David is PSCTP’s first Master of One Health scholar. He began his two-year master’s degree program in October 2025 at the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro. Since graduating last year as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he has been gaining valuable practical experience as a volunteer intern. He started at his local home municipality, then moved to Morogoro, where he has been working directly with local communities, focusing on treating sick animals, providing consultations, and performing minor surgeries. Most recently, he secured a placement at a small animal practice in Zanzibar, further expanding his hands-on skills. He is committed to improving the well-being of his community and, in this context, aspires to be a research scientist with a focus on public health-related challenges.

He strongly believes the PSCTP organization acts as a catalyst for better healthcare in society and has been inspired by the accomplishments of our other PSCTP scholars. Having the chance to chat with some of them during a recent stay in Arusha really reinforced this belief. He believes that actively engaging in animal medicine is a crucial step towards ensuring a healthier community for all.

 “I am profoundly grateful for the ongoing support from the Phil Simon Organization, which makes these educational opportunities possible. I’m committed to making the most of this journey and positively contributing to my community. It was a great pleasure meeting members of the Phil Simon Tanzania Clinic during their recent visit from June 9th to 11th. My time at Arusha, especially the visit to Jens at Mbwa Wa Africa [translated to “Dogs of Africa,” and a recipient of grant funds from PSCTP], was incredibly motivating. Seeing [their] work truly highlighted how [they are] helping the community by upholding the One Health and animal welfare.”

In 2024, Dr. Ezekiel Moirana was appointed Medical Director of the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) Hospital.

This prestigious appointment reflects Dr. Moirana’s clinical, academic, and compassionate dedication to the people of Tanzania throughout his career as a physician. Dr. Moirana is recognized as a leader in his field. He has established two endoscopy suites at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Moshi and Mount Meru Hospital in Arusha. He continues to mentor many of our scholars and is a voice for the future of healthcare in Tanzania. We are fortunate to count him as one of our own.

At the end of 2024, Rebeka completed her one-year general medicine internship at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha. She now divides her time between training a new clinical officer at the Nazareti Clinic in Endasak, which she and her husband founded in 2020, and working as a general practitioner at the TB/HIV clinic at Oltrument District Hospital near Arusha.

Rebeka is excited to continue her dream of becoming an Obstetrician-Gynecologist and hopes to begin her formal residency training in that field in 2026. “It’s new for me working as a GP after completing my first degree. [Previously] I was a clinician, so I am excited to do operations and manage patients at the referral level.”

Boniphace continues to excel in his third year of medical school at Dodoma University. His coursework includes Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, and ongoing community engagement. Recently, he spent several weeks in the field studying the incidence and demographics of Hepatitis B, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This blend of academic and fieldwork is excellent preparation for his clinical rotations in the 4th and 5th years.

Boniphace joined Dr. Kimberly Shriner this spring for a Speaker Series event, where he presented on the Marburg outbreak in Tanzania. The talk was well received, with his medical school advisor in attendance. Boniphace’s passion and dedication to his medical career are evident. He is on track to become a leader in the field and a valued member of his community.

Saum recently completed the first year of her four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at St. John’s University in Dodoma. The curriculum focuses on nursing academics, with no clinical rotations in the first year. Her schedule has been rigorous, including classes in Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Nursing Skills, Microbiology, Developmental Psychology, General Science, Faith and Culture, and Nutrition.

This semester has been slightly shortened due to a scheduling conflict between national and university exam dates. Because of the compressed schedule, Saum has been busier than usual with her studies, but knowing her, she will handle these added challenges well.

Jacqueline graduated with her master’s degree in nursing and midwifery at Muhimbili University of Health & Allied Science in Dar es Salaam in December 2024. She has been seeking paid employment in her field since graduation. Jacqueline reviews options daily and submits applications online and/or in person to facilities that utilize midwives around Dar es Salaam. She remains in touch with her schoolmates, who were all older and worked in Government jobs. They provide encouragement and promise to alert her to job openings. Funding for jobs remains a challenge despite the need for more healthcare workers. She stays in touch with her mentors and other scholars through WhatsApp and Zoom calls.

Jastin is a first-year master’s in nursing student at Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences in Mwanza. His degree focuses on pediatrics and emergency care. In addition to his pediatric studies, Jastin is taking management, leadership, nutrition, and malnutrition courses. Classes are conducted in both clinical and classroom settings, depending on the subject. Jastin enjoys the clinical rotations, which allow him to witness the power of teamwork while caring for patients in an emergency room setting.

Jastin was excited to report that he began a rotation in an Emergency Department. In this clinical rotation, students simulate and care for real patients, practicing situations like those of a child presenting with an emergency condition. He enjoys witnessing the power of teamwork while caring for patients in an emergency room setting.

At the All-Scholar Zoom meeting in May, Jastin shared his experience as a nursing school instructor and offered inspiring and practical advice to the other scholars.

Veronica is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in social work at Mwenge University (Moshi). This semester, she is studying Public and Community Health, Criminology and Penology, Medical Sociology, Social Research Methods, and Labour Law & Trade Union. Through her placement at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), she has gained experience providing social welfare services.

Her recent fieldwork includes assessment, counseling, and guidance for clients requiring dialysis and those with HIV chronic diseases, such as cancer. She also provides family member support and supervised home visits. She regularly consults with her mentor, Anne Riffenburgh, and enjoyed meeting PSCTP Scholarship Committee member, Dory Moore, during her visit to Tanzania this summer.

Iman is in his final semester of a 3-year diploma program in Clinical Social Work at the Open University of Tanzania, located in Dodoma. This spring, he completed the last of his field study work and will be sitting for exams at about the time this report is being published. Iman feels he has greatly benefited from the experience that he has had while pursuing his diploma.

His next decision will be to decide whether to continue his schooling, as the window for applying to a bachelor’s degree program will only be open until September. If he is awarded a further scholarship, Iman would like to obtain his bachelor’s degree, which will take another three years to accomplish. He would apply to the Open University, as its graduates are given first priority for admission. Having previously been a Clinical Officer, he is uniquely poised to make a difference in the delivery of coordinated health care to his community, as he understands and works well in both the world of medicine and social work. His patients will benefit greatly from having Iman be involved in their care.

Elisha is completing his first year of a master’s degree in social work at the Open University of Tanzania. He is an exceptional student and leads a cohort at the Open University to enhance his leadership skills.

His current practicum is with COMHESWA (Community Health and Social Welfare Africa), an NGO focused on research and community health in partnership with New York University and the University of Alaska Anchorage. The program addresses human trafficking of domestic workers, particularly in Arab countries. Elisha also works with TAESA (Tanzania Employment Supply Agency) to train young girls on their rights, addressing violations through the Tanzanian embassy, and money management.

Elisha began his master’s thesis research in August 2025. His topics of interest include gender-based violence and the impact of family breakdown on children living on the streets. His timeline will depend on his advisors’ availability.

After graduation, Elisha plans to work for six years before pursuing an advanced degree in social work. As the field is still developing in Tanzania, he hopes to use his knowledge to bridge the gaps between government policies and the reality of living in Tanzania.

Arafa is nearing the end of her first year of study in her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Social Administration programs. She recently received a peer educator position through UNESCO as one of five social work students to train as peer counselors and educators for fellow students and the wider community.

 As part of the UNESCO project, Arafa will engage in community counseling and outreach from July through October 2025. She will educate upper elementary and secondary students about GBV (Gender-Based Violence), mental health issues, HIV/AIDS, the menstrual cycle, and how to avoid negative influences. She will also keep statistics and file regular reports. 

 Arafa values her studies, which are shaping her into an effective counselor with strong communication skills. She is deeply grateful to the Phil Simon Clinic Tanzania Project for its transformative impact on her life.