Tanzanian evening for the 10th anniversary of the Friends of the Artemed Foundation
"Jambo" and thus "Good evening" was the order of the day on May 21. The well-known instrumentalist and vocalist Njamy Sitson put the participants in the mood for a Tanzanian evening with African sounds on various typical instruments such as the African harp and accompanied them through the evening - of course, rhythmic drumming was also a must! Vera Lifa Seiverth, Tanzanian cookbook author, had prepared various culinary delicacies together with her sister Vivian Davis-Lange. Sambusa za nyama (dumplings with beef), Katlesi za Samaki (Tanzanian fish sticks), Ndzi mzuzu (fried plantains) as an aperitif and pilau with beans as a main course. "Simply delicious!" was the verdict of the 80 or so guests. The decision to recreate all the dishes from the sisters' cookbook was quickly made.
St. Walburg’s Hospital: From Lake Starnberg to Nyangao
Of course, the motto "Tanzania" was not chosen at random, but rather resulted from a current project close to the heart of the Artemed Stiftung, which was founded in 2012 and brings healthcare to places that have previously been excluded from it: including the St. Walburg’s Hospital in Nyangao, Tanzania. The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing started a small infirmary here 80 years ago and, with incredible energy and willpower, built it up into a hospital with 220 beds today. The evening's guest of honor is Sr. Dr. Raphaela Händler, who has dedicated her life to the development of the hospital. Her specialty, gynaecology and obstetrics, is still the most important focus of St. Walburg's Hospital today, with more than 3,000 births a year. The hospital lacks materials, specialist staff and infrastructure. This is where the activities of the Artemed Stiftung come in. The measures range from purchases and investments in technology and structures to the further training of the hospital team and the financing of individual positions. With a master plan, the hospital is to be renovated, expanded and made fit for the future over the next 2-3 years.
Small stove, big effect: the Artejiko
At the same time, a lot of energy goes into developing ways to improve a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for the local population. One of the building blocks for this and the pride and joy of the Artemed Stiftung was also a topic in Feldafing: the "Artejiko"! In Tanzania, cooking is traditionally done on a three-stone fire. What sounds romantic means a high health risk for the rural population in the poor south of the country due to the strong and constant smoke development, the risk of burns and hours of cooking time. Together with families from the villages around St. Walburg’s Hospital, Nyangao, the "Artejiko" was therefore developed - a rocket stove that reduces soot particles by 70%, requires less than half the firewood previously used and increases thermal efficiency by a third. This protects both health and the climate. Two "Artejikos" were shown in operation on the terrace, and a film further illustrated the difference between "old" and "new". And the food? It tasted good!
10 years of FREUNDE DER ARTEMED STIFTUNG - Together we have achieved a lot!
Everyone agreed that the many worldwide activities of the Artemed Stiftung would not have been possible without its Circle of Friends and its tireless work over the last 10 years. On the occasion of the anniversary, the board members also gave a short review of their work:
Chairwoman Sabine Maria Salfeld warmly welcomed the guests, while Dr. Marietta Birner, responsible for the association's figures, reported that over 500,000 euros had been invested in the foundation's projects. Elke Dreesen listed some of the measures implemented - from the purchase of an ambulance in Bolivia to the financing of specialist doctor scholarships. Dr. Veronika Hofmann-Valet, Managing Director of the Foundation for 12 years and now a member of the Board of the Circle of Friends, explained the importance of member contributions and the associated planning security in the projects. Astrid Haverkamp introduced the evening's guests, who provided the wonderful Tanzanian setting. And Elke Durst announced the big annual fundraising event. It will take place on November 23, 2025 - hybrid: anyone who wants to be there live is cordially invited to the Alte Brauerei in Stegen. Those who prefer to make themselves comfortable on the sofa can follow the live stream and cheer along from the comfort of their own home and, of course, donate.
Tanzania, Bolivia, Myanmar: the heart projects of the Artemed Stiftung
And so, during this Tanzanian evening, all of the foundation's heart projects were gradually given space to be presented to the interested audience - after all, the St. Walburg’s Hospital is just one of three - alongside the Street Doctors in Bolivia and the Doctors' Ships as well as the Mother and Child Center in Myanmar. The anniversary guests were impressed by the work of the Artemed Stiftung, impressed by the reports from three such different continents, impressed by the commitment of many individuals who together achieve great things. New members were recruited for the Circle of Friends, and at the end of the event with Tanzanian sounds and dishes, there was the opportunity to exchange ideas with the speakers and participants from the projects. Medical colleagues were on hand to answer questions, as was the volunteer IT specialist whose tireless efforts made the implementation of AI in Tanzania possible in the first place.
Sabine Maria Salfeld and Kathrin Brosowski, Managing Director of the Artemed Stiftung, also thought it was a very successful evening. They agree: "We'll do it again!" - next time with a hearty "Kyawsoepa de" or "Bienvenido"!
