Kavisa Cyprian- Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Tanzania 2006-2008

Imagine the sun rising over the desert ground in Mahongo, and the beauty of Tanzania. Lights scatter displaying colors not normally seen in a sunrise. In a place where electricity is sparse and unreliable, the sun dictates ones day. As the sky lightens I notice dozens of villagers lining up outside the mobile health clinic. They had walked hours in the dark, anxious to see the doctors and receive free medicine.

We leave the lush and fruitful town of Mbeya at 5 am. The Mbeya region, where I live in a hilly village called Tukuyu. It is a place where it rains so often that if you were to throw uncooked beans out your backdoor they would sprout days later. Three hours later, the bus drops us off in a place I did not know existed in Mbeya. The land is so barren I cannot fathom how the Tanzanians, 80% of whom are farmers, survive.

I watch as children as young as 4 arrive by themselves seeking medical help. I try as best as I can to explain complicated doses to these children, grateful when I see that some are accompanied by their grandparents only to learn their elders can not read either. The day alternates between heartbreaks and laughter; shocking things like a baby infected with herpes from birth or dozens of extremely malnourished people. I share jokes with one old grandma about the condom demonstrations I was giving. We light-heartedly discuss the cucumber I was using as a “model.” People are so happy to receive medical care that it puts them in an optimistic mood. This attitude of hope, I will never forget.

The need for accessible medical care in Tanzania is palpable. When I read articles in the NY Times about the high maternity related death rates, it makes my heart heavy because I know the stories are true. However, there is hope. For example, The Olive Branch for Children has expanded its mobile clinics and community services in Mahongo and organizations like The Touch Foundation are working to train thousands of health works. Medical care does not have to be determined by where you were born.