Lockdown in Kamanga: A Personal Reflection
I’m writing from Tanzania, where the national election on 29th October sparked widespread unrest. Protests turned violent in Mwanza and across Tanzania, leaving many traumatised. Entire cities and every suburb were affected by killings. The government shut down internet access for six days, and a military-enforced curfew from 6pm to 6am made movements very restricted. Even during day-time it was too dangerous to go outside..
I was in Kamanga village — probably the safest place I could have been — but still under what was like a voluntary house arrest. For seven days, I had no internet, no news, no radio. Just two books, a yoga mat, frogs serenating at night, and a growing sense of isolation. Food was running low, shops were closed, and petrol had nearly vanished. Prices doubled overnight.
But even in the silence, one truth stood loud and clear: our work is more vital than ever.
We Kept Going — Because Our Community Needs Us
Despite the chaos, our teams never gave up. Babies were still born. Emergencies didn’t stop. Where possible, we delivered vital services — changing bandages, administering medications, and doing what we could with what we had.
Now that some restrictions have lifted, our outreach teams are back in the field — but barely. Our motorbikes, which connect us to our remote patients, are running dry. There were no fuel to be had today. Maybe tomorrow. The cost of fuel will be soaring once we can get some.
This is the reality of community-led development. It’s not perfect, it’s not always safe but it’s resilient, and it’s essential.
One Ambulance. 663,000 People.
Right now, our district — home to 663,000 people across 1,842 km² — has just one ambulance. And it is not at our hospital. It is based 1.5 hours away.
When emergencies strike, lives are often lost before help can even arrive. Mothers in labour, people with disabilities, children with infections — many of them simply don’t make it in time.
We urgently need ann ambulance to serve this community. It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
🎄 This is our 2025 Christmas Appeal: Let’s Put An Ambulance on the Road.
We need to raise another USD $50,000 to purchase a 4WD ambulance that can navigate the rough terrain and transport patients safely to Kamanga Health Centre.
➡️ Click here to give the gift of life this Christmas
Every contribution brings us closer to a that ambulance and helps ensure no one is left waiting in a medical emergency.
Thank you for standing with us - in peace and in crisis, in progress and in challenge.
P.S. We are all safe. Our staff has shown incredible support and solidarity towards one another and towards their community, I couldn’t be prouder.
With Gratitude
Nina and the Cedar Team