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.
 
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.

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

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.