Healthcare in Tanzania (10-29-2024)

Yesterday, after a long travel day, the team stopped at the Selian Hospice and Palliative Care office.  Even though it was late in the day, the care team greeted the group with hugs and shouts of joy.  Paulina, one of the nurses, has been with the team for over 30 years and remembered some of the previous visits.  She embraced every single member of the team with shouts of joy and gratitude for taking the time. As we walked through the grounds, she grabbed our hands highlighting true accompaniment with our team. 

Dr. Adda Justine provided one example of the work that the team does in this region.  There was a young 17-year male that was isolated in his village with spinal bifida and double incontinence.  He was the third born in a family of 6 children and the mom was a widow that had to work.  This left the child isolated and unable to participate in village activities.  The palliative care team’s first visit was in 2021 with a referral from a volunteer that was working in the community. Since that time, there have been several interventions through physicians surgeons and the care team. Now, this child is an active member of the community, a part of the church choir and getting all the support that he needs.

At the conclusion of this visit, the Hospice and Palliative Care team gave each TLC member a personalized key chain.  What a beautiful remembrance and a touching gift.

Often when individuals travel to other countries, some sort of illness arises.  In our case, several of our team were down for multiple days with a variety of challenges.  It was such a blessing that on the day of the visit to Selian Hospital, one member of the team was experiencing significant gastrointestinal issues. This person was escorted through the fast track area of the clinic by Monica, the hospital’s assistant director.  As labs were drawn, physician’s were consulted and tests reviewed, it was clear that for this to be resolved an antibiotic would be required. One of the amazing driver’s went to the pharmacy with this individual to pick up the prescription. The cost, which included the fast track exam, labs, physician’s exam and prescription totaled less than $20 USD.  We are currently working on the insurance reimbursement claim (just kidding). By the way, this person has already contacted their family, is doing remarkably well and did not miss one part of this experience. And the rest of us are ALL fine!

The rest of the group met with Alan, the Director of the Hospital and Israel, the Chaplain.  They shared that each morning the care team starts the day with prayer.  Felix Samuel also spent most of the morning with the team.  He has worked with the hospital for over 30 years and was responsible for quality and statistics.  His stories of the history of the hospital, the funding shortages and the expansion hopes were impactful.  The grounds and the surrounding area are stunning!

The next visit was to the Selian Nursing and Social Worker School.  There are 135 students in both programs, mostly comprised of females.  The team toured the grounds, walked through classrooms, met a few students and saw the new dorms.  Tanzania is experiencing significant shortages in both of these programs and would Iike to continue to expand. 

The final event of the day was a unique dining experience at Khan’s, which is an outdoor dining experience in an automotive shop.  It was truly delightful and really good food.  And Khan, the owner, spent time with the group sharing his story, his connection to Tanzania, his family and how this started.   You can read all about his restaurant on TripAdvisor at this link:  Khan’s BBQ

The team is packing the days with a myriad of experiences.  The healthcare system is radically different, yet much the same, with individuals feeling the call to serve with both empathy and compassion.  And the blessings continue.

With gratitude,

Mel Sullivan