A note from Dr. Jeff Hillesland, Global Partners-Tanzania Medical Lead, published in the November 2012 newsletter:
Many individuals have been asking when the next trips are scheduled to Tanzania. We regret that due to conditions beyond our control, we will no longer be able to return to Nyakato Health Centre. International Health Partners-Tanzania (IHP-TZ), the NGO with which we have partnered for the past 3 years, has had to end their relationship with Nyakato Health Centre due to political issues. We are saddened to see this relationship end as we have developed strong friendships with the local staff, nearby schools and community. The clinic has had a very positive influence in the Nyakato community.
As a result of the political issues impacting Nyakato Health Centre, the medical care for many local people remains uncertain.
Where does that leave the African component of Global Partners? We are working with Gundersen Lutheran leaders to review our work and develop goals and plans to maintain a continued presence in Africa. We have identified several sites in Africa which we would like to consider for future partnership. Ultimately, our dream is to provide continued opportunities for medical and surgical staff as well as educators and other community members to partner with an on-the-ground organization (NGO) on sustainable activities. This partnership will teach and train needed skills, as well as provide community development and teaching. It is important for team members’ safety that we partner with an NGO to provide housing, food, security and assistance with licensing, transportation and procurement of supplies.
We will not have the necessary information and organization needed to safely send a team in spring 2013 but future plans will be provided soon. We will communicate, through newsletters and this website, any updates and additional information regarding future opportunities in Africa, once Global Partners has selected a new partner in Africa.
History of Global Partners-Tanzania
The Tanzania team partnered with
International Health Partners, TZ, a 501C3 NGO providing medical and surgical care for patients as well as educational sessions with the local staff during trips in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Our primary objective was to provide continuing sustainable health care, education and supplies therefore enhancing health care needs long-term. Gundersen Lutheran's partnership with Nyakato Health Center focused on offering general medical care, general surgery and OB/Gyn care. Teams in 2011 and 2012 also had the opportunity to provide health screenings at a local orphanage in Nyakato.
Presentations on Global Partners-Tanzania
The 2011 Tanzania team presented information, stories and photos from their trip during a noon conference in April 2011.
Click here to watch the 2011 Tanzania team presentation (1 hour in length).
Also, an informational meeting for anyone wanting to volunteer was held on September 28, 2011. This meeting shared details about dates for the 2012 trips, cost, purpose of the trips, roles needed, travel details, preparations (such as immunizations), and more.
Click here to watch the 2012 Tanzania volunteering presentation (53 minutes in length.