A delegation from the Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board (EHHRB) has commended National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) for its robust ethical review and approval systems in health research regulation. The commendation was made during a visit to NIMR Sub-office in Dar es Salaam.

The visit which began on Monday 16th June 2025, was undertaken following a recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recognized Tanzania as a model country with well-established mechanisms in research ethics that other nations can learn from.

The EHHRB team was led by Mr. Rudolph Maziya, Chairperson of the Board, and Ms. Babazile Hazel Shongwe, Executive Secretary. The primary objective of the visit was to learn about Tanzania’s ethical and regulatory framework, especially that managed by NIMR.

The delegation was officially received by the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said S. Aboud, who gave an overview of the Institute’s mandate in promoting, coordinating, and regulating health research in Tanzania. Also in attendance were Dr. Mary Mayige, the Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Obadia Bishoge, Head of the Health Research Regulation Section, and members of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NatHREC) Secretariat.

During the visit, the team was briefed on Tanzania’s health research regulatory framework, including the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NatHREC) protocol review process and the operation of the National Research Ethics Information Management System (NREIMS). NREIMS is a digital platform that enables researchers to submit proposals for ethical review by NatHREC and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) across the country.

The Eswatini delegation expressed admiration for the efficiency and success of NREIMS, describing it as a transformative tool that has streamlined ethical review processes and improved accountability in research oversight. They expressed strong interest in adopting a similar system in Eswatini to enhance their own research governance.

Beyond the technical engagement, the visitors also acknowledged the warmth and professionalism extended to them by NIMR staff throughout their visit. They praised Tanzania’s leadership in health research regulation and emphasized the value of continued collaboration between the two institutions.

During winding up of the visit, Prof. Aboud thanked the delegates for their visit and reaffirmed NIMR commitment to supporting regional partnerships and promoting excellence in ethical oversight across the continent.