In a world of modern medicine, we often think of advanced treatments, powerful medications and technology as the key to saving lives. However, one of the most effective ways to prevent disease is surprisingly simple: washing hands properly. Our hands come into contact with many surfaces throughout the day — door handles, money, phones, public…

History repeats itself. Initially, Britain and France never wanted the events that led to World War II to spill out of Central Europe. They had sought to “appease” Hitler’s ambitions to expand German territory in central Europe hoping to contain the conflict within the continent and avoid another major fighting after World War One, which…

The other day I recalled a compelling New Year’s resolution from veteran journalist Jenerali Ulimwengu, shared in his weekly column in The East African some 15 years ago. He advised that every literate Bongolander should cultivate the habit of reading at least one book a month. Such a habit, he argued, would amount to 12…

Albert Einstein was truly unique. As a child, he was a “late talker” compared to most children but he mastered differential and integral calculus by age 15! He disliked his school’s system of rote memorization and rigid discipline prevalent in Germany at the time. Because of his critical thinking and curiosity, he kept asking questions…

Adoption in Tanzania is not a casual “pick a child and go” affair—far from it. Under the Law of the Child Act, the process is as serious as a High Court matter because, well, it actually is one. Prospective parents must be at least 25 years old and at least 21 years older than the…

In our quest for better health, are we being led down an expensive and unnecessary path? As a doctor who has practised medicine in Tanzania for over two decades, I have observed a worrying trend. Our pharmacies and shops are flooded with bottles promising stronger bones, sharper vision, healthier skin and boundless energy for every…

Traditional foods across Swahili-speaking communities of Eastern Africa provide a wide variety of plant-based dishes that support healthy diets, nutrition experts say. Many of these foods are already deeply embedded in daily meals and can play an important role during periods such as Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season when many people reduce or avoid…

Arusha is currently ranked as the fifth strongest regional economy in Tanzania, after Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Mbeya and Morogoro. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), it has a GDP of TZS 7 trillion (approximately USD 2.8 billion) and contributes about 4.5–5.0 per cent of the national GDP. This contribution—roughly one-twentieth of Tanzania’s…

It is truly fascinating when we reflect on the depth of wisdom that is embedded in the numerous proverbs and sayings that come to us from all cultures and traditions. These proverbs grew out of the experience of our ancestors and especially on their continuous reflection on that experience. It is sad that the present…

BY A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT The recent acquisition of a controlling stake in Kenya’s Nation Media Group by Tanzanian businessman, Mr Rostam Aziz, may signal a subtle but significant shift in the dynamics of East African regional integration. Mr Aziz last week secured majority control of the Nairobi-based media conglomerate, one of the most influential news…