Dar es Salaam, 31 July 2025 — Against the backdrop of an emotional gathering at the Four Points by Sheraton in Dar es Salaam, Prof. Mark J. Mwandosya’s intimate and courageous memoir, Living with Cancer: Diaries of a Multiple Myeloma Patient, was officially launched to wide acclaim this past Tuesday 29th July 2025. The launch, hosted by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, brought together dignitaries, healthcare experts, family, friends, and members of the media to celebrate a story of resilience, courage, and public reflection.
The guest of honor, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Doto Biteko, praised the author for his extraordinary bravery in sharing his deeply personal cancer journey with the public. “You chose not to write about your political career or family legacy, but to shine a light on a silent illness, transforming pain into a message of hope,” he said in his keynote remarks.
A Memoir with a Mission
Diagnosed in 2011 with Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, Prof. Mwandosya began keeping a meticulous journal during his treatment in India, detailing each stage of his diagnosis, chemotherapy, and recovery. These reflections became the foundation for Living with Cancer, and weave medical reality with emotional and spiritual insight.
Through eloquent storytelling and powerful photography captured by his wife Lucy, the memoir offers a humanising lens into what it means to live with chronic illness. From the quiet moments of self-doubt to humorous exchanges with medical staff, the narrative balances vulnerability with resilience.
“This book is not just about illness; it’s about what it means to be human in the face of profound uncertainty,” Prof. Mwandosya told attendees. “It is my hope that it brings comfort to other patients and helps us rethink how we talk about chronic disease.”
Reflections from the Medical Community
The launch featured thoughtful commentary from medical leaders, including Dr. Clara Chamba, Head of Hematology and Blood Transfusion at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), who reflected on the broader context of cancer care in Tanzania. She highlighted the importance of narratives like that of Prof. Mwandosya’s in driving policy change, improving empathy in care delivery, and building awareness in communities where stigma around illness still persists.
Endorsements from other health experts further reinforce the book’s significance. Dr. Mpoki Ulisubisya, High Commissioner of Tanzania to Canada and Former Permanent Secretary for Health described Prof. Mwandosya as the embodiment of a modern-day “Lion King”—stoic, wise, and family-oriented even in adversity. Leading oncologist Dr. Srinivas Chakravarthy Gumaraju praised the work as “a powerful testament to resilience and humanity.”
The foreword by Minister for Health Hon. Ummy Mwalimu affirms the memoir’s critical role in shaping dialogue among policymakers, caregivers, and practitioners working to improve cancer care in Tanzania.
A Publisher’s Perspective
At Mkuki na Nyota, Living with Cancer is more than a personal memoir, it is a testament to our ongoing commitment to amplifying transformative African narratives. The book reflects our mission to publish works that ignite dialogue, foster critical understanding, and inspire meaningful social change. We believe this memoir will not only resonate deeply with readers, but also contribute to a more empathetic and informed conversation around cancer, caregiving, and chronic illness across our communities.
We extended special thanks to Hon. Doto Biteko for officiating the launch, to Dr. Chamba for her insightful contributions, and to the team at Four Points by Sheraton for their seamless support in hosting the event.
Now Available Nationwide
Living with Cancer: Diaries of a Multiple Myeloma Patient is now available from Mkuki na Nyota Publishers and leading booksellers across Tanzania. The book is also accessible in the Western Hemisphere via African Books Collective and Soma Nami in Nairobi, Kenya.
To order or learn more, contact:
Mkuki na Nyota Publishers
+255 746 088 892
[email protected]
www.mkukinanyota.com