I was born on 16th June 1979 in a very small village called Nyang’ombe in Mara Region on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. My parents, namely Benedictor Isangula 61 Yrs Old and Regina Iranga 52 yrs old, still live in this poor, peaceful village of fishermen where cassava and tilapia are the primary food. From a very young age, even before I started primary school, I often went fishing with my father. In 1989, I began my studies at the local primary school in my village meanwhile continuing to fish on my own, as I had been taught by my father, upon returning from school each day.
Despite mixing studies and fishing, I was one of the top students at my primary school. One of my older cousins, called brother in my culture, had taken note of my performance in primary school. He was working as a policeman in Bariadi Shinyanga, located about 12 hours by bus from my home village, and he took me there in 1993 to finish primary school. I passed my National Primary School exams and started at Ihungo Secondary School in Bukoba in 1996. It was during my time in secondary school that the MV Bukoba tragedy occurred in Lake Victoria towards the end of 1996. MV Bukoba was one of the lake ferries that carries people from other parts of the lake to Bukoba, a town which can only be reached by boat or plane, sank with more than one thousand people on board. I was supposed to be traveling on that day and it took more than a week for the news to reach my parents that I was, in fact, alive. After that tragedy, my aunt transferred me to Sengerema secondary school in Mwanza. In 1999, I passed the National Secondary School exams in the highest division earning me a spot at Tabora Boys’ High School, where only those scoring highest on their exams were granted admission. I received my Advanced Certificate for Secondary School in 2002, placing in the highest division once again.
In 2003, I began my medical studies at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences in Dar es Salaam with Government sponsorship due to my exemplary performance in secondary school. In 2008, I graduated with Doctor of Medicine Degree. Following school, I completed my internship year at Mwananyamala Hospital in September 2009. Due to my qualifications I was offered several jobs during my internship and decided to accept the position as the Zonal HIV/AIDS and Malaria Response Coordinator for World Vision Tanzania-Lake Zone, where I am currently working. I also volunteer as National AIDS Candlelight Coordinator for the Global Health Council since 2008 and I have been involved in many Local and International NGOs including being the Vice Chairperson of People in Fight against HIV/AIDS in Tanzania-WAMATA (2005-2000),Being the Founder and Chairperson of Unite For Sight Tanzania chapter (2006-2008) and Founder and Chairperson of Dar Es Salaam University of Entrepreneurship Forum-Muhimbili Branch(2004-2008).
Health issues especially of a Public Interest
More than 70% of Tanzanian lives in Rural areas and Malnutrition Rate in Tanzania especially among Children and women of Child bearing age is still high (TDHS 2008) with Stunting-36% and Low Birth Weight babies <2500gms-16%. Micronutrient Malnutrition is rampant among women, Anemia in Pregnancy in Coastal areas-80% and Vitamin A Deficiency during Pregnancy-70%. Malnutrition and Communicable diseases are the Leading cause of Infant Death in Tanzania. In this Situation there is a need for Public Health approaches to tackle these Nutrition and Communicable disease challenges especially in rural areas. I wish to see every one LIVING A HAPPIER LIFE IN ALL ITS FULLNESS
Academically I hold A Bachelor degree of Medicine from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and a Diploma of Soft Skills and Management abilities In NGOs in Developing Countries from RESPECT REFUGIADIOS Training Organization and also attended PITC Training last year at Muhimbili University.
I’m currently working as Zonal Coordinator for HIV/AIDS and Malaria for World Vision Tanzania and a National AIDS Candlelight Memorial Coordinator for Global Health Council. AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a Programme of Global Health Council which aims at commemorating and honors those who lost their lives due to HIV/AIDS and its complications, to support millions of PLWHA Worldwide and to defend all those who are not infected with HIV.I also worked for one year as Project assistant of HIV/AIDS, MALARIA and TB (HATM) Project in 2008.I Completed Internship at Mwananyamala Hospital.
