Hello! My name is Valerian Sanga.

I helped found Tanzania’s first maker space, and I am now CEO of Bongo Tech & Research Labs a makerspace and incubator for Tanzania’s growing technology sector. I helped to develop the MajiPesa a simple reliable water vending machine for rural communities in Tanzania. The MajiPesa provided these communities with water 24hrs a day, and was the 2015 Global Winner for the World Bank NEGGAWATT Challenge.

Alongside improving water security I am committed to increasing the availability of reliable diagnostics for local clinics. Too many conditions in Tanzania go untreated due to a lack of reliable diagnostic facilities. Since 2016, I have worked with the OpenFlexure Microscope team at the University of Glasgow, the University of Bath, and Cambridge University. Together we have developed a state of the art digital microscope that can be reliably manufactured in Tanzania. I developed the SangaBoard motor controller that powers the microscopes robotic stage. I also manage the team that did test production runs of microscopes that were evaluated at Ifakara Health Institute for Malaria diagnosis.

This digital microscope is first of its kind in Africa. It will revolutionize malaria diagnostics in Tanzania and beyond, by allowing digital record keeping, interactive training, and remote second opinions. It also opens up possibilities for developing AI and Machine Learning for diagnosis.

I need your help for the final push to produce microscopes that can be used in clinics for diagnosis. Our team has worked with the Tanzanian Medical Devices Authority to become registered as a medical device manufacturer. With our academic collaborators in the UK, and our clinical collaborators in Tanzania we are working towards establishing a the quality assurance process for the microscope. But once we have collected the data, how do we ensure it is handled correctly, and stored safely? If the microscopes are computer controlled, how to we guarantee they are secure? As a digital diagnostics patient data security is our primary concern, as CEO I see a pressing need to deepen my expertise in cyber security.

I have applied and been accepted to pursue a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) – Tanzania. This degree will equip me with the skills necessary to protect the OpenFlexure Microscope and its data, ensuring its safe deployment in healthcare settings.

Why the OpenFlexure Microscope Matters

The OpenFlexure Microscope is a significant advancement in microscopy, especially in low-resource settings. Our research highlights the following key benefits:

1. Affordability and Accessibility: The OpenFlexure Microscope is designed to be cost-effective, democratizing access to quality microscopy for institutions in developing countries, crucial for addressing health challenges like malaria.

2. Customization for Local Needs: Its open-source design allows for customization to meet specific diagnostic requirements, as emphasized in our studies.

3. Integration with Advanced Technologies: Incorporating AI and ML enables rapid and accurate disease diagnostics, enhancing health outcomes in resource-limited settings.

4. Research and Education: The OpenFlexure Microscope serves as a valuable educational tool, training future scientists and healthcare professionals, as demonstrated in our research.

5. Contributing to Global Health Goals: By improving disease detection and management, the OpenFlexure Microscope aligns with global initiatives to combat infectious diseases.

My Educational Journey

I began my career as a computer engineer, receiving a Diploma of Engineering in Computer Engineering in 2013, followed by a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering in 2016 from DIT, Dar es Salaam – Tanzania. In 2019 I also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Energy Development from the International Sustainable Energy Development Centre – ISEDC, Moscow – Russian Federation.

As my work moved towards microscopy development in 2017 I was accepted as a Visiting Industrial Fellow in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, and a Visiting Researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Lab (Department of Physics). In 2019 I also became Global Community Bio Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab – USA. I am also an author on five peer reviewed academic papers on the OpenFlexure Microscope and its development.

My educational journey so far has allowed me to contribute to the international project that developed the OpenFlexure Microscope, and to establish an organisation that is ready to manufacture life saving diagnostics here in Tanzania. By completing a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, I will be equipped to support the roll out of modern digital diagnostics in Tanzania.

Why I Need Your Support

While I’m passionate about advancing this life-saving technology, I currently lack the financial resources to cover my tuition and related costs for the master’s program. This education will not only allow me to strengthen the security framework of the OpenFlexure Microscope, but will also empower me to contribute to the broader tech and innovation landscape in Tanzania.

I am seeking financial assistance to cover my educational expenses, including:

- Tuition fees for my master’s program.

- Living expenses while I focus on my studies.

- Essential study materials for my coursework.

Your contributions, no matter how small, will help me complete my studies and strengthen our team’s ability to secure this transformative medical technology. Together, we can improve healthcare access and outcomes for communities impacted by malaria and other diseases, including making a huge difference in advancing this crucial innovation.

Please consider supporting my journey in advancing healthcare innovation. Your donation will not only enable my education but also contribute to a vision for healthier communities and a brighter future through technology.

Every contribution brings me one step closer to achieving this goal and pushing the boundaries of tech and healthcare innovation in Africa and beyond.

Thank you for your generosity and belief in this mission!

Why is this campaign in someone elses name?

Unfortunately JustGiving and other crowd platforms do no allow crowdfunding campaigns from Tanzanian's. My friend and colleague in the UK is collecting the money on my behalf.