TCF Believes in the Next Generation of Female Health Workers
One of the most critical challenges facing the health sector in Tanzania is the severe shortage of medical personnel. In 2018, it was estimated that there were 1.6 health professionals per 1,000 people. Gender imbalances also exist within the field, with only 28% of Clinical Officers being female.
TCF helps tackle this nationwide problem by encouraging young women, like RVCV’s India Msee, to pursue careers in the health sector.
India, who is pursuing a Clinical Medicine degree, spends her school breaks interning at our Rural Community Health Clinic. Through hands-on experience, India has gained a wide variety of practical skills while also increasing our capacity to treat patients. For example, when India helped as a translator and extra-set of hands for a visiting team of neurologists, the team was able to double the regular number of patients treated!
Her experience with the visiting neurologists also provided valuable training. “With India studying clinical medicine, her exams will include a central nervous examination that is extremely difficult. By supporting the team, India was able to practice the exam on patients with the supervision of a neurologist,” Africanus John, our Head Clinical Officer explained.
By being present for everything from examining patients to diagnosing and prescribing treatments, India has seen it all at our Rural Community Health Clinic! The experience has not only fueled India’s passion for medicine, but has provided her with new experiences that will allow her to excel in her studies.
By providing practical field experience, we are able to set students up for success and empower them to follow their dreams!