ADVANCING ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE
TAMSA
Tanzania Medical Students’ Association
The Medvoice Newsletter
April Edition, 2025
This is TAMSA Publication © 2025 - Only portions of this publication may be reproduced for non political and non profit purposes, provided mentioning the source
Disclaimer
This publication contains the collective views of different contributors, the opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of TAMSA TANZANIA.
While Striving for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or applicability of the information provided.
The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers' products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by TAMSA TANZANIA in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.
From the Editor’s desk
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the first-ever edition of The MedVoice Newsletter! We are excited to embark on this journey of advancing advocacy, education, and innovation in healthcare—and we’re thrilled to have you with us.
In this issue, we bring you fresh perspectives, thought-provoking content, and inspiring stories that highlight creativity, progress, and the rich culture within the medical field Whether you ' re here for the latest trends or timeless insights, each page has been carefully curated with you in mind.
We sincerely appreciate your support and engagement in this growing community. Your feedback and passion drive us forward, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the pages ahead
Warm Regards,
Mohamed Faisal Chief Editor, The MedVoice Newsletter
T T H E T E A M
E E
M
Mohamed Faisal Mohamed Chief Editor
Tatheer Mahershah Haidershah Assistant Chief Editor
Azraah Rahim General Secretary
Hadi Raza Consultant
Yohana Mwakatobe Supervisor
SECTION EDITORS
NEWS EDITORS
EDUCATION EDITORS
FEATURES EDITORS
ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS
INNOVATION EDITORS
GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT
Sajida A Ali
Lilian Shadrack
Joseph Birusha
Jacqueline Malwa
Sarosh Sheikh Elias Senso
Faustine Sanga Jaynes K
Tanishaa Valand Elvira Mahirane Charlotte Innocent
Goodluck
Hellen Ngende
Gabriel David Machele Yosia
USAID SCANDAL
USAID Corruption Scandal Prompts US to Sever Ties as a Leading Global Donor
For decades, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) stood as a beacon of hope for millions across the globe, driving humanitarian efforts in health, economic development, and crisis response. But now, with corruption allegations mounting and political scrutiny at an all-time high, the question looms has the world’s most prominent aid agency become a liability rather than a lifeline?
The Rise and Fall of USAID
USAID was more than just an aid agency; it was a symbol of American generosity, a bridge between prosperity and poverty, and, for many in developing nations, the difference between life and death Now, after more than six decades of operation, the U S government has decided to pull the plug, leaving a devastating void in its wake.
USAID aid shipments symbols of American goodwill or political leverage?
President Donald Trump, in one of his most controversial moves yet, declared USAID riddled with corruption, inefficiency, and fraud. “American taxpayer dollars should not be funding terrorism, waste, or bureaucracy,” he asserted. While some saw this as a much-needed fiscal correction, others warned that such a decision would send shockwaves through the global humanitarian landscape.
Could it be that the very agency designed to fight poverty and disease had instead become a breeding ground for mismanagement? The USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) seemed to suggest so, citing a staggering $9 million in aid diverted to terrorist groups and a web of financial opacity that made tracking funds nearly impossible.
The Consequences: A Death Sentence for Millions?
Effect on East African Countries
For East Africa, where USAID’s contributions have been the backbone of HIV/AIDS programs, the repercussions are nothing short of catastrophic Treatment Disruptions: In Tanzania, nearly 1 2 million HIV-positive individuals relied on USAID-funded antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. With funding pulled, what happens now? Do they simply stop treatment and await the inevitable?
Service Closures: Ethiopia’s clinics, once bustling with outreach programs and life-saving services, now sit empty Who will step in to fill the void?
Health System Collapse: Without USAID’s support, already strained healthcare systems are teetering on the brink. Hospitals are overcrowded, resources are scarce, and hope is dwindling
The reality is brutal: cutting HIV/AIDS funding means sentencing thousands—perhaps millions—to an early grave Without proper treatment, the virus spreads unchecked. Families are shattered, economies weakened, and an entire generation is left vulnerable. Was this truly the best course of action?
The U.S. Government’s Next Move: A Shift or an Abandonment?
As USAID dissolves, the U.S. government faces a crucial decision should it abandon international aid altogether, or is there a new strategy in the works?
President Biden’s proposed 2025 budget includes increased funding for domestic HIV/AIDS programs, signaling a shift in priorities While the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative received a boost to $593 million, international funding has largely dried up The irony? America may be winning its fight against HIV at home while allowing the epidemic to spiral out of control abroad.
Meanwhile, countries like South Africa have scrambled to fill the gap. With an additional $1 5 billion allocated to healthcare, they are trying to prevent an impending disaster But can they do it alone? Can any nation truly replace the scale of USAID’s contributions?
USAID’s mission at a crossroads Trump’s administration faced criticism for politicizing the agency, shifting its focus under the ‘America First’ agenda
Impact of U.S. Funding Cuts on HIV/AIDS Treatment in East Africa Funding Cuts & Policy Shifts
A Call to Action: Who Will Step Up?
As the dust settles, the world must ask itself who will fill the void left by USAID? Will the United Nations, the World Bank, or private philanthropists step in? Or will history look back on this decision as a turning point where humanitarian aid took a devastating hit?
One thing is certain: the global health crisis is far from over. For millions living with HIV/AIDS, the fight for survival has just become infinitely harder And unless the international community rallies to respond, the consequences will be devastating.
As of March 14, 2025, USAID’s operations remain in a state of suspension. The agency’s future is uncertain, with discussions ongoing about potential restructuring or dissolution. The administration has expressed intentions to merge USAID into the State Department, aiming to streamline operations and eliminate programs deemed misaligned with U.S. interests.
The suspension has raised concerns about the continuity of critical humanitarian programs worldwide, particularly those addressing health crises, poverty alleviation, and educational initiatives. The global community awaits further clarification on the U S government’s commitment to foreign aid and the mechanisms through which it will be administered in the future.
So, what’s next? Will the world turn a blind eye, or will we rise to the challenge? The lives of millions hang in the balance
MEDICAL MYTHS BUSTED
MENTAL HEALTH
Medical Myths busted: separating facts from fiction.
Myth Fact
You should drink 8 glasses of water daily
The majority of people think that one needs 8 glasses of water to stay healthy requirement.
The truth is that being hydrated varies with factors like age, weight, and activity level. Listen to your body's thirst is a good indicator of when to drink.
Medical Myths busted: separating facts from fiction.
Myth Fact
You only use 10% of your brain
It’s believed by people that humans use 10% of their brain capacity.
In truth, brain imaging studies show that we use virtually every part of our brain, even at rest
MENTAL HEALTH
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF BURNOUT
Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It’s a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Common signs include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of motivation
- Irritability or cynicism
- Difficulty concentrating
What to Do;
You don’t have to go through medical school alone. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you MAKE STUDY BUDDIES
Simple ways to recharge and get back in the game.
Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours a night. Your brain needs rest to function optimally
Exercise: Even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood and energy levels
Hobbies: Make time for activities you enjoy
Need to refocus your brain, do this Deep Breathing Meditation
AFYA LEAD
AFYA LEAD
A Startup Born from Urgency and Innovation
Every great innovation starts with a problem that refuses to be ignored For James Kalema (CEO, MD5), Paschal Kija (COO), and Frank Mussa (Environmental Health, formerly involved) the cofounders of Afya Lead that problem was maternal mortality.
In 2021, as second-year medical students, they saw something deeply unsettling. Women in rural and primary healthcare settings were dying from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) a condition that should be entirely preventable Yet, the lack of resources at lower-level facilities meant that by the time a mother reached a referral hospital, it was often too late
They weren’t content to just witness this. They wanted to do something about it.
Fast-forward to February 2023, and their idea had transformed into Afya Lead, an officially registered health startup tackling maternal health and healthcare access head-on Their team later expanded to include Arnold Kaihula (Chief of Partnerships and Strategy, UDOM) and Pilly (Admin & Finance Manager, UDOM, currently with UNFPA) bringing more hands, brains, and passion into the mix.
Three Products, One Goal: Saving Lives Afya Lead is not about reinventing healthcare it’s about fixing what’s broken The team has developed three powerful solutions aimed at closing gaps in maternal and public health.
1. Mkanda Salama – A simple Device Making a Huge Difference
If you work in maternal health, you know that PPH is an emergency that doesn’t wait In tertiary hospitals, specialized doctors handle it swiftly. But in primary healthcare facilities, where resources are scarce, the approach was often pressing a woman’s abdomen with knuckles to stop the bleeding.
That’s what James Kalema witnessed firsthand in Ifakara. A woman, after delivering at home, arrived at the hospital severely anemic, needing five units of blood—because the only intervention available had been manual pressure on her abdomen.
AFYA LEAD
That moment sparked a question: What if there was a device that could do this safely, effectively, and without human fatigue?
Mkanda Salama was born a locally made, reusable abdominal aortic compression device that: Controls blood flow by compressing the abdominal aorta. Uses a pressure gauge to ensure the right amount of force is applied. Helps prevent excessive bleeding, buying precious time before definitive care.
tested in Ifakara, proving 85% effective, and is now saving lives at Ifakara and Chanika hospitals Over 500 women have already benefited.
But the team isn’t stopping here. They are working on making it massproducible, sterilizable, and affordable for widespread use a process that comes with funding and manufacturing hurdles they are determined to overcome
Mkanda Salama is currently priced at TSh 180,000 and is used exclusively in hospitals, where care is provided free of charge.
2. Mama Salama Delivery Pack: Revolutionizing Safe Motherhood
In the ever-evolving world of maternal healthcare, Afya Lead has once again raised the bar with its latest innovation in early 2024: the Mama Salama Delivery Pack. Designed to ensure a safe and empowering journey into motherhood, this cutting-edge solution is quickly becoming a must have for expectant moms across the region.
Available now at wholesale pharmacies and hospitals, it is a game changer that blends practicality with modern technology.
The Mama Salama Delivery Pack is thoughtfully crafted with two key components. The first is a comprehensive delivery kit, filled with all the essential tools a mother needs to welcome her baby safely From sterile supplies to vital equipment, it is a one stop package that takes the guesswork out of preparation
AFYA LEAD
But what truly sets this apart is the second feature: an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot. This clever tool delivers personalized health advice, pregnancy education, and real time support right to a mother’s phone.
It is like having a trusted expert on speed dial, offering guidance at every stage
This is not just about convenience; it is about confidence. By equipping moms with both physical essentials and digital know how, Afya Lead is redefining what it means to be prepared.
Whether it is a late-night question or a quick tip on staying healthy, the Mama Salama Delivery Pack ensures no mother feels alone on her journey.
Unlike Mkanda Salama (hospital use only), Mama Salama is sold in pharmacies and RCH clinics offering direct access to expecting mothers. One kit costs TSh 13,000, making it an affordable, practical solution.
3. Pamoja Bima – Fixing a Broken Insurance System
You ever wondered why insurance companies have no agents to register new users? You wish that their services to be like network providers with agents that might connect you with best insurance companies?
Well then Pamoja Bima is your solution a trusted agent on your phone
Afya Lead saw the gap and built Pamoja Bima, a mobile platform that: Connects people to insurance providers easily.
Allows self-registration or lets agents assist.
Works as an intermediary, making insurance more accessible Currently, Afya Lead is partnering with Assemble Insurance, and luckily in the future it will include other companies like NHIF to scale the platform nationwide
Overcoming Challenges & Securing Support
The road has not been easy. Funding, manufacturing, and scaling production are ongoing battles. But Afya Lead isn’t fighting alone. They’ve secured:
26 million TZS (10,000 USD) from UNCDF
40 million TZS (15,000 USD) from COSTECH
13 million TZS (5,000USD) from Ifakara Innovation Hub
26 million TZS (10,000 USD) from ASME ICHOW Kenya (a global innovation competition)
5 million (1,800 USD) from Mkapa Foundation Grants from UNFPA and Sahara Ventures
AFYA LEAD
Their biggest win? Recognition from the Tanzanian government, after winning a national innovation competition. That victory helped them secure office space and funding to expand Mkanda Salama’s production
A Word to Future Innovators
Afya Lead’s story is proof that i g n
START NOW; UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL
Paschal Thomas Kija Cofounder & Chief of operation
Afya lead Limited |www.afyalead.co.tz
Paschal Thomas Kija Cofounder & Chief of operation
Paschal Kija reflects on their journey: Innovation is a demanding journey, especially in medical school.
Balancing academics with entrepreneurship is challenging, but it is possible.
Look at existing practices and find ways to improve them. Innovation is not always about creating something entirely new it’s about solving real-world problems.
Passion is the driving force The key to success is falling in love with the problem you’re trying to solve.
Failure is part of the process If one idea doesn’t work, find another way
Their early project, TB Connect, aimed to simplify TB diagnosis but it didn’t take off. Instead of quitting, they pivoted. That’s what real innovation is: adapting, learning, and pushing forward.
AFYA LEAD
His biggest advice? Get exposed. “If you hear about an innovation event, go. If there’s a platform that connects you to the right people, attend. Mentorship and networks matter.”
What’s Next for Afya Lead?
For now, they are focused on strengthening and scaling their existing products. But if the right opportunity comes, they are ready to innovate again.
And they’re always looking for new minds so if you’re an aspiring innovator, they welcome collaborators, ideas, and fresh energy
Final Thoughts
Afya Lead’s journey is not just a story about medical students building a startup it’s about refusing to wait for change. It’s about seeing a problem and deciding to solve it, no matter how difficult it is
And if that’s not the spirit of true innovation, what is?
FEATURES AND STORIES
Dr. Esther Daniel Mwaikambo, born in 1940, is a pioneering Tanzanian medical doctor renowned for her significant contributions to pediatrics and medical education in Tanzania. She holds the distinction of being the country’s first female physician, having earned her MD from the Peoples’ Friendship University in Moscow in 1969.
Following her graduation, Dr Mwaikambo pursued a Master of Medicine in Pediatrics from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1977. She further specialized by obtaining a Diploma in Childhood Infectious Diseases and Immunology from the Institute of Child Health in London in 1982 and a Certificate in Behavioral Sciences from Harvard University in 1995.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Mwaikambo has been a trailblazer in various capacities. She founded the Medical Women Association of Tanzania in 1987, aiming to inspire and mentor young women to pursue careers in medicine Her leadership extended to serving as Vice Chancellor of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, where she also held a professorship in Pediatrics and Child Health. Additionally, she has been instrumental in leading national health initiatives, including the country’s breast cancer program and the polio eradication program.
Dr. Mwaikambo’s dedication and achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2009, she was the Harvard Distinguished African Lecturer and received the Tanzania Women of Achievement Award She was also honored with the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award in 2013. Her exemplary contributions to science and medicine were further acknowledged in 2018 when she was elected as an International Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Mwaikambo has been a staunch advocate for women’s roles in science and healthcare. Her journey from the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to becoming a leading figure in Tanzanian medicine serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the impact of perseverance and dedication in overcoming societal barriers
LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
ART AND MEDICINE CROSSWORDS
MOVIE AND TV SERIES RECOMMENDATION
Leadership in Action: A Seminar Experience
Leadership is a journey of growth, resilience, and continuous learning. We had the opportunity to sit down with one of the participants of a recent Leadership Seminar to hear about their experiences, insights, and takeaways
AN INTERVIEW WITH JEREMIAH JOEL (SJUCHAS)
Motivation & Personal Growth
For our participant, the post-seminar leadership activity was a major draw particularly due to their love for nature The opportunity to engage with esteemed speakers, especially Dr. Mugisha Nkoronko, was another key motivator.
The most valuable lesson they took away? Patience. Navigating logistical challenges like transport and time constraints was tough, but the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability One of the most impactful moments came when TAMSA Kairuki demonstrated CPR and resuscitation techniques, highlighting the critical role of emergency response skills in leadership.
Skills & Application
The seminar wasn't just about theory it was hands-on. The CPR and Resuscitation training by TAMSA Kairuki stood out, assets. These practical lessons were
Collaboration was another key tak from various universities expanded th teamwork and communication skills. lessons of patience and financial ma making a difference
Networking & Inspiration
When asked about networking, the a yes! The seminar provided a platform peers, and mentors, including the ins Nkoronko These interactions have le professional growth, opening doors t
Dr. Mugisha Nkoronko PRESIDENT MAT
Leadership in Action: A Seminar Experience
Challenges & Improvements
No event is without its challenges. Time constraints were the biggest hurdle there simply wasn’t enough time to explore every activity fully One major misconception debunked during the seminar? The belief that Ifakara is purely a rural area—turns out, there’s much more to discover.
If given a chance to improve the experience, our participant suggested extending the duration and incorporating school tours, allowing for deeper engagement
Looking Ahead: Advice for Future Leaders
Would they recommend this seminar to others? Absolutely The experience was rich with opportunities to learn, grow, and network essential for any aspiring leader. Their advice? Don’t miss it!
For those considering attending a leadership seminar, this story serves as a reminder: leadership is not just about titles it’s about learning, adapting, and making an impact.
ART AND MEDICINE
ZUBEDA SHABANI
MD1 CUHAS
ART AND MEDICINE
ZUBEDA SHABANI
MD1 CUHAS
ART AND MEDICINE
DASYAM KUSUMITHA
MD2 KU
ART AND MEDICINE
DASYAM KUSUMITHA
MD2 KU
ART AND MEDICINE
DASYAM KUSUMITHA
MD2 KU
MOVIES AND TV SHOWS RECOMMENDATION
1998 PG-13 1h 55m
The true story of a heroic man, Hunter "Patch" Adams, determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people He ventured where no doctor had ventured before, using humour and pathos.
Director: Tom Shadyac
Writers: Patch Adams, Maureen Mylander, Steve Oedekerk
Stars: Robin Williams, Daniel London, Monica Potter
MOVIES AND TV SHOWS RECOMMENDATION
SERIES
The staff of an Army hospital in the Korean War find that laughter is the best way to deal with their situation
Creator: Larry Gelbart
Stars: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit
TAMSA 15TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND 17TH
INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE
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