Social workers play a vital role during FAME's morning ward rounds. 

They ensure that every aspect of a patient's well-being is addressed, from medical care to emotional support. They bring warmth, empathy and expertise to each patient's bedside, making every morning brighter. And they epitomize FAME's believe in patient-centered care. 

The Social Worker team is present in all of FAME's departments, including our Inpatient Ward, Surgical Ward, Maternity Center, Outpatient Clinic, Reproductive and Child Health Center, Emergency Room and more. 

Their dedication and love for the work make a significant difference in patients' lives. Patients feels comfortable and at ease to receive treatment and care at FAME. Thank you to our incredible social work team for making this possible.

As part of our ongoing work in rural Tanzania, our partnership with Meleka Foundation helps ensure that members of the Hadzabe community can reach medical care when they need it. This partnership helps us tackle geographical barriers to deliver health services to an indigenous and historically hard to reach population.

Recently, one community member began experiencing symptoms that required attention. With support from Meleka Foundation, he was brought to FAME, where our team was able to evaluate his condition, provide treatment, and make sure he was well enough to return home. Moments like these remind us why access matters: when care is reachable, small concerns don’t become critical emergencies.

Working alongside our partners, we remain committed to making that access a reality for every community we serve, no matter how remote.

“I’ve known FAME for almost 7 years now, and what we love about coming here is the warm reception and timely service. Dr. Frank and his team always make us feel welcome and at ease. The honesty we find here is also a breath of fresh air - if something can be treated, they’re upfront about it, and if not, they guide us on where to go next. No beating around the bush or wasting time!”

— Father

“This time around, my 6-year-old child had been struggling with chronic tonsils, but thanks to the expert care at FAME, he’s undergone a successful surgery and we’re thrilled to be heading home! The peace of mind and relief we feel are indescribable. Thank you, FAME, for your dedication to providing exceptional care to our family!”

— Father

Jacob’s path to becoming FAME’s Nutritionist is rooted in determination and a clear commitment to patient care. He first came to FAME from more than 350 miles away and joined the team as a nurse. Getting here wasn’t easy: he applied multiple times before finally being invited for an interview in 2018, where he secured the only nursing position available that year.

Two years into his work at FAME, Jacob felt called to focus more deeply on nutrition. He enrolled in a Bachelor’s program in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at The Open University of Tanzania. When FAME saw his dedication, we fully supported him during his final year, paying all fees and covering costs for stays in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro for studies, as well as his practical learning at Muhimbili National Hospital. FAME also refunded Jacob 100% of the expenses he had paid in earlier years, recognizing how important it was to build a strong Nutrition and Dietetics program at FAME.

Jacob was officially endorsed as FAME’s Nutritionist and Dietician Officer in 2025. Today, he works across the hospital assessing patients’ nutritional needs and developing individualized diet plans. "My dream is to create a compact department," said Jacob. Every day, he goes across the hospital, assessing nutritional needs and planning diets. "For children under five, common cases are usually kwashiorkor (malnutrition), while for elderly patients, it’s often underweight or overweight (obesity) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mostly diabetes, hypertension and sometimes anaemia," explained Jacob. "For patients with protein deficiency, I ensure it’s managed before their surgeries to guarantee safety and quick recovery," he added.

At FAME, Jacob spearheads initiatives that educate mothers on preparing nutritious meals for their babies and beyond the hospital walls, he leads outreach programs to prevent NCDs through better nutrition, empowering communities to take charge of their health. He recently attended the East Africa Diabetic Congress, gaining new knowledge on managing Diabetes and further strengthening his expertise

Jacob’s journey reflects FAME’s commitment to strengthening our capacity from within. Jacobs is driven by a passion that transcends borders and inspires a ripple effect across the community. But his dedication is just one of hundreds of stories across FAME that show how our team is expanding access to quality care for patients and families throughout our community.

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.