Give Tanzania a Surgeon!

Immediately coming to Tanzania I was confronted by the adversities and struggles of it’s people. Even trained professionals are scraping a living. This is where I’d like to introduce my resilient friend and colleague Shilanaiman, also known as Dr. Hilary!

Hilary grew up in Arusha, a small city in Tanzania. Finishing high school at 24 he became a research assistant along-side his brother. As only 0.27% of Tanzanians continue onto university, this did not seem like an attainable option at this time. With family persistence and good grades he was accepted into medicine. Finishing his medical studies Hillary worked as a GP for 2 1/2 years. Here he saw many surgical conditions that were poorly managed as there are few surgeons in Tanzania.

Without financial support, becoming a doctor in Tanzania is incredibly difficult. There are no loan schemes available to students therefore most support is put upon the families. Sadly, Hilary’s family saw the tragic death of both his father and older brother leaving them in no position to help.

Surgery is a post graduate degree here. Hilary was a successful applicant, whereby only 8 students were selected for the Surgical training programme. Of those, 3 were awarded scholarships covering their fees and living costs, four were forced to drop out unable to pay their fees and then there is Hilary. Hilary has struggled on with his training despite facing severe financial hardship; everyday he works full time as a surgeon without pay. He is now entering his third of four years of this struggle. To be able to live he additionally works as an assistant surgeon to other hospitals and even makes and sells soap. This however is barely enough to live off yet alone pay tuition his fees. Everyday I see Hilary remaining positive, choosing to see his situation as a challenge.

My hope is to 'pay it forward.' Many of us have been fortunate with support, whether situational, financial or emotional to help reach where we are today. I would like to pay this forward by supporting the training of another surgeon in Tanzania so that Dr. Hilary, across his career can use his skills to help the thousands here in need.