A Look Into Tanzanian Healthcare - by Tina Thao

     Access to healthcare is a basic right. However, healthcare, whether it be the system, facilities, or doctors, is drastically different in Tanzania than how it is in the United States. We were able to learn more about healthcare in Tanzania when we visited Selian Lutheran Hospital, a pediatric hospital that predominantly serves Maasai. From its opening in 1954 with a single building, Selian Lutheran Hospital has expanded the facilities and services it provides. It provides outpatient, labor and delivery, surgical, medical, prenatal, and emergency care. 

    Liza - the first Maasai pediatric woman doctor, graciously gave some of her time to give us a tour of the hospital and answered our questions. She had only been at this hospital for a year but told us about some of the problems  Tanzanians face. For example, insulin is extremely difficult for Tanzanians to obtain. Not only do most people not own fridges or have access to fridges, which is required for the storage of insulin, but it is also too expensive. The majority of the population cannot even afford food, so they cannot afford the insulin. However, if a person can afford insulin, they have to go to the pharmacy for each dose which could take hours depending on how far they live.

    Another healthcare problem that Tanzanias experience is Female Genitialia Manipulation (FGM). There are many complications that result from this, specifically labor complications which include excessive bleeding that can result in death. At this hospital, Liza has provided labor services for girls as young as 16 with FGM. 

    The most chronic health challenge that children in Tanzania face is malnutrition because the rate of poverty is high. In addition, Liza said that the Maasai do not believe in eating vegetables so the majority of their diet consists of meat and carbs. However, with time and education, she has noticed a shift and increase of vegetables intake by her Maasai patients.

    In addition, I was surprised by how different the hospital system in Tanzania is compared to the United States. When patients come to the hospital, food is not provided, even if they are there for a prolonged period of time. The patient’s family must bring them food for each meal or they will not eat. A family member would have to take time away from other responsibilities such as work, to go back and forth to the hospital to ensure the patient is fed. This would seem to be an added burden to a family or patient during a vulnerable time. From my experience of hospital stays in the United States, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided by the hospital and I was able to make requests or changes. 

    Another difference we discussed with Liza was labor. At this hospital, up to four women can give birth at the same time, in the same room. Due to privacy issues, husbands are not allowed in the delivery room. Although I have not had any children, I cannot imagine not having my husband in the delivery room with me during what I believe to be one of the scariest and life changing moments in a woman’s life.

    In comparison to what Tanzanians have, I feel extremely privileged. I dread going to the doctors while some in Tanzania can’t even afford to go. I have the privilege of free healthcare from the government because I am a student and cannot afford it myself. Liza is an example of the resilience Tanzanians have. As a mother of two and the first woman pediatric Maasai doctor, she shows that even with the struggles, a person can persevere.