Bridging the Healthcare Gap: Research for a Healthier Future

Hello! My name is Baraka Laiza, and I am currently seeking support to pursue a PhD focused on developing healthcare solutions for underserved communities. My studies will take place primarily at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) in Spain, where I will work in both the Biomedical and Telematic Engineering departments. I also plan to collaborate with reputable universities in Belgium among other local and international institutions, which have established partnerships with developing nations, including my home country, Tanzania.

Throughout my academic journey, I have earned a Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, a Master’s in Information Technology, and a Bachelor's in Computer Science. These diverse experiences have equipped me with the skills needed to address healthcare challenges through practical, research-driven solutions. Over the course of this program, I will travel to Tanzania to establish relationships with healthcare centers, government institutions, and research communities, ensuring that my work remains aligned with the specific healthcare needs of my home country.

I am set to begin my PhD program in March 2025. My motivation for this journey stems from a pivotal experience during my Bachelor’s thesis, when I returned to Tanzania as part of a collaborative project supported by Vrije Universiteit Brussel. This project brought together healthcare centers, academic institutions, government agencies, and regulatory bodies to foster knowledge exchange. While we achieved meaningful results, I realized that addressing healthcare gaps requires a sustainable, research-driven approach.

During my time in Tanzania, I witnessed critical gaps in healthcare access firsthand—such as the lack of advanced medical devices for patient monitoring and limited telematic infrastructure for managing care in remote areas. This experience was transformative for me, as I became determined to pursue a path that combines practical technology with research to develop sustainable systems. My ultimate goal is to improve healthcare in Tanzania and contribute to the global healthcare community, creating a foundation for future researchers in Tanzania to continue advancing healthcare solutions.

Why Crowdfunding?

After exploring available scholarships, I found that very few opportunities align with my research goals. By seeking crowdfunding, I hope to gain support from a community that believes in my mission to develop impactful, sustainable healthcare solutions. This PhD is not only the next step in my career but also a chance to make a lasting impact on healthcare in developing countries.

My Research Focus

Access to quality healthcare remains a pressing challenge in many developing regions, including my home country of Tanzania. My PhD research is dedicated to addressing these healthcare gaps by developing practical solutions that enhance patient care and strengthen healthcare delivery systems. Through this work, I aim to create approaches that make patient monitoring and diagnosis more efficient and accessible, especially in remote areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited.

This research is driven by a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in underserved communities. By creating systems that can monitor health conditions more effectively, my goal is to empower healthcare providers to respond to patients’ needs promptly and accurately. This work has the potential to reduce the strain on overburdened health centers, improve patient outcomes, and provide critical support to healthcare workers operating in challenging environments while captivating development of technologies that appropriate to these settings in addition to global community.

Beyond immediate improvements in healthcare, my research is also about building a foundation for sustainable growth in healthcare innovation. I believe in fostering collaboration between Tanzanian institutions and international universities to create a research network that benefits local communities. By empowering local researchers and healthcare providers with the tools and knowledge to address these challenges, this project will contribute to a stronger, more self-sufficient healthcare system—one that is equipped to tackle both present and future healthcare needs.

Funding Needs Breakdown

To make my fundraising more achievable, I am focusing on an annual goal of €25,000. This will cover essential yearly expenses such as living costs, tuition, and research resources. By setting manageable yearly targets, I hope to foster consistent support and ensure the sustainability of my research. Below is a full breakdown of my four-year PhD funding needs, totaling €74,800:

Living Expenses: €72,000 (for 48 months at €1,500 per month)

Tuition Fees: €1,400 (approximately €350 per academic year for 4 years)

Research Expenses: €5,000 (materials, equipment, travel)

Health Insurance: €3,000 (coverage during my studies)

Miscellaneous Expenses: €2,000 (textbooks, software, conference fees)

Contingency Fund: €6,400 (to cover unexpected costs)

While my total funding needs are €74,800 for the complete program, focusing on a yearly goal of €25,000 makes this journey more accessible for supporters. The funds raised through this campaign will cover essential research expenses, including materials, partnerships with local healthcare centers, and field studies in Tanzania. I am committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on the progress and impact of this research.

Your Support Matters

Your support will not only help me achieve my academic and research goals but also contribute to building a resilient and equitable healthcare system for communities in need. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless people by advancing healthcare solutions that are not only significant globally but also relevant to developing regions settings. Thank you for considering this important cause.