Dodoma Capacity Statement
Overview
The NIMR Dodoma Research Centre, established in 2018, serves as a hub for cutting-edge health research in Tanzania’s central zone. Strategically located in the nation’s capital, the Centre addresses the region’s pressing health challenges, spanning Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Communicable Diseases (CDs), Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Emerging and Re-emerging Public health concerns including, Climate change and One health. With a strong mandate to generate evidence that shapes health policies and interventions, the Centre combines advanced laboratory capabilities, multidisciplinary expertise including Entomologists, Epidemiologists, Modelers/Biostatisticians/Data Scientists, Clinicians, Laboratory Scientists, and strong partnerships to deliver impactful research evidence that improves lives.
Research Environment
The Centre operates by leveraging the hospitals’ infrastructure and specialist resources within the region, enabling the conduct of high-quality clinical studies, biomedical research, and evaluation of new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics. This is possible through access to the health facilities of different levels, Academic and Research Institutions as well as the Community. Apart from that, the Centre works together with the Ministry of Health and its vertical programs; Neglected Tropical Diseases Program (NTDs), National Malarial Control Program (NMCP), National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTLP), and National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program (NASHCoP).
Laboratory Capacity
The Centre’s laboratory is well equipped with advanced laboratory services and equipment including: Haematology, Clinical chemistry, Molecular diagnostics (Real-Time PCR systems, point-of-care PCR), Immunology (Flow cytometry automated fluorescent immunoassay systems), Entomology, Serology Microbiology (automated blood culture systems, incubators, biosafety cabinets (BSC-II).) Sample storage infrastructure (Ultra-freezers -20°C, -80°C and liquid nitrogen (-196°C)). Parasitology Microscopy – Inverted and dark-field microscopes for tissue, cell culture, and vector studies.
Community Engagement
The Centre is committed to active community involvement at every stage of the research process. Through partnerships with local leaders, patient groups, and community health workers, NIMR Dodoma ensures that studies are culturally appropriate, ethical, and responsive to community needs. Engagement activities include sensitization meetings and health education campaigns, fostering trust, transparency, and mutual benefit
National and International Collaborators
NIMR Dodoma Centre has strong national and international collaborations in various areas including; implementation of research activities, laboratory services, mentorship, training, internship supervision and dissemination of research findings.
- University of Dodoma (UDOM)
- Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH)
- Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH)
- John’s University of Tanzania (SJUT)
- Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital (NMHH)
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)
- Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
- Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE)
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI)
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS)
- Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI)
- Zanzibar Malaria Elimination Program (ZAMEP)
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Research Innovation Centre (AIMS-RIC) , Rwanda
- Oslo University, Norway
Publications and Policy briefs
The centre has various publications in peer reviewed journals and Policy briefs
