Sadera, also known as Chief

Two years ago, a 13-year-old boy named Sadera* arrived at FAME, his young life hanging in the balance due to hydatid disease, a parasitic infection caused by a tapeworm. He needed urgent surgery to save his life. Following a month-long stay at FAME, he happily returned home, fully recovered and pain-free. Unfortunately, just nine months later, he returned, battling the same disease. This is Sadera's story.

After completing his primary school exams, Sadera experienced severe stomach pain. Initially, he attributed it to stress, as the exam results would determine his high school placement. However, the pain persisted even after the exams were completed.

“I went to the local clinic and they gave me medicine for five days. However, even after I finished it, I didn’t feel any better. I then tried using local herbs, but they didn’t help either. Finally, I started taking pilipili [Chili pepper], but it also didn’t work.”

— Sadera

FAME's Social Worker, Kitashu Nganana, explained that in the Maasai community, they consider anything with a bitter taste as medicine because they believe the bitterness can eliminate viruses or bacteria. The stronger the bitterness, the more effective it is thought to be.

“I had this pain for many months. It became so severe that I couldn’t stand upright and spent most of my time lying down. I was really sad that I couldn’t go grazing the cows with my father and brothers like we always do. The neighbors heard that I was sick and they came to visit me. It was one of them who told me about FAME.”

— Sadera

As he got sicker, the thought of going to the hospital became more attractive to Sadera. He discussed it with his parents and brothers, who all decided he should go.

“When my parents agreed to let me come to FAME, I encountered a significant challenge. The journey from our village to the bus stop is a three-hour walk and the bus ride to FAME takes four hours. Given my condition, walking for three hours was not possible for me. My brothers offered to carry me to the bus stop, but despite their strength, it was too far. Luckily, my family was able to rent a car that brought me here.”

— Sadera

A happy Sadera (left) poses with his big br0ther (right)

When Sadera arrived at FAME, it was nearly six hours since he had left home and he was unconscious. The FAME team admitted him and, after conducting several tests, diagnosed him with hydatid disease, which required immediate surgery on his stomach.

“When I woke up, I was really confused. I had no idea where I was and everything around me looked strange. However, my brother explained that I had undergone surgery and the doctors believed I would get better.”

— Sadera

Sadera spent a month at FAME. When he was ready to return home, the doctors advised him to always boil drinking water before consuming it. They explained that his diagnosis was due to drinking contaminated water. For Sadera, this was because he was drinking the same water their animals drank, because there was a shortage of clean water in his village and the nearby areas.

“I was so happy when I left FAME. I felt like my old self again. I could stand straight; I could walk! It was amazing and I couldn’t express my gratitude enough to the FAME medical team for the miracle they had worked on me.”

— Sadera

Unfortunately, nine months later, Sadera returned to FAME, experiencing the same symptoms as before.

“I was very sad when I got sick again. I knew the exact reason for my illness - I hadn’t followed the doctor’s advice to boil water before drinking it. I did try at first, but sometimes the water wouldn’t cool down quickly, so I resorted to drinking the same water as the cows when I took them to drink. I regret this very much.”

— Sadera

Sadera spent three weeks at FAME before being discharged to go home. It's been two years since then and he is still doing well and leading a happy life.

“I am grateful to FAME. When I returned, I thought the doctors might shout at me for not following their advice. But they were very kind to me. They explained that I should always drink boiled water at all times so as not to risk my health. Since then, I have only been drinking boiled water and I have been in good health ever since!”

— Sadera

Sadera also had exciting news to share 

“I’ve just been selected as Chief by the elders in my village! I’m now the leader of the boys in my age group. I am very happy and it’s a great honor. They mentioned that one of the main reasons I was chosen is because of my strong work ethic. They said I work harder than all the other boys in the village. This is only possible because of the treatment I received at FAME, which transformed me from being bedridden to being strong again. Thank you.”

— Sadera

Sadera had one last thing to say:

“Just call me Chief!”

— Sadera

“I am thankful to FAME for helping us and many others. When I come across sick people in my village, I always tell them to go to FAME. It’s very far, but it heals people!”

— Sadera's Big Brother

Sadera’s big brother

*The patient’s name has been changed to protect his privacy and permission was secured to share his story. This interview has been translated from Maasai to English.

Riziki

Riziki*, a 59-year-old woman, has been a valued member of our FAME community for many years. She has relied on FAME for her healthcare for over a decade. As she has entered her later years, Riziki has encountered various health issues that required medical attention. Her village is 20 miles away from FAME. Although this is not close, her journey is considerably shorter than many of our other patients, some of whom travel up to 100 miles or even more to reach FAME.

Riziki visited FAME today to address an issue concerning her feet. It all began as small, fluid-filled bumps that eventually became large, painful blisters. She had sought help at her local clinic several times, but the prescribed medication didn't seem to work and the blisters continued to worsen. Additionally, Riziki was dealing with a persistent and severe cough, prompting her to finally make the trip to FAME for medical assistance.

“Over the past few years, I’ve had many health issues, but they were mostly minor. I would visit FAME’s Outpatient Clinic, consult with a doctor, receive medication and within days, I would recover. However, my only son died in a terrible road accident last year. The grief and shock hit me so hard that my health took a turn for the worse. I noticed I was getting sick more often as I didn’t take good care of myself.”

— Riziki

Upon her arrival at FAME, Riziki was admitted to FAME's inpatient ward and underwent a foot X-ray to identify the cause of her mysterious blisters. The scans showed no serious internal damage and that the blisters had only resulted in a surface wound. The medical team treated her foot and dressed the wound. They decided to keep her at FAME for four days to closely observe her foot's progress and address the severe cough.

“I was really scared when I got here. I was worried about my foot and feared they might have to cut it off. I live with my grandchildren and the thought of being unable to play with them or care for them was devastating. But the doctors gave comforting advice that slowly made me feel less anxious. I’m happy to report that I’m feeling much better, almost like my usual self. I’m excited about returning home to my grandchildren.”

— Riziki

Riziki will have to visit her local hospital for dressing changes as FAME is too far for travel daily. Her next check-up is two weeks from today. Before leaving FAME, she received medication for her foot and to address her cough.

“I’m thankful that FAME helps me stay healthy. As an older person, I sometimes worry that I burden the doctors by coming here. I don’t work anymore, so I used to think that young people should have the doctors’ attention because they have their whole lives ahead of them and work to do. But at FAME, they’ve shown me that despite my age, I deserve the same care and attention as the younger patients. I’m truly grateful for that.”

— Riziki

*The patient’s name has been changed to protect their privacy and permission was secured to share her story. This interview has been translated from Swahili to English.

This is a strikingly similar story of two women, both from the Ngorongoro region in northern Tanzania, but living in different villages. They had never met before until they ended up in FAME's maternity ward. As you read their stories, you'll be amazed by the similar experiences these two women shared! 

Nangiki

Nangiki (foreground) and her mother-in-law (background) captured at FAME's Maternity Ward.

Nangiki* was 30 weeks into her pregnancy when she fell seriously ill. The illness began during the day, but by 1:00 a.m, it was clear that something was seriously wrong. In her distress, she called for her mother-in-law, who quickly came to her side. Realizing the severity of the situation, she summoned Nangiki's father-in-law. Together, they swiftly arranged to borrow a car from a neighbor to urgently transport Nangiki to FAME, which was more than a 4-hour drive away.

“I suddenly fell ill. At first, I didn’t want to mention anything because I’m staying with my in-laws while my husband works in Kenya. They’ve been incredibly kind to me and my children and I didn’t want to disturb them. However, when I went to bed and woke up a few hours later in intense pain, I knew something was wrong. I had already given birth to two children before this one and had never experienced this pain before.”

— Nangiki

When Nangiki reached FAME, it was evident to the medical team that she required an immediate C-section to ensure the safety and well-being of both her and her baby.

Nangiki’s daughter in an incubator at FAME's Special Care Nursery.

“When the doctors said I needed an operation, my in-laws asked for my decision. I had given birth to both my kids at home and wasn’t used to hospitals, so everything felt strange and scary. But the doctors made sure we understood the situation by having someone explain everything to us in our language, Maasai, since we don’t speak Swahili. After I understood what was happening, I said yes to the surgery.”

— Nangiki

Nangiki gave birth to a healthy baby girl weighing 2.4 lbs. Because her baby was born prematurely at 30 weeks, she was transferred to FAME's Special Care Nursery (SCN) and placed in an incubator.

“I was so happy when they told me I had a girl! I already have two boys, but they often spend time with their father or prefer to be with their uncles and male cousins. I’ve always dreamt of having a daughter to share stories with and my dream came true! However, I was very worried about her size, but the doctors told me that she would grow strong quickly. True to their word, she’s getting bigger every day and we’ll go home soon. I am grateful for the help and kindness my family and I have received at FAME.”

— Nangiki

shomo

Shomo poses outside FAME’s Maternity ward.

Twin 1 in an incubator at FAME's Special Care Nursery.

FAME's nurse, Nditoya Mollel, checks on Twin 2 in the incubator at FAME's Maternity Ward.

Similar to Nangiki, Shomo* was in her 30th week of pregnancy when she started experiencing lower abdominal pain. She was away from home as she had been accompanying the cattle in their search for pasture.

“I suddenly felt intense pain and asked one of the women to accompany me back home for some rest. However, the pain kept getting worse and after a few hours at home, I decided to go to the local clinic because I knew something was wrong. It was not my time to give birth, so I knew the baby wasn’t ready to be born. I’ve given birth to three children before, so I could tell this pain was different. While en route to the hospital, I began to feel that the baby was on its way and to my surprise, it turned out that the baby was indeed arriving right then, even though we were still on the road! In the chaos, after helping deliver the baby, one of the women shouted, ‘I can see another one’ and I thought she was confused due to the stressful situation. But as it turns out, I was carrying twins!”

— Shomo

Upon arriving at the local clinic, the doctor wasted no time directing them to FAME, saying, "Only FAME can save such small babies."

“When we arrived at FAME, my children and I were in critical condition. I was dizzy and in pain; my children were cold, very cold to the touch. I just knew there was little chance we would leave this hospital alive.”

— Shomo

Shomo had experienced significant blood loss by the time she reached FAME. Her newborn twins, born prematurely at 30 weeks, suffered from hypothermia. Time was of the essence. Fortunately, the FAME medical team is always well-prepared for emergencies and thanks to their quick intervention, Shomo and her children's lives were saved.

“It seems I fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up, they told me I had delivered twin daughters and believed they would be fine. I was very, very happy! I already have three boys at home and I have always wanted a girl and now, God has blessed me with two!”

— Shomo

Shomo had no idea she was carrying twins because she couldn't attend any prenatal classes due to the distance to the local clinic. Like Nangiki, she had given birth to her previous children at home without any issues, so she anticipated a similar experience for this pregnancy. She mentioned that the only thing that stood out as different was that her stomach felt "much tighter" than her previous pregnancies.

After spending several weeks in the Special Care Nursery (SCN), where their daughters lay side by side, FAME sent these new mothers and their daughters back home.

Access to maternal newborn healthcare in rural Tanzania is still incredibly limited. FAME is proud to serve as a lifeline, particularly for women like Nangiki and Shomo, who face sudden complications requiring specialized care for themselves and their children.

*The patients' names have been changed to protect their privacy and Permissions were secured to share these patients' stories. These interviews have been translated from Maasai to English.

The patient

When we arrived at FAME, I met a doctor and it was a relief to see that she was a woman. I would not have been comfortable discussing my problems with a man. Furthermore, she was a fellow Maasai, just like me! I was very excited! I could communicate in my native language and share everything happening to me in detail, as I don’t speak English and know only a little Swahili. The doctor listened to me, writing down everything I said. Sometimes, she would ask me questions, which I would gladly answer. She ordered some tests and they had to take my blood. But I was not scared, just very hopeful! 

When she received the test results, she prescribed medication for me. That was three months ago. She asked me to return for a follow-up after three months and here I am today. The medicine has worked! I feel so much better. My strength has returned and I can now do more around the house, including playing with my children and chasing after the goats! I am very happy. FAME has been a blessing!”

“When the Maasai women and men come to see me, even if they know Swahili or English, they will always ask if it is okay to speak Maasai. And when I say yes, it makes them so happy as they are more comfortable explaining their symptoms in their language, making them open up more. I am very blessed to be in a position to help my people.”

— Dr. Theresia Sariko Lepapa, the physician who cared for this patient.

*Permission was secured to share this patient's story. This interview has been translated from Maasai to English.

“I have been sick for nearly two long years. It has been a rollercoaster of doctor visits, herbalist remedies and countless clinics, but none worked. I was very sad as I was newly married and my illness left me feeling dizzy and weak most days, making it hard to care for my husband and children how I wanted to.

About three months ago, my sister-in-law shared a story with me. It was about a woman in our neighboring village who had been sick for many months and everyone, including her family, had given up hope. Someone told her about a hospital called FAME, saying they had good doctors who could see things others could not. She talked to my husband, who agreed to let her bring me to FAME.

Our village is quite far away, so it was a long journey to FAME. We took a boda boda [motorcycle taxi], two buses and a bajaji [autorickshaw] to reach here. I was very tired from the long trip and started to get annoyed at my sister-in-law because this was all her idea. I had resigned myself to a life of pain. My husband had married another wife, so I had a lot of help at home and felt supported. I did not need to come to FAME, I told myself, I was surviving just fine!

The patient (right) stands alongside her sister-in-law

Happy*, a 12-year-old girl, lives in Karatu town with her parents and younger brother (her only sibling). She attends a day school with classes from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fortunately, she benefits from a comfortable school bus that picks her up from home in the morning and drops her back after school.

Happy's parents are highly educated; her father works as a Town Planner (responsible for the design and development of urban areas) and her mother is an auditor. Because of their educational background, they place great importance on Happy's education and are committed to her success.

“My parents are quite strict when it comes to exams and homework. They closely monitor my progress in school. During holidays, they arrange for a tutor to visit our home for a few hours to help me with my studies.”

— Happy

Happy enjoys her school, where her class has a fairly balanced gender ratio: 14 girls and 16 boys.

“I really love my school! I learn something new every day. While I enjoy mathematics, I consistently score the highest in English. I also love hanging out with my friends. They mean a lot to me.”

— Happy

Tanzania is a predominantly patriarchal society. When asked  how she is treated compared to her brother, Happy said:

“My brother and I are treated equally. Our parents don’t show favoritism based on gender. At home, we all have our assigned responsibilities. I mainly handle household chores like cleaning and dishwashing, but my mom also helps since she cooks for us every day. My brother’s duty is to care for the chickens and ducks, ensuring their well-being. Sometimes, when there’s a lot of housework, such as when we have visitors, my brother helps me. I’d say we support each other, with no one doing more than the other. Our parents provide us with a lot of support as well.”

— Happy

Happy also takes great pleasure in her identity as a girl.

“I absolutely love being a girl! I enjoy going shopping for dresses and shoes with my parents. Spending hours braiding hair is something I find joy in. My brother doesn’t share my enthusiasm for these activities and I believe he’s missing out!”

— Happy

As she grows up, Happy aspires to become either a doctor or an auditor, inspired by her amazing mother.

Unfortunately, not all girls are as fortunate in northern Tanzania as Happy. She recognizes the privilege of having educated parents who understand the value of education and wholeheartedly support her, regardless of gender, in reaching her full potential.

“My dad took me to FAME today because I had a stomach ache, which kept me from going to school. I’m glad he decided to take time off work to bring me here and ensure I recover quickly and return to school. I don’t like missing school! I’m grateful to him for looking out for me. He cares about my education and my health, too! I’ve seen the doctor, got some medicine and am feeling slightly better. I think I will be okay to go to school tomorrow.”

— Happy

FAME provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and education services for adolescent girls. As a hospital, FAME plays an important role in providing accessible and confidential services to help all young girls grow into healthy, knowledgeable and confident individuals. 

*The patient's name has been changed to protect her privacy and permission was secured to share her story. This interview was conducted in English.