Born on December 26, 1990, in Dodoma, Tanzania, I am the youngest of six children in a family that instilled in me the values of dedication, compassion, and community. My late father, Msawulile Clement Mnyawonga, and my mother, Esther Samkongwa, raised us with a strong sense of purpose and integrity. I am proud of my heritage as a member of the Hehe tribe, which continues to shape my identity and work ethic. Among my siblings, I share close bonds with my two older brothers, Faraji and Mollo Mnyawonga, and my sisters Vaileth and Catherine Mnyawonga. We remember our late sister, Sarah Mnyawonga, with love and honour her memory in all we do.

My academic journey began with a clear interest in healthcare, culminating in a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from Decca College of Health and Allied Sciences in Dodoma in 2018. This qualification laid the foundation for a professional journey that spans over a decade of committed service in the medical field.

I began my career on June 30, 2014, at Tanga Regional Referral Hospital, where I served for over seven years. My time there was marked by continuous learning and meaningful impact, especially within the Bacteriology Laboratory. I was honoured to be appointed the regional superuser of the GeneXpert platforms, a critical tool in the diagnosis and management of tuberculosis. In this role, I not only managed technical operations but also trained and mentored laboratory personnel across multiple health facilities. I worked closely with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme, contributing to Tanzania’s national TB control efforts, a role i consider one of the most impactful in my career thus far.

In March 2022, I transitioned to a new chapter at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, where I continue to serve as a Laboratory technologist. This role has expanded my professional scope, moving from clinical diagnostics into the field of research. Over the past three years, I have been privileged to contribute to bacteriology-focused research studies, three successful programs to date aimed at improving disease diagnostics and informing public health policies.

To enhance my contribution to public health, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health through Cavendish University in Uganda. Now in my second year, this academic endeavor complements my field experience and supports my long-term vision of playing a more strategic role in national and international health initiatives.

With over ten years of experience, I have developed both a deep technical expertise and a broader understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tanzania. I remain passionate about laboratory science, infectious disease research, and capacity building within the health sector. My journey is far from over. I am committed to lifelong learning and am enthusiastic about opportunities to continue serving my community and country through science, research, and public health innovation.

 I cherish staying home on the weekends with my children, where we can relax and enjoy each other’s company. I also love to hang out with friends and family, whether we’re getting together for a meal or just catching up.

A big part of my weekends involves watching football matches. I follow the sport closely and enjoy watching games on TV or, whenever I get the chance, experiencing the thrill of a live match at the stadium.