Arusha.
Tanzania has lost a giant in the medical field with the passing of Professor
John Shao, former Executive Director of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
(KCMC) and the first Vice-Chancellor of Tumaini University Makumira.
At
80 years old, Prof. Shao’s death on October 6, 2024, marks the end of an era
for the country’s healthcare and education sectors, where his transformative
influence spanned decades. Known as a visionary leader, Prof. Shao reshaped the
medical landscape of Tanzania, leaving an unparalleled legacy of institutional
growth, medical expertise, and a generation of doctors who were inspired by his
guidance. His contributions were so profound that to mention healthcare
advancements in Tanzania is to speak of Prof. Shao’s enduring impact.
In
a tribute to Prof. Shao, Dr. Mugisha Nkoronko, President of the Medical
Association of Tanzania (MAT), described him as a trailblazer whose work in
medical education, research, and policy left an indelible mark on the country.
"Prof.
Shao was among the first Tanzanian doctors to specialize in parasitology and
later served as a professor at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied
Sciences (MUHAS). His influence sparked widespread reforms in the health
sector, including the education and training of specialists, many of whom owe
their careers to his mentorship," Dr. Nkoronko noted.
One
of Prof. Shao’s most significant achievements was his role in the establishment
of Tumaini University, Tanzania's first private university, as well as the KCMC
School of Medicine, where he served as the inaugural dean.
Under
his leadership, the training of doctors at KCMC flourished, producing
generations of specialists who now form the backbone of Tanzania’s healthcare
system. Dr. Peter Kisenge, the Executive Director of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac
Institute (JKCI), is one such product of Prof. Shao’s vision and dedication.
"His
legacy lives on in the specialists we have today, many of whom were inspired by
him to pursue further studies and specializations," said Dr. Nkoronko.
Beyond education, Prof. Shao was a pioneering force in medical research,
establishing the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) to address key
health challenges, including malaria, in collaboration with global partners
such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Notably,
Prof. Shao was at the forefront of introducing biotechnology labs to Tanzania
and championed innovative research in gastrointestinal diseases, including the
use of capsule endoscopy at KCMC.
He
also led tuberculosis treatment research in partnership with Kibong'oto
National Hospital and initiated the country’s first integrated HIV/AIDS family
clinic. His efforts contributed to the installation of Northern Tanzania’s
first CT scan machine, further cementing his role in the modernization of the
country’s healthcare infrastructure.
As
a Makumira University student when Prof. Shao handed over the
Vice-Chancellorship to Prof. Joseph Parsalaw, the author of this reflection
vividly remembers the warmth and wisdom Prof. Shao embodied.
Prof.
Parsalaw, in his tribute to the late professor, said, "Prof. Shao was not
only a towering figure in academics and healthcare but also a man of great
humility and compassion. His contributions extended far beyond titles—he shaped
lives, strengthened institutions, and left a blueprint for others to
follow."
Prof.
Shao’s influence stretched beyond Tanzania’s borders. He was instrumental in
securing partnerships between KCMC and global institutions like Duke University
in the U.S. and Radboud University in the Netherlands, as part of the Medical
Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI). His efforts not only elevated
Tanzania’s healthcare system but also solidified its place on the global stage
in medical education and research.
Born
in 1944, Prof. Shao was Tanzania’s first graduate in parasitology and served as
a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam from 1978 to 1981. Over the
years, he held numerous leadership roles, including serving as the Secretary
General of the African Medical Doctors Federation and as a key member of
Tanzania’s Health Sector Reform Committee in the 1990s.
With
his passing, Tanzania has lost a great mind, but his legacy of excellence in
healthcare, research, and education will continue to shape the nation for
generations to come. Prof. Shao’s name will forever be synonymous with the
advancement of medical care in Tanzania, and his life’s work will remain a
beacon for future healthcare professionals.