AHEAD, Inc. has continuously worked to bring solar energy and electricity to Maruku Health Center through our Solar Energy Project. As a result, we are extremely excited to announce the installation of our new generator (top left, pictured above) and solar panels (bottom left & right, pictured above) during this trip at the Maruku Health Center.

Dr. Adam Masesa, Head of Maruku Health Center, and Dr. Bandioti Gavyole, the District Medical Officer, had high praise for the project. "On behalf of Bukoba's District Council, I would like to convey my greatest gratitude to AHEAD, Inc. for your support on this big and highly advanced solar installation project. This will help us very much," said Dr. Gavyole. Dr. Andrea Williams-Kingslow also successfully performed the first surgery without interruption of electricity using this new solar system! 

Prior to the installation of the solar system, the electrical supply was insufficient to power the Health Center, which compromised patient care, safety, and hindered procedures. When this happened, doctors would often experience disruptions during surgical procedures. 

Therefore, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to our donors who supported this important solar project. It is because of your generous contributions that we were able to fund this vital initiative! Your donations continue to help us save lives!

Please consider donating to AHEAD, Inc. to help us continue our work by clicking the link below:

Pictured above, left to right - Volunteers (Shanese Scott, Tessa Howard, Malya Hirshkowitz), Dr. Apolinary Ngirwa (Chaplain at Mount Sinai Hospital), Dr. Donna Williams-Ngirwa (Executive Director of AHEAD, Inc.), Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho (Former Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization & Founder of AHEAD Tanzania), H.E. Ambassador Dr. Michael Battle (U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania), Dr. Ahmad Makuwani (Ministry of Health, Acting Director of Reproductive, Maternal, & Child Health), H.E. Ambassador Wilfred Joseph Ngirwa (Independent Chairperson, UN-FAO Council, Rome), Dr. Matrona Kabyemela (Acting Chairperson of AHEAD Tanzania), Dr. Andrea Williams-Kingslow (Medical Director of AHEAD, Inc.), Dr. Mahesh Swaminathan (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Country Director in Tanzania) and Dr. Dexter Haywood (2023 & 2024 Volunteer, Dentist at A&S Dentistry).

AHEAD, Inc. sponsored the first Healthcare Excellence Symposium in Tanzania, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Dar es Salaam on July 15th & 16th in collaboration with AHEAD Tanzania, the Ministry of Health of Tanzania, and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). Over the course of this distinguished two-day event, AHEAD, Inc. had the opportunity to host several panel discussions on various aspects of healthcare, including maternal health, pediatrics, oral health, infectious diseases, radiology, and mental health. Each segment was held by medical professionals, renowned experts in their fields, who shared key insights and best practices to improve healthcare services in Tanzania. The conference proved to be a resounding success, featuring 34 presenters and more than 225 participants, who found the symposium to be an incredibly insightful and engaging learning experience. See below what several of the participants had to say about the conference:

"The event was excellent; it added knowledge and wide understanding about AHEAD, Inc. and its contribution in human health. Congratulations to Dr. Williams family." - Annunciata Francis Mforoma

"It was the best, and I hope to see more participants and key speakers that have power in the government especially in the Ministry of Health so that they can listen to the views of the participants and meet the new emerging leaders - to know what challenges they are facing, and finding new, better solutions." - Edmund Celestin Ntagara

"I acquired new insights from the speakers, which will help me implement a few strategies in my clinical position." - Germana V. Lyimo

We also wanted to take the time to acknowledge our generous donors who helped make this event possible. Your support has been crucial to making the symposium such a success! Thank you!

Following the Symposium, we celebrated AHEAD, Inc.'s 50th Anniversary, honoring the founders Dr. Irving C. Williams and Mrs. Elvira F. Williams, for their many years of dedication and service. The Reception took place on the evening of July 16th at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and was graciously hosted by Dr. Winnie Mpanju-Shumbusho (former Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization & Founder of AHEAD Tanzania), Hon. Dr. Boniphace Luhende (Tanzania Solicitor General), and Mr. Omari Issa (CEO, President's Delivery Bureau, Tanzania).

To celebrate this special year with us and to help AHEAD, Inc. continue their life-saving work, please consider making a donation by clicking the link below:

The Symposium also received much press coverage from local news outlets in Tanzania, as well as other social media platforms:

Please click the link below to view TBC Online's news coverage of the Symposium on AHEAD, Inc.'s YouTube page:

The volunteer trip to Tanzania proved to be a rewarding experience! In early July, several of our amazing volunteers, including Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Rinelda Horton along with her son, Miles Horton, nurses and Nurse Practitioners from NYSNA (New York State Nurses Association), dentists, and other doctors, volunteered their valuable time and effort in the Maruku Ward, Bukoba Rural District in Tanzania. While in Maruku, the health volunteers assisted the Maruku Health Center medical staff with training and patient care. NYSNA nurses brought medicine for the patients as well. Because of your generous donations, AHEAD, Inc. was able to provide essential medical and dental equipment and supplies. As a result, the Maruku Health Center staff and medical volunteers provided health services for 646 patients from July 9th-12th. During this time, many of the patients in the village told Dr. Apolinary Ngirwa that they were amazed at the quality of care and empathy which they received from the doctors and nurses. They said that had never before experienced such extensive examinations and healthcare. Relative to this, H.E. Ambassador Ombeni Sefue (Chairman of the Board of Directors of Uongozi Institute) stated in his Symposium presentation, “Doctors definitely need technical expertise in medicine, but soft skills that enable them to communicate well, to empathize with patients, and manage stress can also be important.”

The AHEAD volunteers also provided assistance in the computer lab and led recreational activities for the students at Maruku Secondary School. Malya Hirshkowitz, one of the volunteers, thoroughly enjoyed teaching soccer skills to the students at the secondary school. The students had a memorable experience as well, and showed great enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and most importantly, everybody had fun.

This trip not only provided the volunteers with the opportunity to participate in service projects addressing critical needs, but also allowed them to engage with local communities and foster meaningful relationships. Here are some photos documenting a few of the volunteers' adventures on this trip:

As we reflect on the successes and the many exciting events from this past summer, we wanted to thank our volunteers, longtime supporters, and donors for their efforts and contributions toward AHEAD, Inc.'s mission. Without you, our work would not be possible. Therefore, we look forward to the continued work and events we have planned for the future!

Please consider donating to AHEAD, Inc. to help us continue our work: 

We sincerely thank you for your ongoing support!