NIMR CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN ETHICAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR TRADITIONAL MEDICINE RESEARCH IN TANZANIA
The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has launched stakeholders’ consultation on draft Traditional Medicine Research Guidelines aimed at strengthening ethical and regulatory oversight of traditional medicine research in Tanzania.The consultation held in Morogoro on 22nd June 2026, is being implemented under the Trial Regulation and Clinical Ethics Optimization (TRACE PROJECT) and brings together government institutions, regulators, universities, researchers, healthcare providers, traditional medicine practitioners, and development partners.Opening the meeting, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud said the guidelines are intended to reinforce ethical conduct, scientific rigor, and participant protection while supporting the development of evidence-based traditional medicine products.He said traditional medicine remains a key source of healthcare for many Tanzanians adding that stronger research is needed to generate reliable evidence on safety, efficacy, and quality.“These guidelines go beyond regulation. They provide a foundation for a robust research ecosystem that promotes scientific excellence, ethical conduct, protection of participants, and responsible product development,” he said.Head of Research Regulation at NIMR and Tanzania TRACE Project Coordinator, Dr. Obadia Bishoge said the consultation is intended to refine the draft guidelines through stakeholder input and strengthen ethical standards in traditional medicine research.He said the framework is expected to address challenges in ethical review processes within Research Ethics Committees, while improving coordination among researchers, traditional medicine practitioners, and regulators. He added that it will also support preservation of indigenous knowledge and alignment of research with scientific and legal standards.The meeting included technical presentations and discussions that will inform finalization of the guidelines and strengthen the governance of traditional medicine research in Tanzania.NIMR reiterated its commitment to continue working with stakeholders under the TRACE Project to strengthen ethical and regulatory systems for health research, to improve public health outcomes and support national development.#MinistryofHealth#NIMR #TRACEProject #TraditionalMedicine #AdvancingHealthResearchEnhancingLife Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.