Erick Mahatara, Ambassador and Scholar at Cancer Fight Tanzania, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“As 2025 comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on a year that stretched, challenged, and transformed me in ways I could not have imagined.
This year marked a season of growth, stepping into leadership, deepening my research journey, and learning through both success and setbacks.
On the research front, I joined GHSEN Global Research as a Research Fellow in June and was later promoted to Director of Global Services (Tanzania) in September. This year, I contributed to several scholarly writings:
One article published in a peer-reviewed journal, and multiple papers still under review under cooperation with GHSEN Global Research.
However, Multiple articles have been published and featured in public health newsletters and magazine, including OncoDaily, and  focusing on Non-Communicable Diseases, hypertension awareness, health systems challenges.
A major milestone this year was stepping into grant writing. Together with colleagues, We applied to four competitive grant calls. While three were unsuccessful, valuable learning experiences in themselves, we were awarded one grant, reinforcing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and persistence in research and global health funding.
In terms of academic dissemination, I presented research abstracts at major platforms, including the Tanzania Health Summit and the WIN and LEARN Academic Event, where I was honored to receive 1st Runner-Up in the Research Category. I was also selected for the YOCAB Fellowship at the Tanzania Health Summit.
Beyond formal roles and publications, one of the most meaningful aspects of my year was engaging in peer mentorship in research, supporting fellow students in abstract writing, research design, and conference preparation. This, to me, represents a significant milestone: contributing to a growing culture of student-led research and collaboration.
In September, I began graduate studies in Global Health and Tropical Medicine through a joint program between the University of Ghana Medical School and University Medical Center Utrecht.
Through all these experiences, one conviction has grown stronger: my passion for Non-Communicable Diseases continues to deepen. Through research, advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, I remain committed to reducing the NCD burden, particularly in underserved settings.
Key lessons from 2025:
Growth comes from showing up even when outcomes are uncertain.
Mentorship and peer support matter.
And strong health systems begin with empowered health workers and students.
I am deeply grateful to Dr. ELICHILIA Shao , GHSEN Global Research, Ntuli Kapologwe, Faraan Rahim, KUSO, TAMSA, and the many colleagues and mentors who walked this journey with me.”
More Posts Featuring Erick Mahatara.