When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in nursing?

There was a day in my third year of high school when our biology teacher brought a nurse to educate us about various types of worms and their impact on people's health. The nurse explained the causes and effects of worms scientifically and thoroughly. Right there and then, I felt like I wanted to be a healthcare professional.

What was it about that specific encounter that solidified your desire to become a nurse?

The nurse showed us the severe health impacts caused by worms, including the need for surgery and significant health deterioration. I wanted to make a change in my community, where there was little information and awareness about how worms and other preventable diseases could harm people’s health. My interest was sparked by the desire to gain an education that would enable me to help my community. For instance, I initially didn't know about diabetes, but after acquiring knowledge, I assessed my community and found people suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. This has allowed me not only to nurse people but also to understand the diseases they are suffering from.

Why did you ultimately choose nursing over other medical professions?

Initially, I wanted to be a doctor, but when my high school results came out, I was selected to pursue nursing. I was undecided at first, but during my second year, I realized I was in the right place. I found out that nurses provide over 70% of patient care at the hospital. I grew to love the profession because it allowed me to be close to the patients and give them the care they need.

What aspects of your work as a nurse do you find most fulfilling?

The most fulfilling aspect is being able to serve patients across multiple departments. I have worked in the maternity ward, the theater, the medical ward and the pharmacy. It's the versatility of the profession that I find most rewarding.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your experience as a nurse?

The COVID-19 pandemic was a horrific experience for everyone. My organization's principal response was to acknowledge that we, the caregivers, were at the highest risk of getting infected and dying. They prioritized protecting us, caring for the infected and preventing the spread of infections to the community. The education and necessary precautions and actions taken by FAME gave us the courage to face the situation boldly, allowing us to save many lives. The lesson I have carried with me to date is to always take time to prepare because it is through the preparation that FAME prioritized our well-being as nurses during the pandemic making the whole response a success.

How do you navigate cultural perceptions in the profession?

In today's world, nursing is a profession like any other, and we have moved beyond retrogressive beliefs. For example, doctors were once perceived as male-only, but now we have many capable female doctors. There are still cultural barriers that can hinder caregiving. I have encountered cases where elderly women do not allow me to tend to them, saying, "You are my son, you cannot see my nakedness." However, I have been able to counsel them and help them understand that it is for their well-being. There is a need for more community awareness on this issue.

What do you love most about working in the maternity center as a nurse?

I am passionate about children. Seeing the journey of a premature baby growing into a healthy child is incredibly fulfilling. When parents bring their children for checkups and I get to witness their transformation, it makes me feel grateful. It is especially rewarding when parents remember and bring their children back just to see you and thank you for the services.

If given the chance to do it all over again, would you still choose the nursing profession?

Oh yes, I would give it priority because it's a calling. It is something that allows you to help people. Additionally, the versatility of nursing is precious; a nurse can work in any department within healthcare.

Emmanuel Tsere, a 59-year-old driver at FAME, has been with us since 2007. His journey with blood donation began in 2017 when a patient at FAME urgently needed blood. Emmanuel, the only match, stepped up to donate for the first time.

“Growing up in a small village in Bashai, North Western Tanzania, I had only heard about blood donations. It wasn't until I was 49 that I donated blood for the first time here at FAME.”

Born into a family of livestock keepers, no one in his family had ever needed a blood donation. Emmanuel later discovered he has the rare and highly sought-after O- blood type.

“I was told by the laboratory technologist here at FAME that my blood type is a rare one. Whenever there is a need, they always turn to me. I am always ready and willing to give.”

Since joining FAME, Emmanuel has witnessed its transformation from a simple bush area to a thriving medical facility.

“When I came to FAME, it was just a bush. We started clearing and planting trees. Then we built the OPD department, and finally the ward. I am fortunate to have been part of its transformation including the laboratory that has made me a life saver through blood donations.”

To date, Emmanuel has donated blood to seven patients. The receivers range from pregnant mothers to children with anemia.

“I understand that blood donation is for the purpose of saving lives. That's why I never hesitate whenever there is a need.”

Despite his first receiver passing on even after a successful transfusion, Emmanuel's resolve to help others has never wavered. “When it happened, it really hurt me because my intention is always to see the people I donate to become well.”

Today, as the world marks Blood Donation Day, under the theme 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you blood donors, here at FAME we celebrate Emmanuel and all of the other donors who have helped save lives here at FAME.

“Every time I donate blood, I feel so good. I feel like I fulfill my purpose here on Earth.”

Lemaiyan and his mother pose for a photo at FAME

The smiles on their faces say it all. Happiness. Joy. Relief! Two years ago, this moment was only a dream for Lamaiyan* and his mother after a painful stomach ache left Lamaiyan in agony and his mother wondering if her only son would ever be well again.

Lemaiyan* was 18 years old when he started experiencing mild pains in the stomach. These pains would eventually progress to extreme suffering, paralyzing his lifestyle and threatening the only livelihood his family depended on, keeping livestock. Being the only boy in his family meant that Lemaiyan was the breadwinner, as is the custom of the Maasai community, where he comes from.

“I was herding the livestock up in the hills when the pain began. At first, I thought it was just the 'normal' stomach upset caused by something I had ingested, but the pain kept persisting.”

For four years, Lemaiyan was unable to take care of his family’s livestock as the pain became unbearable. He would often leave the fields hundreds of kilometers away and go home to seek care. His mother first sought to treat the disease the best way she knew how, by slaughtering their livestock one after the other.

“We would slaughter a goat and mix it with traditional herbs. It would relieve the pain for a few days but then it would return. When I saw that we would exhaust our livestock and he was not getting healed, I decided to bring him to FAME.” - Lemaiyan’s mother

Lemaiyan came to FAME while in critical condition with complaints of abdominal pains. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with intestinal obstruction. He was admitted to FAME’s surgical ward and underwent a laparotomy under the supervision of FAME’s skilled surgical team.

“After the treatment here at FAME, my life was back to normal. I now go to herd livestock like before. Our livestock has increased because I can take them up the hills.”

“I thank God, and I thank FAME because I know with my son in good health, he will help me and my family.” - Lemaiyan’s mother

In the village of Selela Monduli, 17-year-old Bahati* embarked on an unexpected journey when he sought treatment at FAME for the first time. It all started with a persistent cough after meals, gradually escalating into discomfort and pain. As his condition worsened, Bahati's brother, Saitoti*, took him to two different hospitals, but received no diagnosis.

Desperate for answers, Bahati's brother, Saitoti, accompanied him on a quest for healing, navigating the corridors of two different hospitals. However, the corridors of diagnosis remained elusive, leaving their hearts heavy with despair. Returning to the humble abode, Bahati's health spiraled into a abyss of affliction, marked by a swollen neck that seemed to symbolize the shattering of hope.

A glimmer of salvation appeared in the form of caring neighbors, compassionate emissaries who whispered tales of FAME, a haven of healing on the horizon. Following this beacon of hope, Saitoti made the resolute decision to transport his ailing brother to FAME. The moment they crossed the threshold, Bahati's condition found a name – abscess of the thymus. With a swift yet delicate hand, the medical artisans at FAME executed an incision and drainage procedure, a symphony of skill that orchestrated a gradual revival.

Now, in the halls of recovery, Bahati dons a smile that echoes gratitude, engages in conversations that were once muted by pain, and navigates the corridors of the facility on the cusp of returning home. Reflecting on the arduous journey, Saitoti's words hang heavy with remorse, "I wish I had sought refuge at FAME sooner, before venturing into the maze of other hospitals." Yet, amidst regret, there is profound gratitude for the miraculous metamorphosis witnessed in Bahati, a testament to the exceptional care woven by the skilled hands and compassionate hearts of the doctors and nurses at FAME.

As they prepare to embark on the journey home, Saitoti harbors a newfound mission – to weave a tapestry of awareness. His plan is to share their story, to sing the praises of FAME, and to encourage others in distant villages to seek the reliable embrace of healing within those sacred walls.

We met Leiyo and his father during one of their doctor-prescribed walks around FAME. During this time, they recounted the incident that deeply affected them. Leiyo's father repeatedly emphasized, "FAME saved his life.”

Due to FAME's proximity to Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks, we sometimes treat patients who have experienced human-wildlife conflicts. Last year, we shared the story of a 17-year-old boy who survived a leopard attack while herding cattle (you can find the story here) and earlier this year, we highlighted the experience of a 59-year-old man who survived a buffalo attack while gathering wild vegetables in the forest for food (read his story here).

Today, we share the story of Leiyo, a 14-year-old boy who was attacked by a buffalo while herding cattle in the forest.

“My father just bought me a new watch, so I know for sure when the attack happened. It was exactly 2:50 pm when I encountered a group of buffaloes while looking after the cattle. Usually, I have three dogs with me during grazing to help me manage the cows, especially when I'm alone. This time, the dogs began barking loudly all of a sudden. Wondering about the noise, I looked back and saw a big group of buffaloes rushing toward me. Although the herd changed direction after being scared by the dogs, five buffaloes kept running in my direction.

Understanding the risk, I quickly lay down on the ground, knowing that being stabbed and thrown into the air by a buffalo could be deadly. One of the buffaloes stepped on me as they ran by. When I was sure they were gone, I tried to stand up but couldn't catch my breath and I was bleeding from my mouth. I grabbed my phone to call my father, but speaking was hard because of the blood. Feeling desperate, I attempted to send him a message and then passed out. It was 3 pm.

I was at home when I got an unusual message from Leiyo. He's usually very careful with his messages; even though brief, they always start with a greeting and then an explanation of what he wants. But this time, his message only had two letters, "Pg" which didn't make any sense. Right away, I felt a shiver down my spine. I knew something was not right.”

Leiyo's father quickly contacted some local boys around Leiyo's age and requested them to go to the forest to check on him. The boys discovered Leiyo unconscious and they brought him back home. Immediately, Leiyo's father and uncles rented a car and took him to the nearby hospital.

“He didn't seem well at all. There was a lot of blood coming from his mouth and he was struggling to breathe. One of the boys who brought him back mentioned seeing buffalo footprints, suggesting a buffalo might have attacked him. Leiyo couldn't speak at this point, even though he was conscious. At the hospital, an X-ray revealed several broken bones in his chest and they informed us that he needed a higher level of care they couldn't offer. They arranged for an ambulance to bring us to FAME.” - Leiyo’s father

They reached FAME at 10 pm in the night. Following tests, it was confirmed that Leiyo had five fractures in his chest, causing the chest wall to become unstable. This instability was causing significant difficulty breathing.

“FAME saved his life through surgery. Since the operation, he has been getting better and walking around. I’m extremely grateful that we were able to get here because I’m not sure he would have survived otherwise. Being the rainy season, it had rained a lot on the day of the accident and the ambulance had difficulty reaching FAME because the roads were very slippery and muddy. It’s only by the grace of God that we made it. When we arrived at FAME, the medical team immediately responded and attended to him, even though it was nighttime. I appreciate this very much.”

— Leiyo's Father

“I’m happy I feel like myself again. In a few days, I will return home to my cows. I’m sure they’re wondering where I am since I never got to say goodbye!”

— Leiyo