Here at MEDLIFE we are proud to introduce Neema Lyimo, who recently began her work with MEDLIFE in the summer of 2014. Neema will help further MEDLIFE’s development in Tanzania. Read more about Neema below:
Where are you from?
I am from Arusha, Tanzania and I received my Bachelor degree in Human Nutrition from Sokoine University of Agriculture in 2010. After that I went for masters degree in Public Health at Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences with partnership with University of Calgary Canada in 2012. I enrolled in a course in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Eastern Finland in 2013.
How did you get involved with MEDLIFE?
I had attended a seminar on teaching children with Autism in Moshi, which is where I was first introduced to MEDLIFE. I met Terry Mulligan, MEDLIFE’s director in Tanzania and I was interested in the organization, since I have been dreaming to working with organization which helps to improve the lives of the poor. Attending mobile clinics is an amazing and fulfilling experience to be helping people in poor communities.
What is it that you like most about working with MEDLIFE?
I love working at mobile clinics because I find it very uplifting to provide Public Health Education to the communities. It is wonderful to be able to provide them with treatment and medicine and improve the lives of people within the community.
Can you name a particular patient that has had a strong impact on you?
Well I have been very pleased/impressed when going on the mobile clinics and find that older people (90 or 100 years) walk great distances together with their families to get the health care. They really impress me and I enjoy working with them.
Before MEDLIFE, what were your experiences with non-profit/humanitarian organizations?
Before MEDLIFE I worked with Compassion International just after high school while waiting to join the University in 2007. Thereafter I worked with St. Elizabeth Hospital as a Nutrionist after earning my bachelor degree in 2010 before going for my Masters degree. On top of that, in 2013 I worked part-time with World Vision in the evaluation of Mid-Term Review of the East Africa Maternal Newborn and Child Health (EAMNeCH) Project.
Why is this work important to you?
The idea of reaching the poor through a comprehensive package of access to medicine (mobile clinics), community development and education is so appealing to me because of my education background and passion. Also, as a trained nutritionist, I know firsthand how important this work is in health and community development. In addition, as a Public Health professional I know the value of multi-sector approach to solving access to health services challenges. Hence all of the above mentioned points, combined with my passion, is what makes working with MEDLIFE so attractive. This work has always been my dream.
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoying learning new things and traveling to getting exposure to other people and cultures.
