Lorraine Kakuyu: From Russia-Ukraine war to US medical dream

Dar es Salaam. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ one young woman’s story stands out as a testament to resilience, determination, and ambition.

Lorraine Kakuyu, a 22-year-old from Dar es Salaam, has triumphed over numerous challenges pursuing to become a pediatric surgeon.

Her journey, from fleeing war in Ukraine to building a future in the United States, exemplifies the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of women both in Tanzania and beyond.

Ms Kakuyu’s passion for medicine was evident from a young age.

Born and raised in Dar es Salaam, Ms Kakuyu was deeply moved by the struggles many families faced in accessing quality healthcare.

Her dream was clear, to become a pediatric surgeon and make a tangible difference in the lives of children who lacked proper medical care.

“I just want to save lives and help those who can’t afford it,” she says, a sentiment that reflects her lifelong commitment to healthcare.

Her aspirations led her to Kharkiv National Medical University in Ukraine, where she enrolled in 2021 to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

The decision to study abroad was both an academic and personal milestone—an opportunity to grow, adapt, and immerse herself in a new culture.

“Ukraine is a very beautiful country. Going there really taught me how to grow and survive. I’m so grateful for the people I met, the cultures I experienced, and the lessons I learned,” Ms Kakuyu recalls.

However, just a year into her studies, Ms Kakuyu’s world was turned upside down.

On February 24, 2022, the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, sending the country into turmoil.

The city of Kharkiv, where Ms Kakuyu lived, became one of the conflict’s hardest-hit areas.

The sudden shift from a promising future to the horrors of war was unimaginable.

“My aunt had warned me to sleep with my shoes on in case we needed to run. I thought it was unnecessary, but I did it anyway,” remembers Ms Kakuyu.

She continues: “At 4:00 am, my friend and I were woken up by the sounds of bombs and ambulances. People rushed to ATMs to withdraw money, stocked up on food, and within a day, electricity was gone.”

The nightmare of war forced her into survival mode. She eventually managed to escape to Romania before returning to Tanzania. The experience, though traumatic, reinforced her resilience.

“Life will always throw obstacles in your path, but what matters is how you rise, adapt, and keep going,” she says, a message that resonates deeply on this Women’s Day.

Despite the setback, Ms Kakuyu was determined to keep moving forward.

In May 2022, she secured a six-month internship at the European Union office in Dar es Salaam, gaining valuable experience in international affairs.

The experience widened her perspective and taught her adaptability.

“The internship helped me develop skills beyond medicine. I learned about leadership, problem-solving, and how to navigate complex global issues,” she reflects.

Ms Kakuyu’s ability to turn adversity into opportunity is emblematic of Tanzanian women who persist despite challenges, balancing multiple roles while pursuing their dreams.

Ms Kakuyu knew she had to find another path to her dream and in January 2023, she moved to the United States to attend Santa Rosa Junior College in California.

There, she is completing prerequisites for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a strategic move that will allow her to work as an ICU nurse while preparing for medical school.

“Initially, I wanted to be a pediatric doctor, but now I aim to be a pediatric surgeon. I want to save lives and make a difference,” she shares.

Her plan is methodical—after earning her BSN, she aims to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) before transitioning into medical school. Ms Kakuyu’s journey is far from easy, but she remains focused.

However, beyond personal achievement, Ms Kakuyu’s ultimate goal is to give back to Tanzania.

She envisions returning home as a qualified pediatric surgeon to treat children lacking access to medical care.

“After I fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse and then a surgeon, I want to devote my time to treating children in my nation,” she says.

Her ambitions extend beyond Tanzania; she hopes to work with global organizations like the United Nations Health Sector to address healthcare disparities worldwide.

On this International Women’s Day, Ms Kakuyu shares a powerful message with her fellow Tanzanian women: “Never give up on your dreams, no matter the challenges. Pursue your passion with dedication and resilience, and you will achieve more than you ever imagined.”

Her journey—from Dar es Salaam to Ukraine, back home, and now to the United States—is a testament to the power of perseverance and the limitless potential of Tanzanian women when given the opportunity.