Sr. Dr. Sarah Kahumbya Deogratius, Director of Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital in Tanzania, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Else Kröner Fresenius Award for Development Cooperation in Medicine in recognition of her work to strengthen epilepsy diagnosis and care for children with disabilities.
Presented annually by the Else Kröner-Fresenius-Stiftung (EKFS), the award recognizes outstanding projects and the individuals responsible for improving healthcare in countries with limited resources.
The 2026 award focused on people with disabilities and carried a prize of €250,000 (approximately $286,975 USD).
The Foundation announced Sr. Deogratius as this year's laureate for the project “Strengthening Epilepsy Diagnosis and Care for Children with Disabilities in Tanzania,” following her nomination by Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf (EKA), a German healthcare institution.
Sr. Deogratius is a Tanzanian Catholic Religious Sister, medical doctor, and public health specialist who has combined her Religious vocation with a career in healthcare and medical leadership.
The member of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba, 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 the Medical Director of Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital in Dar es Salaam in 2016, Sr. Deogratius has reportedly overseen efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery at the Catholic facility, including the expansion of diagnostic services, pharmacy operations and specialised medical care.
Under her leadership, the hospital is said to have developed its capacity to serve as a regional referral facility. Her work has also extended to people living with disabilities, particularly children and adults affected by epilepsy.
A partnership between Cardinal Rugambwa Hospital and the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Alsterdorf in Hamburg, Germany, has focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and strengthening healthcare workers' capacity to care for people with disabilities
The hospital's rehabilitation unit serves as a resource centre for children with disabilities, including those living with cerebral palsy, developmental delays and Down syndrome, according to the hospital's announcement of the award.
More: https://t.co/DabPqvlDPl
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