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I'm Now Going Places Thanks To THS2022 Health Awards
21st August 2023 | Success in Leadership
Dr. Robert Nelson Rwebangira yearned for a career in public health for a long time but his plans were often met with stumbling blocks. However, as he speaks to us today, he is happy man after being admitted to the Free University of Brussels in Belgium. In this story, he recounts how being the Winner of THS2022 DMO of the Year Award contributed to his latest success…
“I have been awarded a scholarship and admitted to study specialised Masters of Public Health Methodology at Free university of Brussels,’’ says Rwebangira, as he curtain-raises his story.
“I had no sufficient academic qualifications for direct entry into the university or the award for the scholarship,’’ says the winner of one of the categories for THS Health Awards which were launched in 2022 to recognize the untiring efforts and service of healthcare workers in Tanzania’s health system.
If you are getting to know him for the first time, note that Dr.Rwebangira was named the District Medical Officer of the Year in 2022 and he scooped the award after a nomination process, followed by rigorous selection of candidates and final voting during Tanzania Health Summit (THS). Other categories were Nurse of the Year Award, Doctor Of The Year as well as Community Health Worker Of The Year.
The Health Award entails being recognised on THS platforms, getting a Trophy and cash prize of $500 each, Travel and accommodation (for the winner living outside Dar es Salaam and a complimentary conference registration. But the benefits of the award can be much more than what one gets at the conference.
Opportunities galore
Dr.Rwebangira says that the ward has beefed up his qualifications in pursuit of career growth and served as a stepping stone for his latest university admission.
“I was admitted and awarded a scholarship based on professional experience and achievement that were recognized through Tanzania Health Summit. The award has served as one the excellent preparations for me to take this specialised masters.’’
Back in Kasulu, he has been overseeing all the technical health issues in the district for the past over 6 years now. Working in that capacity, in partnership with all stakeholders, he has demonstrated outstanding performance in management and leadership by coordinating the allocation, distribution and utilization of all health resources (human and financial material) while ensuring equity.
He has been further recognised for enhancing good governance and administrative services, increased and improved physical infrastructures of health facilities and staff. He also improve the availability and accessibility of health commodities; which in turn has led to strengthened and improved access to quality and equitable health services delivery at all levels in Kasulu district council in a span of five years.
The medic, who has deep interest in leadership and public health, has supervised the construction of several health centers and one district hospital and during the COVID-19 outbreak he coordinated health team, making Kasulu a district resilient to COVID-19 pandemic challenges. During the national vaccination campaigns, he increased COVID-19 vaccination uptake. Also he has been working hard to make sure that all health workers receive their statutory benefits.
As he works on his career dream in Brussels, he encourages healthcare workers to participate in THS Health Awards annually. “This award program motivates you more to provide health services consistently, and according to the needs of the communities and individuals. It opens the door for you to excel professionally and academically at the national and global level,’’ he explains.
Rwebangira’s testimony is evidenced by another winner. The winner of the THS2022 Nurse of the Year Ward, Mr. Wilson Fungameza, whose story went far and wide after winning the ward during the 9th Tanzania Health Summit (THS), the country’s largest health gathering held every year—and which brings together policy makers and private healthcare stakeholders.
Also Read: Tanzanian Nurse Eyes $250,000 In Global Award Finals
Fungameza was recognised for his improvisation that saved premature babies from dying in the neonatal unit where he worked, often due to underdeveloped lungs. His work has helped where breathing aid machines are expensive and not widely available. So, Wilson devised his own machine using materials easily available in hospitals, with remarkable results.
To attend the summit register via the link: https://ths.or.tz/registration-selection/