This International Nurses’ Day, we shine a light on a remarkable nurse whose dedication is transforming lives in northern Tanzania with the power of sight. Meet Faraja Robert Mapunda, an Assistant Nursing Officer at Manyara Regional Referral Hospital—and a beacon of hope for her community.
Faraja’s journey into ophthalmology was born from both professional encounters and a deeply personal experience. Working in the hospital, she witnessed countless patients suffering from preventable eye conditions. But it was her own mother-in-law’s prolonged struggle with eye problems—and the long journeys required to access treatment—that stirred something deeper. She saw not just patients, but people—family—living in darkness, both literally and figuratively.
Determined to make a difference, Faraja made a life-changing decision: she would specialize in eye care. Her goal was clear—to return with the skills and knowledge to serve her community and offer the gift of sight to those most in need.
The road was not easy. Her hospital faced numerous challenges—too few trained staff, a lack of equipment and medicine, and limited public awareness about eye health. Many patients were either referred to distant hospitals or left untreated.
But everything changed when the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO), our partner in Africa, stepped in. With their support, Faraja received advanced training in eye care. And she didn’t stop there. Under her leadership, three more nurses were trained, and the hospital acquired modern eye care equipment. Surgical services were introduced, and outreach programs were expanded to rural villages and schools.
Today, the transformation is evident. Patient numbers have soared. More people are regaining their sight, learning about eye health and how to protect their vision, and reclaiming their futures full of potential. Faraja is not only a nurse—she’s a community leader, an advocate, and a symbol of how essential nursing truly is. Through her passion and perseverance, she has helped turn a struggling eye unit into a thriving centre of care and education.
On this International Nurses’ Day, we honour Faraja and all nurses who help us all through some of our toughest obstacles with our health so we can live full and vibrant lives. Her story is a powerful reminder that when a nurse is empowered, entire communities can see a brighter tomorrow.
