11 Days in a Coma: 4 Hours of Recovery

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