As Waistlines Increase, Diabetes Sets In In Tanzania

15/01/2019 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM -- As she walks through a narrow passage in Tandale slum in Dar es Salaam to work, Lulu Kambogi braves the taunts shouted at her: “Bonge, Bonge, Bonge.” (Fat woman) Continue reading ->

Tanzania Approves Herbs To Treat Erectile Dysfunction

07/01/2019 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM -- As rain sprinkled on the muddy soil, Patrick Nyembo and his wife Agnes waded on the mud-soaked pathway to a remote village in western Tanzania as they desperately try to reach a herbalist whose herbs are believed to treat a very embarrassing problem. Continue reading ->

Tanzania’s New Health Policy To Recognise Neglected Tropical Diseases

11/12/2018 Kizito Makoye

TABORA, Tanzania -- At first glance, the village looks quiet and beautiful. Unfortunately, life has not been affirming for dozens of its inhabitants. They have leprosy—a least contagious and curable disease, except for its two worst characteristics — poverty and neglect. Continue reading ->

Tanzania Crackdown On Homosexuality Fuels HIV Infections, Campaigners Warn

14/11/2018 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania -- “What on earth have I done to deserve this suffering?” weeps Joha* a gay transgender woman, tears blurring her eyeshadows after she was refused a dose of life-prolonging antiretroviral medicine for HIV/AIDS at a local clinic because of her ambiguous gender identity. Continue reading ->

As Climate Change Tightens Grip, Tanzania Braces For More Cholera Outbreaks

24/10/2018 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania -- Salma Mahmoud sits under a Neem tree with her chin perched on her palms. She’s still moaning the death of her son Abdul, who died to cholera a year ago after guzzling suspected contaminated water. Continue reading ->

Women Suffer In Tanzania’s Deadly Backstreet Abortions

08/10/2018 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania -- When Yusta Michael (not her real name) unintentionally fell pregnant in the first year of her university, she realised her dreams had been shattered. A hard-working student at the Institute of Social Welfare in Tanzania’s largest commercial city, Michael was aspiring to become a social worker and help addressing the plight of street children in the sprawling city. At three months pregnant, Michael decided to terminate the pregnancy because her boyfriend disowned it, and she didn’t want to disappoint her deeply religious parents. Continue reading ->

Budget Shortfalls Cripple Health Services In Tanzania Public Hospitals

19/09/2018 Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania -- The scene of a pregnant woman screaming while giving birth on the cold-tiled floor of Sumbawanga district Hospital in Tanzania’s southwest highlands, three years ago, evokes horribly vivid memories for Jesca Chokala, who was barely able to help her. Continue reading ->