Letters from my fatherland: I am in love….

Dear Family and Friends,

I have to admit that I’m in love with Kibong’oto! That small village that first captured my heart when I stepped there in January. I enjoyed its beautiful and calming environment. That clean blue sky, those lush green trees, those big fresh sunflowers, and that magnificent snow-capped Kilimanjaro Mountain are forever etched in my memory. Every time I drove to Kibong’oto those views caught my eye!

Kibong’oto Infectious Diseases Hospital is located in this village. It is a public hospital, which began as a sanatorium in 1926. It is the only infectious diseases hospital in East Africa. In 1956 the focus of the hospital changed to caring for patients with tuberculosis. It continues to treat patients with other infectious diseases as well. I decided to go there for my internship for many reasons. One was that the hospital is about forty-five-minute drive from my home in Moshi. This internship was my first trip back home after living in the US for 16 years. It gave me the opportunity to work in Tanzania as a professional. Another reason is because the hospital focuses on the care of tuberculosis patients, especially those with drug-resistant strains. Through my work in a Tuberculosis laboratory at Harvard University, School of Public Health I was able to increase my knowledge about the disease and the bacterium that causes it. Kibong’oto gave me the opportunity to understand the effects of this disease on patients and enabled me to understand the practicality of our research at Harvard.

My first internship was funded by Initiatives Inc., a women-owned company in Boston. During the internship, I was responsible for implementing professional nursing standards of care consistent with the ministry of Health. It was a success and I was lucky enough to return for a second internship through University of Virginia’s Department of Medicine.

During my second internship, I worked on a project to determine the effects of mining on the incidence of tuberculosis. As you may already know, the world’s only Tanzanite-producing area is located near Mount Kilimanjaro. Consequently, a large number of miners who are affected by their working conditions come to Kibong’oto Hospital because they have a high risk of tuberculosis. Our research team was responsible for collecting and reviewing the data about the miners and their families. The overall goal was to provide health education in order to improve their final health outcomes. In terms of tuberculosis care, I realize that although Tanzania is doing better in identifying and treating patients with tuberculosis, the number of drug-resistant TB cases continues to grow. Currently the hospital has approximately 50 patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis. More than half the patients are often treated and safely return home. However, the disease continues to take the lives of many.

There is a need for better outcomes but that can only be achieved through early detection. I have had several conversations with many research physicians at the hospital that have collectively recognized the need for better detection methods. My hope is that as the resources continue to improve, detection rates will improve. I’m confident that Kibong’oto Hospital will continue to play a vital role in the community as well as the entire country.

On a personal level, the hospital will continue to hold a special place in my heart! The staff members are exemplary and work hard for their patients. Their commitment and dedication to their patients is heart-warming. During my time in Kibong’oto, I certainly had the chance to build special relationships. I was blessed to work in such a loving community and I am certain our love will bring us together again someday!

Best

Rupal