RISING WOMAN 2025: Here’s what keeps Tanzania’s trailblazing female paediatric cardiologist highly motivated

When I first met her in October 2023, our conversation revolved around the Sh30 billion investment to build a new heart facility at Mloganzila. The facility was planned to accommodate the rising number of heart patients, with surgeries increasing from just 100 eight years ago to approximately 400 per year in 2023.

This year, our discussion delved deeper into her career journey—how she ascended the professional ladder to become Tanzania’s first female paediatric cardiologist and the Director of Clinical Audit and Quality Assurance at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).

I am speaking about Dr Naizihijwa Majani, whose career path began with a clinical and scientific internship at Bugando Medical Centre. She was inspired by two German doctors, Dr Antke Zuchner and Dr Christian Schmidt, the first paediatric cardiologists at the centre.

In 2011, she moved to Israel to undertake a three-year postgraduate programme in Paediatric Cardiology at Wolfson Medical Center, affiliated with Tel Aviv University, supported by the Save a Child’s Heart (SACH) organisation.

“My journey was driven by a deep desire to address the critical gaps in paediatric cardiology in Tanzania. I witnessed many children suffering from heart disease without access to timely and specialised care, and I felt compelled to make a difference in their lives,” says Dr Majani.

She played a key role in pioneering the establishment of the Paediatric Cardiac Programme in Tanzania. Before its inception, children with heart disease had very limited treatment options within the country.

“Families had to seek costly treatment abroad, and the government had to cover these expenses. However, only a few children benefited, and often with delays that compromised their outcomes. Establishing the programme was crucial in providing accessible, timely, and life-saving care while also building local capacity for sustainable paediatric cardiac services,” she explains.

When asked what motivates her dedication to advancing paediatric cardiology in Tanzania and improving the lives of children with congenital heart disease, she says:

“Every child deserves a chance at a healthy life. Seeing children recover and thrive after surgery is deeply fulfilling. My motivation stems from the need to bridge the healthcare gap and ensure Tanzanian children receive world-class care locally. The smiles of healed children and grateful families keep me going.”

Dr Majani previously served as the Director of Research and Training at JKCI, where she oversaw research activities, developed training programmes for healthcare professionals, and ensured that the institute remained a hub for innovation.

Her journey to this leadership position was shaped by a passion for learning, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to advancing healthcare through evidence-based practice.

Balancing her responsibilities as the Director of Clinical Audit and Quality Assurance, alongside her role as a Consultant Cardiologist, requires exceptional time management, strategic delegation, and teamwork.

“Through clinical auditing and quality assurance, we ensure our services meet international standards. As a consultant cardiologist, my priority is to provide the best care to my patients and mentor upcoming specialists. Together, these roles enhance the quality and sustainability of healthcare at JKCI,” she says.

All the leadership positions she has held were earned through hard work, persistence, and a vision for growth. Her responsibilities have included strengthening institutional systems, enhancing quality standards, and fostering professional development.

“These roles have taught me the value of teamwork, resilience, and the importance of empowering others. I actively mentor young women in healthcare, providing them with guidance and opportunities for growth. Through training programmes and personal interactions, I aim to create an environment where women feel supported and confident in pursuing leadership roles,” says Dr Majani.

Balancing professional and personal responsibilities, while overcoming biases in leadership, are some of the challenges she faces. However, she has managed these by staying focused on her goals, seeking mentorship, and building a strong support system both at work and at home.

Just last year, she achieved a remarkable milestone—raising Sh2.7 billion for paediatric cardiac care in 2024. This success was accomplished through strategic planning, collaboration, and effective advocacy.

“It has significantly expanded our capacity to treat children with heart disease, provided advanced equipment, and supported training initiatives, ultimately saving countless lives,” she says.

On the importance of women in leadership roles, she states:

“Women bring unique perspectives and skills to leadership, fostering inclusivity, empathy, and innovation. Representation matters—it inspires others and ensures that diverse voices shape decisions impacting society.”

For women experiencing career stagnation, she advises:

“Focus on continuous learning, seek mentorship, and set clear goals. Networking and staying adaptable are also key to overcoming barriers and finding new opportunities.”

And for young women and girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps, her message is:

“Believe in yourself, work hard, and never let challenges deter you. Seek knowledge, embrace mentorship, and always remember that your aspirations are powerful and achievable. With determination, hard work, and the courage to seize every opportunity, you can rise beyond any challenge and achieve greatness.”