As a child growing up in Tanzania, when Samina fell ill, she was fascinated with how she was treated and cared for by doctors. This fascination, along with the scarcity of doctors in Tanzania, led her to pursue a profession in medicine.

Dr Somji, who attends Karimabad Jamatkhana in Dar es Salaam, has a special interest in infectious diseases and currently works at The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam as an Internal Medicine Physician and serves as the chairperson of the Prevention and Control of Infection committee. She is also a lecturer and programme director for the Internal Medicine programme at Aga Khan University in Dar es Salaam.

While fulfilling these many roles, Dr Somji is also on the Covid-19 taskforce, treating patients and training junior doctors, residents, and consultants on the management of Covid-19 patients.

“As a chairperson of the Prevention and Control of Infection committee, I have a responsibility to ensure that the hospital is prepared to fight this crisis,” Dr Somji said.

Additionally, Dr Somji is a member of the Aga Khan Health Board for Tanzania and is currently working towards educating the Jamat about Covid-19, and training volunteers to be prepared to respond in case the hospitals become overwhelmed.

“During this time of crisis, let’s all pray and remain united and help our Jamat in whatever way we can. This difficult time shall pass. Do not panic, stay informed, and take necessary preventive measures.”