There are some children whose lives leave fingerprints on hearts across continents. Neema was one of those children.
It is with deep sadness that we share that our dear Neema has passed away due to complications related to HIV-induced kidney disease. Yet even in grief, we know her story is not over. Her life became a testimony of compassion, courage, faith, and the power of people around the world coming together for one child.
For many who followed Neema’s journey through Haven of Hope International, her story began in early 2020 in a small village near Arusha, Tanzania.
Emmy, director of Matonyok Children’s Home, heard whispers about a young girl hidden away because of the stigma surrounding HIV. Curious and concerned, Emmy searched the village until she found Neema—a petite, frail 9 year-old girl battling active HIV after losing her father to the disease. Neema was not attending school, was weak and without access to medical treatment. Her mother allowed Emmy to bring her to Matonyok Children’s Home.
At Matonyok, she became part of a bigger family
Neema began receiving medical care and attended the school right there on the campus. She excelled in Math and began dreaming about becoming a nurse one day. By the fall of 2023, Neema’s condition worsened. Emmy was tireless in helping Neema to the best of her abilities and as she got sicker, would sleep by her side to ensure she was propped up so she could breathe. She refused to give up on Neema. Emmy requested help from HOHI for medical bills and consultations.
Support was provided and Alice began reaching out to doctors in the States for help. A long time friend and supporter of HOHI, Dr. Tom Schaar, who invited an Infection Disease Specialist – Dr. Stephanie Stovall and longtime supporter of Matonyok and retired pediatrician, Mark Mitchnick to join the weekly consultation zoom calls. Brian Mollel, HOHI’s African Project Coordinator role expanded quickly to incorporate whatever Neema needed to stabilize Neema’s life threatening condition.
Doctors in Tanzania were a bit baffled that the US Team agreed to start Dialysis since HIV related kidney failure was suspected, unaware that Tanzania treatment options for HIV-positive children with kidney disease were non-existent. Once Neema stabilized, Emmy and Brian located a transplant hospital. She was transported hours away to a hospital in Dodoma, only to find out while they were exploring HIV Transplants, they were not equipped to provided pediatric care. Most children in her condition have no options. But we believe that was about to change.
For months, teams in the United States and Tanzania met regularly, reviewing tests and monitoring her condition. Everyone hoped dialysis would stabilize her long enough for recovery. But by February 2024, the news became increasingly difficult. The doctors told Alice that dialysis was not enough. Hard decisions were approaching.
So Alice did what she has done for countless children over the years - she rallied for people to pray.
An “Easter Miracle” prayer team formed, believing God could open a door where none seemed possible. And just before Easter, something remarkable happened.
Kayera Kashmiri, a traveling RN who previously served on the board of HOHI and had become part of Neema’s medical team, was transferred for the first time to a pediatric hospital – UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in California. She placed a note about Neema on a bulletin board.
That note caught the attention of Dr. Peter Stock, a world-renowned kidney transplant specialist. He and his team, immediately hopped on the next consult call to learn more. The original team was thrilled to see this hope-filled group with a plan to help. Hearing that the new “docs on the block” had already been working with a team of physicians at a University in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to explore the possibilities of transplants in HIV positive patients
The next thing we knew, Dr. Stock and Dr. Shareef Syed, a transplant surgeon, traveled to Matonyok Children’s Home in Tanzania to meet Neema personally. Warmly welcomed by Emmy, hope began to rise.
The UCSF team invited Neema to come to California for treatment and in hopes finding a kidney match. They had a team of pediatric surgeons that specialize in HIV transplants. A local nurse from Tanzania named Glory, was also invited to go to support Neema. Leaving her family was not an easy decision, she chose the harder thing to be a part of this incredible effort.
All agreed and arrangements were made to bring her to Benioff Children’s Hospital in California. It was a journey few could have imagined for a once-hidden village girl who had nearly been forgotten by the world. The ripple effect of hope – began with Emmy’s initial rescue, when she chose to hope when others had given up, continues today.
We are grateful for those who stepped up to get tested to be a kidney donor, those who supported financially and those who prayed. Her Visa expired and she had to return to Tanzania before a kidney match was found. Everyone did their part and were a part of the journey, for Neema and ultimately for other children in Tanzania with the same obstacle.
"It Was a Privilege"
There are moments in medicine that go far beyond clinical care. For Dr. Peter Stock and the UCSF team, Neema became one of those moments.
“It was just a privilege to be able to take care of Neema… thank you for letting us try.”
To the medical staff, Neema was never just another patient. She became family. Her journey demanded more than medicine. It required courage across continents, emergency coordination, sacrificial generosity, and the determination of people unwilling to give up on one little girl.
Dr. Stock recalled the terrifying moment when Neema’s condition suddenly escalated. Her dialysis access failed, infection set in, and time became dangerously short.
“I don’t know how you did it, Brian… but somehow you got her on a plane… and that got the whole ball rolling.”
Brian Mollel, HOHI Project Coordinator in Africa, had become like a big brother to Neema. Keeping her company during her weekly dialysis before going to the US and flying with her to Dar es Salaam for interim treatment.
A Team Forever Changed
Though Neema’s life was far too short, her impact will endure for generations.
“She had such a great spirit, and we’re not going to forget her.”
Even while fighting for her own life, Neema brought joy to hospital rooms, inspired medical teams, and reminded everyone why caring for vulnerable children matters so deeply.
At Haven of Hope International, we often say that every child deserves to be seen, known, and loved. Neema’s story proved what can happen when the world chooses not to look away.
A hidden child became a daughter embraced by a global family.
A forgotten girl inspired world-class doctors.
A child once marked by stigma became a catalyst for change.
A Legacy That Lives On
Dr. Stock shared words that continue to echo deeply within all of us:
“Because of her, the mission continues with greater clarity and resolve.”
In Neema’s name, efforts are continuing to improve care for HIV-positive children in Tanzania and beyond. Systems are being strengthened. Partnerships are growing. Awareness is increasing. Her life has already changed what is possible for other children facing similar battles.
Neema’s legacy is not defined by the years she lost, but by the hope she gave.
Her story continues in every caregiver who refuses to give up on a child.
It continues in every doctor who chooses compassion over convenience.
It continues in every supporter who believes one life is worth fighting for.
And it continues in every child who will one day receive better care—because Neema came first.