Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is a parasitic infection caused by schistosoma parasites that use freshwater snails as an intermediate host. The parasite is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated freshwater, typically in rural areas with poor sanitation. Schistosomiasis is endemic to regions with freshwater lakes, hydroelectric dams, and extensive agricultural irrigation. Once inside […]
Like cholera and leptospirosis, typhoid fever is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. In the United States, typhoid fever is rare, with under 400 cases annually, mostly acquired in endemic regions of the world like Asia, Africa, and South America. In fact, people are not routinely vaccinated for typhoid in […]
Malaria in Tanzania is a critical public health issue, with a significant impact on the country’s socio-economic status. Understanding its prevalence, the government’s response and the role of international initiatives is key to tackling this life-threatening disease. Malaria is a life-threatening disease transmitted through bites from infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed and spend the first part […]
The Maji Safi Group (MSG) is a non-profit organization that promotes public health and prevents waterborne diseases through WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education in Tanzania. Since its inception in 2013, MSG has championed a participatory development model that places local community members at the forefront of driving transformative changes in public health. This article […]
Maji Safi Group (MSG) seeks to help solve the persistent and devastating problems of rural poverty in Tanzania through holistic and cross-sectoral solutions like community centers (WASH Hubs) and the employment of local leaders as community educators (CHEs) in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and agriculture. For 10 years, women have been at the center […]
Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women’s health and well-being. Yet, it is often overlooked or stigmatized in many parts of the world. In Tanzania, menstrual hygiene remains a taboo subject often met with silence and shame. In addition, the lack of access to affordable and reliable menstrual hygiene products is a significant barrier […]
Text and photos by Erna Maj – Erna has served as Maji Safi Group’s Fundraising and Outreach Coordinator for several years. She thoroughly enjoys running our Young Global Citizen Program and visits our on-the-ground projects in Tanzania on a regular basis. Imagine Imagine a health care facility (HCF) where there is no safe water source. […]
When Dr. Beth Osnes and I began to think about taking our Vocal Empowerment program outside of Starfish: Her Infinite Impact (the organization in Guatemala where we co-developed it over the past three years), we realized that it would not be the best fit for just any organization. Consequently, we began to construct a list […]
“Parents approach me to tell me the Maji Safi Read-a-thon is a deeply meaningful way to talk with their child about giving back. I can feel the excitement of our students as they read to make a difference in our world.” -Sarah Oswick, Principal Some people hate Mondays; I loved Monday, May 23. Some people would consider […]
Mambo from Merikani! My name is Samantha Nelson, and I studied abroad in East Africa during the fall of 2015. Coincidentally, I spent most of my time in northern Tanzania with World Learning SIT, the same program Maji Safi Group co-founders Bruce Pelz and Max Perel-Slater studied with in 2009. Believe it or not, I […]
