IN 2017, Zaitun, a resident of one of Lake Victoria’s islands, fell seriously ill. With no health facility nearby and limited finances, she relied on traditional remedies.

Her condition worsened, and her survival seemed uncertain until the arrival of the Jubilee Hope medical ship.

MV Jubilee Hope serves over ten large islands and fifty smaller ones in Lake Victoria, thanks to the Vine Trust, which purchased the ship, and Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML), which funds its operations. The AICT church manages the ship's activities. Launched by Princess Anne in 2014, the ship had since provided vital healthcare services to island residents.

Zaitun, one of 500,000 beneficiaries, shares her story of hope. Living with HIV since 2010, she had lost hope until she sought medical help from the ship after months of deteriorating health. 

Tests revealed she was pregnant, news that brought her immense joy. The ship's doctors treated her and emphasised the importance of continuing antiretroviral drugs to ensure her baby would be born HIV-negative.

 Following their advice, Zaitun travelled to Bukoba for specialised care, where she safely delivered a healthy baby boy, Yusuph, through caesarean section. Today, both mother and child are thriving.

"I believe that ship was sent by God to save my life," Zaitun reflects. Life on the islands poses significant challenges, particularly in healthcare access, making the ship a lifeline for many.

Pastor Samweli Limbe, AICT church coordinator, notes that since 2014, the ship has served major islands like Ikuza, Chakazimbwe, Mazinga, Bubile, Kerebe, Goziba, Butwa, Izumachele, Jumaa, and Nyamango. Neighbouring smaller islands send patients to these stations when the ship docks, staying for 2 to 4 days based on patient needs. Over the past decade, the ship had treated more than 500,000 patients.

Simon Shayo, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs for AngloGold Ashanti’s Ghana and Tanzania unit, highlighted GGML's commitment to collaborating with like-minded development stakeholders. 

He expressed pride in the ten years of service and the ship's transformative impact on island communities.

"Our partnership has brought significant changes to individuals, families, and communities. We are grateful to the AICT church for choosing us as partners and to Vine Trust for their crucial role in this collaboration," Shayo remarked.

Shayo also acknowledged the vital role of NGOs like Vine Trust in addressing healthcare challenges on the islands, especially for emergencies occurring at night when accessing mainland facilities is nearly impossible.

Historically, island residents faced immense challenges in accessing healthcare, often relying on unregulated pharmacies or herbal treatments due to the lack of clinics. Josia Marwa from Jumaa Island noted that before the ship's arrival, even basic medical tests were scarce. Self-diagnosis and over-the-counter medication were common, making recovery from serious illnesses difficult.

Pregnant women faced even greater challenges, particularly at night labor, when hiring a boat for mainland medical care was often unfeasible. Many had to rely on traditional birth attendants, risking severe complications.

"That ship has saved many lives. Those who call it a savior truly mean it; it has come to rescue us, and we are grateful," Josia expressed.

The MV Jubilee Hope continues to serve as a beacon of hope for Lake Victoria’s island residents, transforming lives through accessible healthcare, thanks to a strong partnership between the AICT church, GGML, and Vine Trust.