Dr. Tonya Hawthorne’s Hospital Mission in Africa

At the heart of our work in rural Africa is the belief that quality medical care should be available to every human being, regardless of geography or circumstance. Dr. Tonya Hawthorne, DO — affectionately known locally as Mama Daktari (Madam Doctor) — has dedicated her life to bringing that belief to life through compassionate, sustained healthcare service.

Our Mission

With a focus on transforming healthcare access in underserved regions, our mission is to:

Provide comprehensive medical care to remote communities
Build and maintain clinics and hospital services where none previously existed
Deliver preventive care, emergency treatment, and health education
Serve with dignity, respect, and a heart for lasting impact

This work is rooted in community partnership and a commitment to meeting real needs with real solutions.

About Dr. Tonya Hawthorne

Dr. Tonya Hawthorne is a board-trained osteopathic physician who has spent her career serving in the world’s most remote and medically underserved places. In 1997, she founded New Frontiers Health Force (NFHF) — a nonprofit dedicated to establishing permanent health centers, conducting medical outreaches, and offering community education around health and wellness.

Since 2009, Dr. Hawthorne has been the sole physician leading care in Ngoswani, a rural village in southwestern Kenya. Starting with little more than a small clinic and basic structures, she has built a healthcare presence that serves thousands of patients who previously had no reliable access to care.

Locals affectionately call her “Mama Daktari,” a testament to the trust and respect she has earned while serving Masai and other local communities.

How You Can Support the Mission

Your partnership allows us to:

Expand clinic facilities and services
Provide medical equipment and supplies
Support ongoing community education programs
Fund preventive care and public health campaigns
Train local healthcare workers for future sustainability

Whether through prayer, financial gifts, or field participation, your support directly impacts lives and strengthens the future of healthcare in rural Kenya and beyond.

Impact & Growth

Over more than a decade of dedicated service:

Thousands of patients now receive consistent medical care annually
Expectant mothers have safer births with prenatal and emergency support
Children receive early treatment and immunizations
Community health awareness has increased dramatically
Clinic services have expanded beyond basic care into trauma, maternal, and pediatric support

Because of Dr. Hawthorne’s commitment, many lives have been saved that would otherwise have been lost due to lack of local medical resources.

Challenges We Overcome

Working in remote African settings presents unique challenges:

Long distances to major hospitals
Rough terrain and limited transportation
Lack of running water and electrical infrastructure
Wildlife hazards and seasonal weather impacts

Despite these obstacles, our team continues to serve every day with dedication and compassion