Marsha Macatta-Yambi is a Corporate Communication & Public Affairs Manager for Nestle Equatorial African Region, Tanzania. She holds a Master’s in Health Management, Planning and Policy from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Marsha describes herself as a God-fearing, very hardworking, resilient, daring, unique and self-motivated woman.
What made you pursue a career in health?
Right before my 6th birthday, my uncle, a Medical Doctor, handed me a stethoscope. I was his favourite niece and this piece of medical device was a great seed to me for it instilled in me more enthusiasm to make a difference in the lives of others.
What challenges do you face in your line of work?
There are several challenges that are faced. I would like to categorize them into external and internal challenges.
The external challenges such as the economic status of where we serve continuously changes. This is a challenge one must consider in real time to think of innovations that not only addresses needs, of those being served, in the short term, but sustainably. This consideration, when thinking of innovations, must also be in line with our purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. In the real sense, this causes us to always stay thinking as a team and on our feet.
There are several times where I am faced with an agenda that is misaligned with that of the authorities.
Further to this, there are several times where I am faced with an agenda that is misaligned with that of the authorities. This then spills to time constraints that in turn, ends up calling for delays in completion of projects.
Being in a lean team had been a continuous internal embraced challenge, as a result, this has caused most of us to wear more than one hat. As often as this happens, the team gains more resilience towards the size of the workload we receive daily. We also gain exposure to different challenges that sharpen skills. In fact, people look out for more, for it is a rewarding experience.
You have worked for several organisations, have you ever faced challenges due to your gender?
I can’t recall any scenario when such happened. I relate well to both genders. My strong positive demeanour, self-confidence and interpersonal relationships are some of the attributes that have given me the ease to work with either gender.
What experience are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the moment where I am able to make a change that contributes to a long-term effect on society. One change that I am most proud of is when I rescued the Revolving Drug Fund (RDF) project at the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) that was about to be ended by a donor. This project had an objective of ensuring and sustaining the availability of medicines in health facilities. My joining the Commission in 1998, was a new beginning for the Commission to open doors to other donors that also focused in addressing societal issues in a sustainable way. During my time at CSSC I facilitated funding from numerous donors including the USAID President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Comic Relief, Norwegian Church Aid and USAID fund for Malaria.
What is your greatest regret?
Sincerely, I do not have any great regret.
The biggest opportunities for women in health on the African continent are the ones that allow women to take care of their health freely. Marsha Macatta-Yambi Click To Tweet
What, in your opinion, are the biggest opportunities for women in health on the African continent?
The biggest opportunities for women in health on the African continent in my opinion are the ones that allow women to take care of their health freely; taking a focused approach to address gender inequality (focused care in health, social and economy).
Another opportunity is in taking charge to address poverty among women. Empowering them from their young age ensures that they understand what their contribution means and what the linkages are between their health and mitigating poverty. Further, there is a big opportunity in mitigating sexual and gender-based violence, this includes female genital mutilation (FGM), to protect the producers of the next generation.
Have you ever been mentored, if so by whom?
Yes, I have been mentored by several individuals. First and foremost, by my own mother. I believe that you would be able to agree that mothers can do a great deal in mentoring their young ones, a 360 approach. This is none other than my mother; Mrs Maria Macatta.
While, professionally, my first mentor was one, Dr. Frederick Kigadye. This was while he served as the Director at the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) in Tanzania. I found him there and he finished his tenure in 2004. I joined CSSC in 1998 up until 2009.
What is the value of mentorship in your opinion?
Mentorship is an invaluable journey. In my opinion; mentorship is like being incubated and allowed to be given special food that nurtures you mentally, spiritually, physically, morally and professionally. Here my mentor(s) travelled with me while complimenting me all along, as a matter of fact they particularly invested in my successes. This was possible because I found a mentor that was open, honest and created space for me by sharing their own experiences along their own journey that allowed my true leaning. They made who I am today. Mentorship should be embraced.
While being mentored, I also have some mentees that are getting my personal time and attention. My goal is to make them better and prosperous… better than I am on this very day.
Don’t let the people around you determine your values or behaviour patterns. Marsha Macatta-Yambi - Click To Tweet
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Do what God expects; don’t let the people around you determine your values or behaviour patterns. If you want to have confidence, you must stop trying to be “superwoman”. Realize that you have limitations and you cannot keep everyone happy all the time”.
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