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Monduli, Arusha, Tanzania
Summary
Located in northern Tanzania near Mt. Kilimanjaro, people of this medically underserved area suffer from a myriad of tropical infectious diseases, including malaria, typhoid, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis and amebic dysentery. Tanzania Christian Clinic (TCC) provides primary care under the direction of Danny Smelser, MD, a diplomat of the American Board of Emergency Medicine, and Nancy Smelser, RN, MSN, EdD, a specialist in nursing education.
Education for both students and patients is a very high priority at TCC. Students in the fields of medicine, nursing, physician's assistant, and the pharmacy will participate under supervision in the full range of clinical services provided. Students will also be part of the ongoing patient education and preventive medicine efforts of lead by TCC.
Location & CommunityTanzania Christian Clinic (TCC) is located in Ngaresh Juu, a rural village in northern Tanzania 3-4 kilometers from the town of Monduli in the Monduli District - a part of the Arusha Region. The cool season is June and July, the warm and dry season is September to January, and the rainy season is March to May. The community is predominately made up of Masai and Chagga tribes people who rely on an agricultural economy, planting maze and wheat, and raising cattle, goats, and sheep. About one-third of the population in the region are Muslim, one-third are Christian, and one-third of traditional tribal faiths. The people are gracious, most have completed a primary school education, and polygamy is common.
TransportationVisitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and will be met by a representative of Tanzania Christian Clinic. The clinic is then a two-hour drive over mostly paved roads.
Visa RequirementFor current information, please visit the Tanzania Embassy website appropriate for your country. United States citizens can normally purchase a three-month tourist visa at the airport upon arrival in Tanzania, and can visit the Tanzania Embassy in Washington, DC, at http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org
Traveler's Health & SafetyPlease consult with your physician before traveling and refer to the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date health information: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx
Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information and travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travel
Though mosquitoes are not common, malaria prophylaxis is necessary nevertheless. Vaccinations should also be current, especially with regard to yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis, and tetanus.
PatientsThe Monduli district is considered to be a medically underserved area. A myriad of tropical infectious diseases are prevalent, including malaria, typhoid, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis and amebic dysentery. In addition, HIV-AIDS is prevalent with all of its manifestations and sequelae. Hypertension in encountered frequently, as well as diabetes, pneumonia, and asthma. Eye maladies abound, including cataracts and corneal injuries. Dental fluorosis is virtually ubiquitous among the indigenous people.
LanguagesSwahili is the predominant language, while there are many who speak only Masai. English is the official language of Tanzania, and is spoken by all the TCC personnel.
FacilitiesThe mission of Tanzania Christian Clinic is to educate healthcare providers in the arts of tropical medicine and to alleviate sickness by treatment and prevention. TCC opened for patient care in March 2009, with a strong emphasis on partnership between Tanzanians and expatriate coworkers. Healthcare services are provided to all patients without regard to their particular religious beliefs, and fees are charged on a sliding scale basis so as to be prohibitive to none. TCC is a not-for-profit organization and no expatriates receive a salary from the clinic.
TCC provides primary care and minor surgery at a newly constructed facility equipped with electricity and running water. Plans are in place to add radiology, dental, and basic laboratory services. TCC also provide mobile clinic care.
Website Health Profession StaffMedical care is directed by Danny Smelser, MD, a diplomat of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Nancy Smelser, RN, MSN, EdD, is a specialist in nursing education. They work in association with another American nurse, Stephanie Stafford, and with Tanzanian clinical officers and laboratory technicians.
Student ExperienceEducation for both students and patients is a very high priority at TCC. Students in the fields of medicine, nursing, physician's assistant, and the pharmacy will participate under supervision in the full range of clinical services provided. Students will also be part of the ongoing patient education and preventive medicine efforts of lead by TCC.
Student Lodging & MealsHousing is provided at a secondary school 4-5 km away in the city of Monduli. Groceries can be purchased for home meal preparation, and a few restaurants are available as well.
Outside CommunicationSatellite-based Internet access is available at TCC.
DiversionThis region of Tanzania has well-known tourist destinations, including Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater - all just few hours away by automobile. Local travel companies can easily arrange outings to sites.
Facility SupportINMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support the facility. This is not required, but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
Behavior & DressMen wear trousers, with short pants less acceptable. Shirts should be collared, long or short sleeve, and no necktie. Women wear dresses to below the knee, preferably closer to the ankle. Shoulders should be covered, with no low-cut blouses. Pants are not worn in this rural setting. Tanzanians care comfortable with hand holding and informal touching.
What To PackVisitors should bring along a hat, rain gear, extra shoes, a coat or sweater, mosquito repellent, water bottle, flashlight, batteries, sunglasses, and hand cleanser.