- 27 September, 2026
Tanzanian, September 26: A Tanzanian Catholic religious sister and medical doctor has been named the 2026 recipient of the Else Kröner Fresenius Award for Development Cooperation in Medicine for her work strengthening epilepsy diagnosis and care for children with disabilities.
Sr. Sarah Kahumbya Deogratius, Director of Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital in Dar es Salaam, was selected for the award for her project, “Strengthening Epilepsy Diagnosis and Care for Children with Disabilities in Tanzania.”
The annual award, presented by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS), recognises outstanding healthcare projects and the individuals responsible for improving medical services in countries with limited resources.
The 2026 award focuses particularly on people with disabilities and carries a prize of €250,000, which is intended to support the project.
Sr. Deogratius belongs to the Sisters of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba. A medical doctor and public health specialist, she has combined her religious vocation with medical and healthcare leadership.
She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree and has undertaken postgraduate studies in public health and internal medicine. She is also registered with the Medical Council of Tanganyika.
Since becoming Medical Director of Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital in 2016, she has overseen efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the Catholic facility, including the development of diagnostic services, pharmacy operations and specialised medical care.
Under her leadership, the hospital has developed its role as a regional referral facility, while its healthcare ministry has also extended to people living with disabilities.
A partnership between Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital and Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf in Hamburg, Germany, has focused on improving epilepsy diagnosis and treatment and strengthening healthcare workers' capacity to care for people with disabilities.
The hospital's rehabilitation unit serves as a resource centre for children living with disabilities, including cerebral palsy, developmental delays and Down syndrome.
The EKFS said the 2026 award seeks to recognise projects that demonstrate how people with disabilities can be integrated into existing healthcare systems through education, awareness, prevention and treatment.
It also gives particular attention to community-based rehabilitation and approaches that could be adapted in other countries.
The Foundation said the award recognises both the quality and innovative character of a project and the commitment of the individual leading it. Projects are expected to involve local partners and offer models that could inform similar initiatives elsewhere.
The prize was increased from €100,000 to €250,000 from 2026. Sr. Deogratius is scheduled to receive the award at a ceremony in Berlin on 1 October.
Following the announcement, she said the recognition would encourage her and the hospital team to continue “serving, learning and creating positive impact” for children with disabilities in Tanzania and beyond.
The recognition has also been welcomed by Catholic media in Tanzania, with Radio Maria praising her spirit of service and contribution to children and families.
For Sr. Dr. Deogratius, the award places a wider spotlight on a ministry where faith, medicine and compassionate care meet, particularly in the lives of children and families living with disability.
Courtesy ACIA Africa
Photo Credit : Radio Maria Tanzania
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