Jacob’s path to becoming FAME’s Nutritionist is rooted in determination and a clear commitment to patient care. He first came to FAME from more than 350 miles away and joined the team as a nurse. Getting here wasn’t easy: he applied multiple times before finally being invited for an interview in 2018, where he secured the only nursing position available that year.

Two years into his work at FAME, Jacob felt called to focus more deeply on nutrition. He enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at The Open University of Tanzania. When FAME saw his dedication, we fully supported him during his final year, paying all fees and covering costs for stays in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro for studies, as well as his practical learning at Muhimbili National Hospital. FAME also refunded Jacob 100% of the expenses he had paid in earlier years, recognizing how important it was to build a strong Nutrition and Dietetics program at FAME.

Jacob was officially endorsed as FAME’s Nutritionist and Dietician Officer in 2025. Today, he works across the hospital assessing patients’ nutritional needs and developing individualized diet plans. "My dream is to create a compact department," said Jacob. Every day, he goes across the hospital, assessing nutritional needs and planning diets. "For children under five, common cases are usually kwashiorkor (malnutrition), while for elderly patients, it’s often underweight or overweight (obesity) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mostly diabetes, hypertension and sometimes anaemia," explained Jacob. "For patients with protein deficiency, I ensure it’s managed before their surgeries to guarantee safety and quick recovery," he added.

At FAME, Jacob spearheads initiatives that educate mothers on preparing nutritious meals for their babies and beyond the hospital walls, he leads outreach programs to prevent NCDs through better nutrition, empowering communities to take charge of their health. He recently attended the East Africa Diabetic Congress, gaining new knowledge on managing Diabetes and further strengthening his expertise

Jacob’s journey reflects FAME’s commitment to strengthening our capacity from within. Jacobs is driven by a passion that transcends borders and inspires a ripple effect across the community. But his dedication is just one of hundreds of stories across FAME that show how our team is expanding access to quality care for patients and families throughout our community.

In the breathtaking volcanic caldera landscape of northern Tanzania lies the Ngorongoro Crater, where the savannah grasslands, lakes, forests, woodlands and swamps converge in a majestic ecosystem. This is where young Lingato's journey to becoming a surgeon began. Born and raised in a traditional Maasai pastoral society, Lingato's path to education was not predetermined. In fact, his early years were spent herding cattle, a skill he mastered with ease, and one that earned him his father's admiration. However, Lingato's innate thirst for knowledge and ambition proved to be the catalyst for a remarkable transformation.

As he began his formal education at a relatively late age, Lingato's aptitude for learning quickly became apparent. "When I started primary grade one, I was already able to read," he recalls with a smile. "During my free time after cattle grazing, I would often ask those who could read to teach me, and that's how I acquired my reading skills even before starting school." This remarkable autodidactic ability earned him recognition and support from his father, who, along with other education initiatives for pastoral societies, enabled Lingato to move from primary into secondary school.

It was during his high school years that Lingato first encountered FAME in 2015. As part of a school project on tuberculosis, Lingato and his colleagues were assigned to conduct research at FAME. "I still vividly remember the warm reception we received from the FAME team," Lingato says. "We were a group of 10 students, and a doctor was assigned to guide us. With their support, our project was a resounding success." This experience not only deepened Lingato's understanding of the medical field but also sparked a desire to make a meaningful impact in his community.

After graduating with his Bachelor's degree, Lingato completed an internship at the prestigious Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. When an opportunity arose in 2022, Lingato's impressive performance during the interview earned him a position at FAME Hospital. He was finally returning to his home region, giving him the chance to serve the very communities that he comes from.

Since then, his ambition to excel has been supported and nurtured by FAME’s ongoing commitment to staff development and capacity building. From being a general medical doctor to performing complex surgeries like laparotomies, hernia repairs and gynecological procedures, Dr. Lingato's professional growth has been remarkable.

Today, Dr. Lingato is an integral part of FAME's healthcare team, providing specialized care for patients with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid abnormalities. As he celebrates the arrival of his third child, Dr. Lingato remains steadfast in his commitment to FAME's philosophy of patient-centered care.

"A hospital is not just a place where patients receive treatment; it's where they should feel valued, cared for and supported," he emphasizes. "As healthcare professionals, we must address the whole person, not just their medical condition."

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Lingato is grateful for the opportunity to have pursued his education, which allowed him to care for his ailing father in his final days. "My father lived to see the fruits of his labor, and for that, I am eternally grateful," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "Being part of FAME has enabled me to grow professionally and personally. I feel at home here, and I look forward to continuing my growth and service to the community."

At FAME, our commitment to staff development is at the heart of everything we do, and it's in our name. Comprehensive training programs empower healthcare professionals like Dr. Lingato to grow in their fields and provide the highest quality care. By investing in the skills and expertise of our team, FAME removes barriers to care and strengthens the health of the communities we serve.

Dr. Lingato’s journey is just one of many; with 21 doctors, 80 nurses and 237 staff members there are hundreds of stories like his, all made possible by FAME and by you. This Thanksgiving, you can give a gift that keeps on giving: the gift of education, training and skill-building for our team. Every investment in FAME is an investment in the future of healthcare in Tanzania, transforming the lives of both patients and the professionals who care for them.

Dr. Lingato, his wife and their newborn third child

When asked, "Why FAME?" she responded without a moment's hesitation: "It's a hospital where I'm enveloped in care, and that instills a profound sense of comfort in me, making it my preferred choice for medical attention."

Rose's affinity for FAME goes back 10 years, to a fateful night when her husband awoke with a sudden illness. Rushed to FAME, he received timely and effective treatment, and his recovery was nothing short of remarkable.

Since then, Rose and her husband have trusted FAME with their own healthcare needs and the needs of their family, including prenatal care and maternity services for their four cherished children. Today, Rose is back at FAME's Reproductive and Child Health clinic for a check up with her youngest child.

The testimonial to FAME's care extends beyond Rose's immediate family. Her sister, who lives in Bagamoyo, a coastal town about 450 miles away, traveled twice to FAME for childbirth, a testament to the hospital's reputation for delivering outstanding healthcare services. Moreover, Rose has referred three neighbors and two friends to FAME for delivery. It is the trust and unwavering faith of people like Rose that allows us to deliver on our mission of advancing patient-centered care in rural Tanzania.

Bodaboda — Motorcyclists

Tuk-tuk drivers

As I walked through the parking lot of FAME Hospital, holding a camera, a motorcyclist enthusiastically exclaimed, "We are FAME bodas!", the other one even louder added "Flick us up". This spirited greeting underscored the strong bond between FAME hospital and the community we serve.

Being in a rural community, FAME’s Hospital campus is located about 2 miles from Karatu town center. This means that patients use a variety of transportation options to get to the Hospital. In response, motorcycles and tuk-tuks have emerged as vital transportation modes, bridging the gap for community members.

FAME patients come from economically diverse backgrounds, which means that the availability of affordable transportation options is vital. The motorcyclists and tuk-tuk drivers are meeting this need, providing affordable, essential services that enable patients to access medical care.

Peter, a proud motorcyclist, identified himself as a "FAME boda." He explained, "This is my eighth year at FAME. We have a group of motorcyclists and tuk-tuk drivers who work together to provide transportation services to patients. This venture enables us to earn a living and provide for our families." Peter's dedication to his work and community is evident in his words.

When asked about the impact of FAME on his own life, Peter shared, "I have a three years daughter. My wife attended RCH here throughout the entire pregnancy and gave birth here at FAME's Maternity Center. The hospital's presence in our community guarantees quality healthcare and on the other hand contributes significantly to the local economy." His sentiments were echoed by Japheth, a seasoned tuk-tuk driver.

Japheth, who has been providing tuk-tuk service at FAME for seven years, also current a chairperson for tuk-tuk drivers at FAME said, "I start work early in the morning and remain on call throughout the night. I sometimes receive calls at 11 pm, sometimes 1 am when one is in need to get to the hospital. We have all dedicated our time, and we are available to provide the service 24 hours when we are called. I have three children; the last two were born here at FAME. The services I provide enable me to cater to my children's needs and provide for my family.”

FAME does not employ or pay these drivers, but we do provide a safe space on campus where they can wait to drop off and pick up patients. For many in the community, their services are the most affordable way to access medical care, and having them nearby helps patients get to FAME when they need it. While transportation is a challenge in rural areas, these drivers are offering a practical and affordable option for patients to connect with the care available at FAME.

Peter

Japheth

Safari — Mateo’s son (left), Mateo (middle) and Dr. Manjira (right), FAME’s Head Doctor and General Surgeon

In the rolling hills of Northern Tanzania, where livestock keeping and farming are the lifeblood of the community, Mateo keeps cattle to provide for his family. While practicing open-range grazing in authorized zones, he accidentally fell and knocked his head. Initially, Mateo didn't realize the severity of his injury and continued with his daily routine, unaware that things were not ok. As the days passed, he began to experience numbness and weakness on his right side, starting from his foot and creeping up to his arm. Concerned family members and friends rushed him to a nearby health facility. Upon arrival, he fell into a coma.

The medical team at the facility worked for 11 days to stabilize Mateo's condition. Without any improvement, Mateo was transferred to FAME where a thorough diagnosis revealed a blood clot in his brain. He was scheduled for a burr hole surgical procedure to remove the clot.

"When we arrived at FAME, my father was in a coma. He had been in a coma for 11 days. I'm grateful for the thorough diagnosis and surgical procedure that was conducted," said Safari, Mateo's son. "The surgery started at around 11:00 am, and by 3:00 pm, my father was awake."

Mateo's own account of his ordeal is a testament to the power of medical care. "As my condition worsened, I began walking sideways, and my entire right side became paralyzed. After being taken to the nearby health facility, I lost consciousness. As I opened my eyes, I was told that I was at FAME. Thanks to the doctors, I can now walk straight, and move all my body parts."

So far in 2025, FAME has successfully performed 13 burr hole procedures, giving life back to patients who had lost hope. Mateo's story is just one of many that demonstrate the importance of accessible, high-quality healthcare in rural communities. Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, FAME’s strategic investment in our general surgery program makes it possible to deliver care that goes far beyond what is typically available in rural Tanzania. Performing complex neurosurgical procedures in Karatu, shows what’s possible when commitment, skill and resources come together. Mateo’s recovery is more than one man’s triumph; it is proof that world-class care can and does exist here, changing the trajectory of individuals, families and entire communities.

Mateo during dressing change, a crucial step in his recovery journey