Çisem Kaço from Türkiye is the YES Student of the Month
By Faraja Ng’ida (YES 2009-2010, Tanzania, placed by IRIS in Sioux Center, IA)
At the age of 15, I had the transformative opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture as an exchange student in Iowa through the YES program. My year in the U.S. not only allowed me to explore a new country, but it also broadened my perspective on global issues. By participating in different community service activities, I learned the importance of giving back. I realized that I should not wait for the government or other stakeholders to address all the challenges in my community. Instead, I decided to take the initiative to volunteer and encourage others to join in, focusing our combined efforts on impactful and sustainable initiatives.
The World Health Organization reports that tuberculosis (TB) is the second most prevalent infectious disease globally, surpassing even HIV/AIDS. And the risk of contracting TB is notably higher for those living with HIV. Tanzania is among the 30 countries with the highest rates of both TB and TB/HIV co-infection.
As an epidemiologist and a medical doctor at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, I observed an alarming trend of rising TB/HIV co-infection among the Maasai community. I also identified a significant knowledge gap and a lack of understanding about these conditions, which hinders effective management. Despite various health initiatives by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, the increasing incidence of TB and HIV among the Maasai highlighted the urgent need for targeted interventions. This realization inspired me to propose a YES Alumni Grant project specifically aimed at addressing the health challenges faced by this community.
The September workshop brought together 88 participants from three Maasai villages in the Longido District of Arusha—Longido, Kimokouwa, and Ranch—known for having the highest rates of TB/HIV in the district. The workshop was facilitated by five YES alumni and non-alumni medical professionals, the Longido District Tuberculosis and Leprosy Coordinator (DTLC), four community health workers (CHWs), three village leaders, and one pastor.
Over three days, facilitators conducted a series of educational sessions on TB and HIV, tailored to the Maasai community’s unique needs and cultural sensitivities. The sessions included interactive activities and small group discussions. Translators helped clarify key points in Maasai, ensuring that those less proficient in Swahili could fully understand the content.
The workshop empowered participants to make informed health decisions, which could ultimately reduce the burden of these diseases in their community. It also served as a platform for individuals to voice their concerns, enabling more targeted interventions. To ensure sustainability, accountability groups were established in each village, with leaders selected by the participants. These groups, under the guidance of the DTLC, CHWs, and village leaders, are tasked with helping the district health team identify community members showing signs of tuberculosis and disseminating the health information gained from the workshop.
This project has been an incredible learning experience for me, sharpening my skills in critical thinking, grant writing, financial management, project design, leadership, teamwork, and communication.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and to the YES program for the grant funding that made this project possible. Appreciation to IRIS-Tanzania for their invaluable support and special thanks to my partner organizations: Sport Impact, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using sports as a tool for positive community development and empowerment; Discipleship Development Tanzania, an organization focused on faith-based community outreach and social development; and the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, which trains public health professionals in epidemiology and laboratory techniques to strengthen Tanzania's health system. Their contributions were vital to the success of this initiative.
I would also like to thank my fellow alumnus, Daniel Laizer, and volunteers Dr. David Osima, Dr. Thobias Bollen, and Dr. Jonas Bunzar for their unwavering support, constructive ideas, and facilitation of the workshop sessions. This project’s success is a testament to our outstanding teamwork.
Finally, I extend my deepest appreciation to the local leadership, health teams, and religious leaders in Longido District for their guidance during the workshop. I am also grateful to my husband for his moral support and guidance throughout this journey.
Daniel Laizer (YES 2009-2010, Tanzania, placed by IRIS in Mount Vernon, IA)