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Erick Mahatara: History Made from Tanzania to the World, We Brought the REX Crossley Award Home

Erick Mahatara/LinkedIn

May 19, 2025, 08:19

Erick Mahatara: History Made from Tanzania to the World, We Brought the REX Crossley Award Home

Erick Mahatara, Ambassador and Scholar at Cancer Fight Tanzania, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“History Made From Tanzania to the World We Brought the REX Crossley Award Home..

I’m beyond thrilled and deeply honored to share that the Mlinde Health Campaign (Protect Her), A Cervical Cancer Campaign under TANZANIA MEDICAL STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION(TAMSA) has secured the 2nd Position Globally in the REX Crossley Award 2025, a prestigious recognition given by IFMSA | International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations to the most impactful and innovative health projects in the world.

Starting with 68 global entries, narrowing down to the top 5 finalists, and now making it to the TOP 3 is a dream come true not just for us, but for every young girl whose life was touched by this campaign.

As a proud participant of the campaign and a recipient of the Certificate of Appreciation from TAMSA KCMC, I reflect with deep gratitude on what we achieved together as a Chapter:

1.Reaching over 2,000 young girls in both primary and secondary schools across urban and rural parts of Kilimanjaro Region- Tanzania

2.Providing education on cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of early screening and detection

3.Advocating for and supporting HPV vaccine administration for girls aged 9 to 14 years

4.Debunking harmful myths and misconceptions around cervical cancer and the HPV vaccine

5.Mobilizing health workers, community leaders, teachers, and youth for collective health action

This campaign was not just a health initiative, it was a movement. A movement that carried a message of protection, empowerment, and equity for Tanzanian girls.

A heartfelt congratulations to our incredible presenter Ridhwan Mohamed , our strong and visionary activity coordinator Nkuba Charles, Syeda Maham Jamal, and the dedicated organizing teams from chapter level to national leadership. Your hard work, passion, and vision made this global recognition possible.

This experience has opened my eyes to how much work is still needed to combat cervical cancer, especially in underserved communities. But it has also shown me what united action, youth leadership, and passion for change can accomplish.”