Mission Aviation Fellowship flew a group of patients from Malambo to Arusha, utilising the added capacity of a Cessna Caravan newly added to the Tanzania fleet.
In the remote plains of Malambo, where access to medical care is limited, MAF partnered with Help for the Maasai to transport eight patients to Arusha for treatment. Among them were three young children with special needs.
Pilot Peter Griffin is gaining experience on the larger aircraft type, supervised by Phil Henderson. Peter shared that the flight was significant to him personally, because it was his first time to fly so many patients at once.
“We had more patients than I’d ever flown before. The Caravan makes that possible,” Peter said.
“This is what I feel most called to—medical transfers and medevacs. It’s meaningful, and I’ve always had a heart for the people of Malambo.”
We had more patients than I’d ever flown before. The Caravan makes that possible.
The patients were identified during mobile clinics run by Help for the Maasai, a local organisation offering healthcare and education in remote Maasai communities. When cases requiring specialised attention are found, the organisation arranges transport to Arusha for treatment.
“Our medical care here is limited to simpler illnesses,” said Paulo Emanuel, Help for the Maasai manager in Malambo. “But for complex cases, we prefer that patients go to better hospitals in Arusha.”
“Critically ill patients can't be transported by road since they are in poor condition, and it can take up to 8 hours from Malambo to Arusha by road,” he added.
The short flight is a stark contrast to day-long road journey, which is risky for very ill patients.
“The roads are very risky for a sick person,” said Paulo. “With the plane, it’s just thirty-five minutes and much safer. It means a lot when it comes to saving lives.”
Among the patients was Lemomo Natengai, a 2-week-old baby who was born with clubfoot—a condition that causes the feet to twist out of shape or position. His mother, Juliana Natengai, was shocked at the difference in her newborn’s appearance.
“When I produced my child, he was different from other children. But during the clinic, I asked to see what they can do to help,” said Juliana.
“I could not do anything more if we never had this opportunity to go to Arusha. I am hopeful that my child will grow up walking like other children.”
Ikonet Moses, a 10-month-old baby boy, had been suffering from nasal swelling that began small but had worsened over time, causing severe breathing difficulties and constant discomfort. He flew with his mother, Nadutari Moses, who was very worried.
“It started as a small swelling but it is getting worse,” she said. “He is going through a lot of pain; tears are just flowing from his eyes uncontrollably.”
“I’m sincerely worried. I don’t know what I will find, but one thing I have is the desire for my child to get healed. I have no peace seeing my child in great pain,” she added.
Another patient, Helen Moko, a 2-year-old girl, weighed only 7 kilograms and suffered from torticollis—a condition where her neck tilted permanently to one side.
Despite these challenges, her mother Natajewo Moko looked visibly happy and optimistic.
“I'm very hopeful, I’m very happy that we're flying to Arusha, and I expect the best for my daughter.”
Paulo credited the Caravan for its ability to transport more patients.
“With this big Caravan, we can transport more patients at once,” he said.
“We could not do this without MAF.”