makanza and the dedicated surgical team at FAME, these young patients undergo life-changing procedures to help straighten their legs, reduce pain, and improve their mobility. After surgery, Kafika House transforms into a nurturing home away from home, where children heal and regain their strength. This support ensures they return home standing tall and ready to embrace the future.

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a story from FAME’s Neurology clinic

John has spent the past year as a regular at his local clinic, seeking answers for physical and mental changes he has been experiencing. He spoke openly about feeling a loss in mental sharpness, often accompanied by a deep, burning heat throughout his body. At times, the pain has been so intense that a cold shower once left him nearly fainting.

What has stood out most for John is the care he’s received. Just recently, he met with a group of doctors—during FAME's biannual Neurology Clinic led by Dr. Rubenstein—who took the time to explain each test being done. Firstly, John asked the team to check his eyes, as he noticed that the vision in one eye wasn’t clear; he had a cataract in his left eye. The team also examined his reflexes, memory, ears, and overall wellness to get a full picture of his current health. He was given information about specific days and teams to visit at FAME Hospital for the issues that required specialized equipment to examine more closely and accurately.

He shared his worries about memory loss and explained that he felt his hearing and vision problems were not mere symptoms, but rather the result of the decline in mental sharpness he was experiencing. However, with the support of Dr. Rubenstein and his team, John now feels reassured. He recently made a 33-mile trip to FAME from his village in Man’gola for a further check-up and to refill his medical prescription. The care has been thorough, thoughtful, and personal, something he says he doesn’t take for granted.

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Baby Frank’s mother, baby Frank and our FAME medical team celebrating baby Frank’s weight gain milestone.

HAPPY 1KG Big Frank

Martha arrived at FAME Hospital six months pregnant and in labor. Despite past miscarriages, she remained hopeful and determined to receive the best possible care for herself and her baby. Baby Frank was born premature, small and fragile, weighing only 800 grams (1.75lbs). Last week, we celebrated a significant milestone as baby Frank reached 1kg (2.25lbs).

With the ongoing care of the FAME team, both mother and baby are doing well. Baby Frank will spend a little more time with us at FAME in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until he reaches a healthy weight of 2kg (4.4lbs).

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Dr Dahaye

Expecting the Unexpected: All Hands on Deck at the Labor Ward

Hello, I’m Dr. Dahaye, a physician at FAME with a deep passion for women’s health.
I want to share a story from one unforgettable night shift when we unexpectedly delivered eight babies. The night began quietly, with only three women in active labor. But at FAME, we are a referral center, and soon, more mothers started arriving, some from home, others transferred from nearby hospitals.
 
Before we knew it, the labor ward was bustling. Six mothers delivered naturally, while two required emergency C-sections. One baby’s heart rate had dropped dangerously low, and another mother was experiencing heavy bleeding due to placenta previa. We had to act fast.
 
I found myself running between the labor ward and the operating theatre, ensuring every mother and baby received the best care. Thankfully, I had an incredible team of midwives working tirelessly alongside me, making sure everything went smoothly.
 
By morning, all eight babies were delivered safely, each with a strong, healthy cry. After the long and intense night, we finally sat down for breakfast, tired but happy and fulfilled, knowing that eight new lives had begun at FAME Hospital.

Baby Frank in an incubator at FAME NICU.

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Baby Aaron

Twice the Blessing: My Journey with Twins

Baby Eric

As told by Emma, mother of twins

I have given birth before, so I knew that this time was different; I felt heavier.

I went for a check-up at a clinic near where I lived (about 658 miles from FAME). They confirmed my pregnancy, and later, an ultrasound at a hospital near Karatu revealed I was carrying twins. My sister also had twins a couple of years ago, so maybe it runs in the family.

I was excited but also anxious. I didn't know where the best place would be for me to deliver. A friend recommended FAME, as they knew someone who had given birth there.

When I arrived, I was welcomed warmly. The doctors and nurses were amazing, and my delivery went well. Both my babies are healthy and strong. I know many mothers worry about hospital costs, but FAME is affordable, and the care is excellent. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses who took such great care of me and my babies.

James during treatment.

James at his recent checkup.

It all started with small things, he would drink a lot of water, but barely ate. At night, he would wake up multiple times to urinate, sometimes up to four times. He was constantly tired, and no matter what he ate or drank, whether it was milk or porridge, he would vomit. He would frequently tell us that his stomach was hurting.

When we first took him to a clinic, he was given medication to relieve his symptoms, but nothing changed. His condition worsened. He began vomiting more frequently, and eventually, we had no choice but to rush him to the hospital.

At the hospital, they administered fluids. His father and I, and even the doctors, were confused at the amount of fluids he was taking in. The doctor would ask, “where is all of it going?” After sometime he passed urine and on accident some of it got on his father’s foot. When he went to wipe it off, his father looked very puzzled. He said it looked unusual, almost sticky, and we decided to mention it to the doctor. That’s when the doctor asked for a urine sample. After running some tests, they told us what we never expected to hear: his blood sugar levels were very high.

The news was overwhelming. We asked the doctor what could be done, and they told us that while they couldn’t treat him there, they would arrange for us to be transferred to a facility that could help. That’s how we found ourselves here at FAME.
By the time we arrived, my son had lost consciousness. He couldn’t move, he wasn’t responding, and he had no awareness of what was happening. It was terrifying. For days, he remained unresponsive. It wasn’t until Wednesday, two days after we arrived, that we saw the first signs of hope. He started moving on his own. Slowly, he began to turn over in bed. Then, he started responding when we called his name.

Now, he is doing much better, though we still have some challenges, especially at night. He wakes up sweating heavily, and when we call him, he sometimes doesn’t respond—he just stares at you. But compared to where we started, we are grateful for the progress.

This experience has been eye-opening. Where we come from, we have never seen anyone with diabetes. No one in my family has had it, and it never crossed my mind that this was what my son was battling. But through the care and support at FAME, we are learning how to manage his condition and give him the best chance at a healthy life. We are deeply grateful to the medical team for helping us through this.

At his most recent check-up, James* had gained weight and energy, thanks to his parents' dedication in managing his blood sugar through proper medication and nutrition. FAME continues to invest in diabetes care through its Diabetes Clinic and Program, ensuring that families like Hilda's receive not just treatment, but also the tools and education to manage this lifelong condition. With workshops on nutrition and medication, FAME is empowering patients and caregivers to take control of their health, one step at a time.

Baby and family during their follow-up visit.

Before the surgery.

After the surgery.

As told by FAME's General Surgeon & Head Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Manjira

Last year, I had the privilege of treating many patients at FAME, but one case stands out vividly in my memory, as it was the first time this particular operation was conducted at the Hospital. A Maasai family, father, mother and grandmother arrived at our hospital after traveling over 200 kilometers. They were deeply concerned about the health of their baby girl.

She had developed a swelling on her back, and someone had told them it was a serious condition that could only be treated at a very tertiary hospital. They were in a challenging situation. The nearest tertiary hospital was another 200 kilometers beyond FAME, making it a 400-kilometer journey, an unthinkable distance for a family with a baby seeking urgent care.

When they arrived, my colleagues initially thought this was a case that should be referred elsewhere. But before making that decision, they called me in for a consultation.

A Closer Look at the Case

I met the family and examined the baby. She was healthy, her lower limbs were functioning well, meaning her motor neurons were intact. Upon closer inspection, I diagnosed her with spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Fortunately, her case was not too complicated, there was no leakage or wounds, only a visible swelling with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The family was visibly anxious, but we took the time to explain that we could perform the surgery right here at FAME. As a general surgeon, I have worked on several cases like this during my residency and training at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). We have a great team here at FAME, so this was something we could handle.

Some of my colleagues were hesitant as they had never encountered a case like this before. Even our anesthesia team had concerns since this was a first for them as well. But we took a step forward together, ensuring every detail was planned.

A Life-Changing Surgery at FAME

Many assumed the surgery would take three to four hours, but I assured them it was a straightforward procedure. With careful preparation, we moved ahead.

In the operating room, we successfully closed the bifida. We harvested the dura mater, sealed it watertight and carefully sutured the skin. Everything went smoothly.

After just two to three days, the baby recovered well. We discharged her home with antibiotics and clear post-operative care instructions.

A Happy Follow-Up Visit

On January 2, 2025, I had the joy of seeing her again at our clinic. The wound had healed beautifully, and her lower limbs were functioning well. An excellent prognosis!

Her parents had been concerned about whether she would ever walk, but I reassured them:
“Yes, absolutely, she will walk.”

Their relief and happiness were immeasurable. But more than that, they left FAME not just as grateful parents, but as ambassadors, eager to share their story with their community and families with similar experiences.

Looking Ahead

This case is a reminder of what’s possible at FAME. We continue to grow, expand our expertise, and take on complex cases that sometimes seem impossible in the rural context.

Every patient we treat grows our FAME family and strengthens our commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to those who need it most.  No family should ever have to travel 400 kilometers for life-changing care—so, we are thankful that FAME is here to provide families like this the care they need when they need it.