Baby and family during their follow-up visit.

Before the surgery.

After the surgery.

As told by FAME's General Surgeon & Head Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Manjira

Last year, I had the privilege of treating many patients at FAME, but one case stands out vividly in my memory, as it was the first time this particular operation was conducted at the Hospital. A Maasai family, father, mother and grandmother arrived at our hospital after traveling over 200 kilometers. They were deeply concerned about the health of their baby girl.

She had developed a swelling on her back, and someone had told them it was a serious condition that could only be treated at a very tertiary hospital. They were in a challenging situation. The nearest tertiary hospital was another 200 kilometers beyond FAME, making it a 400-kilometer journey, an unthinkable distance for a family with a baby seeking urgent care.

When they arrived, my colleagues initially thought this was a case that should be referred elsewhere. But before making that decision, they called me in for a consultation.

A Closer Look at the Case

I met the family and examined the baby. She was healthy, her lower limbs were functioning well, meaning her motor neurons were intact. Upon closer inspection, I diagnosed her with spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spinal cord does not form properly. Fortunately, her case was not too complicated, there was no leakage or wounds, only a visible swelling with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

The family was visibly anxious, but we took the time to explain that we could perform the surgery right here at FAME. As a general surgeon, I have worked on several cases like this during my residency and training at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). We have a great team here at FAME, so this was something we could handle.

Some of my colleagues were hesitant as they had never encountered a case like this before. Even our anesthesia team had concerns since this was a first for them as well. But we took a step forward together, ensuring every detail was planned.

A Life-Changing Surgery at FAME

Many assumed the surgery would take three to four hours, but I assured them it was a straightforward procedure. With careful preparation, we moved ahead.

In the operating room, we successfully closed the bifida. We harvested the dura mater, sealed it watertight and carefully sutured the skin. Everything went smoothly.

After just two to three days, the baby recovered well. We discharged her home with antibiotics and clear post-operative care instructions.

A Happy Follow-Up Visit

On January 2, 2025, I had the joy of seeing her again at our clinic. The wound had healed beautifully, and her lower limbs were functioning well. An excellent prognosis!

Her parents had been concerned about whether she would ever walk, but I reassured them:
“Yes, absolutely, she will walk.”

Their relief and happiness were immeasurable. But more than that, they left FAME not just as grateful parents, but as ambassadors, eager to share their story with their community and families with similar experiences.

Looking Ahead

This case is a reminder of what’s possible at FAME. We continue to grow, expand our expertise, and take on complex cases that sometimes seem impossible in the rural context.

Every patient we treat grows our FAME family and strengthens our commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to those who need it most.  No family should ever have to travel 400 kilometers for life-changing care—so, we are thankful that FAME is here to provide families like this the care they need when they need it.

Nema (left) and Baraka’s Grandmother (right)

Nema spent the last couple of months at FAME Hospital. When she was finally discharged during Christmas week, she was moved to tears of joy. She had arrived with her mother, carrying her baby as delicately as possible. Born at 6 months and weighing only 0.5 kilograms, he was more fragile than most newborns. Before setting off on their long journey home to welcome the New Year together as a family, Nema wanted to share her story, but overwhelmed with emotion, passed the task to her mama, who sat beside her and recounted their journey:

Her pregnancy was very difficult. When she was five months pregnant, she started bleeding. By the time she was six months pregnant, the baby started coming early. After the baby was born, they went to the hospital in Endulen (40 miles from FAME). From Endulen, we decided to come to FAME. We are thankful to God that when we arrived at FAME, we were welcomed warmly. God helped us because the doctors provided great care.

The baby was placed in an incubator for one month. After leaving the incubator, they gave us the baby to keep on my daughter's chest for warmth. We continued this practice for about 20 days. After 20 days, we were moved to a private room where the doctors checked on us regularly. The doctors monitored us closely throughout. They even got us a cake when the baby reached a healthy weight. Now we can hold him like a normal baby. I would like to thank all doctors. I also want to tell other mothers who give birth at home that if they face challenges, they should come to FAME.

I'm grateful for the commitments of the doctors. They never got tired. Whenever we called, they came to help us. And as Grandmother, I also don’t get tired. I do my best to follow up with the doctors on my grandson’s health. When my daughter is tired, I take over and care for the baby. We must do our best to get the care we need. I am thankful to God and the doctors because since we arrived here, we’ve had no issues-they’ve been so kind. That’s why we named our baby ‘Baraka’ (Blessing). Because when we arrived, I never lost hope. And the doctors were optimistic too—they believed the baby would recover. The doctors were always there when we called and always helpful. That’s why we called him Baraka. His father didn’t give up hope, and everyone we met at the hospital shared that same optimism.

One of the baby's in FAME's NICU on Valentine's Day. Baby Eliza came to FAME after a month of battling pneumonia at home. Her story is below.

Established in 2019, alongside the Maternity Center, FAME's NICU provides crucial care to our smallest and most vulnerable patients. This life-saving care is provided for infants born at FAME and sick or premature infants transferred from other hospitals, clinics or home births. Over the last three years, admissions to FAME’s NICU have increased by almost 20%. This Valentine's Day, we share with you short stories from the NICU, all of which were made possible by the love and care provided by FAME's medical team.

In a bustling corner of FAME's NICU, we meet Baby Eliza. Born prematurely at home, she was brought to FAME's NICU after a month of battling pneumonia and anemia. With the help of FAME's medical team, she received oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. She steadily recovered and and today, this little warrior is ready to bid farewell to the NICU and embrace the world outside.

Meanwhile, another infant is no stranger to FAME's NICU. Born with a heart defect that requires delicate surgical intervention, Baby Paulina's parents bring her to FAME weekly for regular monitoring. FAME's pediatric team is committed to supporting her growth until she is big enough to receive surgery at our referral cardiac center. It is this specialized medical attention for infants with complex health needs that illustrates FAME's steadfast commitment to ensuring that every baby receives the best possible care.

It is not all monitors and medicine in the NICU; there are moments of pure celebration, too. Like the joyous occasion when an underweight infant reaches the significant milestone of 1kg. In a heartwarming display of support, the NICU team celebrates these success with cake and smiles! This celebration is a reminder to everyone that even the smallest victories are worth cherishing.

John at FAME in December 2023, recovering from surgery (left). John on Valentine's Day 2024; two months older and much, much bigger (right)!

The FAME team celebrated a significant milestone in this underweight baby's growth. After reaching 1kg, Baby Jacqueline was discharged from FAME to continue receiving treatment at a medical facility closer to home. We learned today that her local clinic is having a party to celebrate reaching 2kgs!

When I arrived at the hospital, I was in severe pain. They did some tests, and then scheduled me for an operation. Afterwards, a team of doctors did another check with the ultrasound and told me that surgery wouldn’t be necessary. Instead, they recommended treatment with medication. Since I started the medicine, I haven’t felt any pain at all.” - Layla*

This year, in response to the growing general surgery program at FAME, and with the support of some of our incredible FAME family members and FAME volunteers, we were able to purchase an ultrasound machine to be dedicated entirely to the operating theater. This additional machine has profoundly impacted our ability to care for our surgical patients. The state-of-the-art equipment available throughout the hospital enables our team of doctors to better assess each case and, through panel discussions, determine the most suitable interventions for our patients.

“I am very grateful to the doctors at FAME—especially because they helped me get better without the need for an operation. I encourage others who are ill to come to FAME. The hospital is great, and the doctors are kind and caring. I know some people worry about high costs, but the fees are reasonable, and not expensive like people think. Just come.” - Layla

When asked what care and support mean to her, Layla responded, “I believe care and support means receiving timely help from the doctor. If you have a problem and explain it, the doctor reassures you, and makes you feel better.”

When I first fell ill, it was very unsettling. One day, my right leg just stopped working—it felt like it was asleep, and I couldn’t walk on it at all. I went to a hospital near my hometown in Babati, where they ran several tests but couldn’t find the problem. They gave me medication and sent me home, but my condition didn’t improve.

Eventually, my daughter recommended I visit FAME Hospital. When I arrived, the doctors wasted no time and immediately began running tests. The next day, I returned to hear the results. They explained that my right leg was paralyzed due to an issue on the left side of my brain. I was both shocked and amazed.

Soon after, I underwent surgery at FAME. I don’t remember much of the operation itself—I was unconscious—but I woke up two days later and began doing small exercises under the guidance of the medical team. That was when I first realized I could stand upright again. I had thought I might never recover, but the care and attention I received at FAME made all the difference.

Before, I used to walk hunched over, with someone supporting me on one side and a cane in the other hand. Now, I can walk upright again without a cane. The surgery scar on my head has also healed. I’m incredibly grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped me through this illness.

I really never thought I would recover, so when I saw a FAME staff member walking around campus with a camera, I felt compelled to ask if I could share my story. I want people not to lose hope and to know that if I could recover, so can they.