The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on 29th September 2025, launched a five-day research collaboration meeting at Mwanza Medical Research Centre, focusing on sharing research findings, unveiling new projects and strengthening institutional capacity in the fight against communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Assistant Director responsible for Rehabilitative Services, Palliative Care and Elderly, Dr. Amir Mwinyikondo, outlined the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Tanzania, emphasizing the importance of scientific research in tackling the rise of non-communicable diseases.
Opening the meeting, NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, said that more than two decades of collaboration between NIMR and International Universities has strengthened laboratories, clinical trial sites, and produced scientific evidence that has influenced national health policies. “This is a history of achievements we are proud of, and a foundation on which to build new research for the benefit of Tanzanians and the world.” Prof. Aboud remarked.
Prof. Aboud said that among the highlights of the meeting is the launch of the LINK-CVD project, which aims to explore the relationship between infectious diseases, malnutrition, and early-onset cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa. The opening of the meeting was followed by the LINK-CVD symposium that was chaired by NIMR DG where various scientific presentations were done.
Earlier, NIMR Mwanza Centre Manager, Dr. Safari Kinung’hi, welcomed participants, noting that the meeting provides a platform for sharing findings, discussing success, challenges and planning new strategic projects.
The five-day research collaboration meeting that will run until 3rd October 2025, has brought together researchers from Tanzania, Denmark, the United Kingdom and the United States including partners from the University of Copenhagen, LSHTM, Rigshospitalet (Denmark), Cornell University, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).