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

Joyce and her baby

When Joyce arrived at FAME, she was 30 weeks pregnant and facing life-threatening complications from severe preeclampsia. Living 16 miles away, she had come to the right place at the right time. After an urgent evaluation, FAME’s Dr. Msuya determined that an emergency c-section was the only way to save both her life and her baby’s.

Her son was born small and fragile, and severely underweight. The next month was spent in FAME’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), cared for by a team of nurses and doctors who monitored his every breath. He spent 10 days in an incubator under close supervision. After those critical days, Joyce and her son transitioned to Kangaroo Mother Care, where she held her son skin-to-skin around the clock, helping him grow stronger until he reached the weight needed for discharge. After 30 days in FAME’s care, he was finally ready to go home, weighing 1.5 kg.

"I appreciate the encouragement from my husband, who was understandably worried about our son, and the exceptional service that FAME provides,” Joyce shared. “While at the Maternity ward, I felt and experienced love, care, unity, peace and friendly interactions with the doctors and nurses, which made a lasting impact on me."

Joyce’s story is one of many. Every day, FAME’s Maternity Center and NICU provide lifesaving care for mothers and babies in northern Tanzania. With more than 1,000 deliveries each year, FAME is a place of health and hope for families like Joyce’s, where compassionate care helps turn moments of fear into stories of joy.

Dr. Msuya checks on the baby's ongoing progress during a routine round at FAME Maternity Ward.

Fati

At FAME, every drop of donated blood carries a story of generosity and survival. Every transfusion is a powerful reminder that our existence is intertwined with the kindness of strangers and the selflessness of donors.

Since January, our team has collected 262 units of blood through hospital donations and community events. Each unit has played a role in saving lives, whether during surgery, after an accident or in the face of severe illness.

Just this week, Fati was admitted to FAME with acute anemia. She needed a transfusion, and thanks to our blood donors, she received the two units that she needed. Within days, her strength returned, and she was discharged to rejoin her family. “The care I received was exemplary, and the blood transfusion was administered promptly,” she shared with gratitude.

Behind the scenes, our Laboratory Manager, Anthony (pictured in white coat), and his team work tirelessly to ensure safe and reliable transfusions. “Donating blood is a safe procedure; there’s no evidence to suggest it poses risks to healthy donors,” Anthony explained. He is equally passionate about making sure patients never face financial barriers: “Blood is not for sale; it’s a gift of life, obtained through donation and dispensed with compassion.”

FAME remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that patients continue to receive the highest standard of care. Stories like Fati’s are only possible because of our donors. Each voluntary contribution strengthens a culture of care and solidarity in rural Tanzania, ensuring that when the next patient arrives in crisis, the blood they need will be waiting.

Anthony, FAME Laboratory Manager

Anthony, FAME Laboratory Manager, meticulously examining documented details of the safe blood prior to releasing it for transfusion to a patient.

Safe Blood Stored at FAME’s Laboratory, Ready to be Transfused to Patients in Need.

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A Mother's Love, and Community's Care

When Ifrahim’s mother gave birth to her son three months early, he weighed only 3.9 lbs. 

Within a few weeks, his weight dropped to just 2.8 lbs, and she feared for his health. But at FAME, she found more than medical care; she found a community of fellow mothers that stood beside her.

For three long months, her baby was lovingly cared for by our neonatal team—supported by oxygen, incubators and round-the-clock monitoring. Ifrahim’s mother never left his side. She held him through the incubator glass, whispered songs and words of encouragement and waited patiently for the moment she could carry him home in her arms.

Today, Ifrahim is thriving! His tiny frame now replaced by a joyful, energetic toddler weighing 20.2 lbs.

“Don’t be afraid if your baby is born early,” she says. “There are places like FAME that can help. Mothers are strong fighters. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Maternal and Pediatric Health at FAME: 2024 Highlights

FAME continues to strengthen pediatric and neonatal services with hands-on mentorship, targeted education and community outreach. In 2024, we welcomed Dr. Teddy to our pediatric team, bringing our total number of doctors on the team to five, and launched a weekly Pediatric Clinic Day to increase local access to child-focused care. Our neonatal services also expanded, adding three rooms and nine beds to create a “Zero Separation” environment, allowing premature infants to stay with their mothers to do Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC). NICU admissions rose to 247—up 31% from 2023—while maintaining great outcomes for our most fragile and vulnerable babies.

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