From Waitress to Visionary: The Journey of Happiness Nyemo

Meet Happiness Nyemo, a 25-year-old waitress hustling in one of Dar-es-Salaam's busiest pubs, balancing trays and serving drinks with a smile. But behind that cheerful facade lies a fierce determination to transform her life and secure a better future for her daughter.

Dreams of a Tailoring Empire

"One day, I will own a tailoring machine and run my own business, all while ensuring my daughter gets a proper education," she shares passionately. Despite the struggles of single motherhood and the daily grind, Nyemo is committed to her dreams.

A Legacy of Vaccination

For Nyemo, the clinic is a priority. Her mother's unwavering belief in vaccination as a child’s lifeline influences her choices today. "Vaccines were vital for our survival," her mother often reminds her. This commitment to immunisation stems from Nyemo's childhood in a small village, where stories of preventable illnesses still haunt her.

From Neglect to Nurture: A Nation's Transformation

In 2000, just before Nyemo was born, Tanzania faced a staggering under-five mortality rate of 128 deaths per 1,000 births. However, the inception of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, marked a turning point. By 2001, vaccinations skyrocketed; from 87% coverage to an astonishing 95% within two years. Today, Tanzania is rebounding strongly, with immunisation coverage at 93%, thanks to a relentless health service.

A Mother's Vigilance

The nurses at Amana Regional Referral Hospital stressed the importance of timely vaccinations during Nyemo's pregnancy, and she took their words to heart. "I learned from my mother; it’s crucial to maintain a regular vaccination schedule for my child," she reflects.

Empowering the Next Generation: Faustina Goodluck

Like Nyemo, Faustina Goodluck was also born in 2001, just as vaccinations were becoming the norm. Now 25, Goodluck is making her mark as an environmental health scientist, inspired to ensure that homes in her community have access to the same life-saving interventions she enjoyed.

A Future in Preventive Health

Goodluck’s journey took her to the prestigious Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, where she graduated with a BSc in Environmental Health in 2024. It is her mission to educate communities, advocating vaccination as a central pillar of preventative health.

Unleashing Potential Through Knowledge

"In the past, without vaccines, many didn't reach their full potential. Vaccines provide the foundation for a healthy life," she explains. Through workshops and community outreach, Goodluck shares her knowledge, aiming to empower others to take charge of their health.

Nutrition and Immunity: A Powerful Combination

Goodluck is taking her commitment a step further by founding Mlo Hub, a startup dedicated to promoting proper nutrition as a means of boosting community immunity. Her vision is clear: a healthier Tanzania is possible through education and preventative measures.

Inspiring Change through Legacy

Both Nyemo and Goodluck illustrate the profound impact of immunisation in Tanzania. Their stories remind us that every vaccine is not just a shot, but an investment in a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.