Our second visit to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, marked an important continuation of our work to build sustainable cardiac and metabolic care in Tanzania. This follow-up visit deepened our discussions, refined areas of collaboration, and identified practical pathways to strengthen healthcare capacity.
Advancing Nursing Capacity and Training
During this visit, we met with Dr Anita Rich (of Nurses Heart to Heart) to focus on:
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Expanding nursing capacity-building programmes
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Developing structured training modules
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Exploring sustainable models that strengthen nursing leadership in Tanzania
Exploring Academic and Research Partnerships
We also engaged with Dr Jacob Kariuki (Associate Professor at Emory), with discussions around:
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Building evidence-based strategies to improve nursing competencies
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Joint research opportunities on non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
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Integrating technology-driven approaches to enhance early diagnosis and patient care
Deepening Focus on Cardiorenal & Metabolic Conditions
Another member of our organisation visited Emory to explore collaboration on early diagnosis and sustainable management of cardiorenal-metabolic conditions, an area of rapidly growing importance in Tanzania.
Why This Matters: The Burden in Tanzania
Here are some of the latest figures that highlight why this work is urgent:
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In Tanzania, the total number of deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2021 was estimated at 56,908. World Heart Federation
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The age-standardised mortality rate from CVD in Tanzania in 2021 was about 268 per 100,000 population. World Heart Federation+1
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Among adults in Tanzania, the prevalence of hypertension is estimated at around 25.9%, diabetes 9.1%, and elevated cholesterol at 26%. Frontiers+1
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A community study in Central Tanzania found that among 749 participants: 43.4% were hypertensive, 4.5% diabetic, and 63.5% overweight or obese (33.3% overweight + 29.9% obese). BioMed Central
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Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tanzania account for around 41% of total disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Knowledge Action Portal+1
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The age-standardised mortality rate across four major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer and diabetes) was 557 per 100,000 in males and 498 per 100,000 in females in 2021. WHO | Regional Office for Africa
These figures underscore the scale of the challenge and the opportunity for impact through targeted partnerships and training.
Moving Forward With Purpose
Our second visit to Emory University affirmed the strength and potential of our partnership. Building on the groundwork from our first visit, we are now moving closer to establishing sustainable, collaborative programmes that will support:
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Early diagnosis of heart, kidney and metabolic conditions
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Empowered nursing and allied health workforce
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Improved patient care and outcomes across Tanzania
We remain deeply grateful to the Emory University faculty and all partners who continue to walk alongside us in this mission.
