The National Institute for Medical Research – Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC) on 10th February 2026 hosted a high-level delegation from Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in a strategic visit aimed at strengthening collaboration in HIV and clinical research. The delegation was led by Commander Colonel (COL) Brianna Perata and accompanied by senior representatives from WRAIR-USA, WRAIR-Tanzania and CDC-Tanzania, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East Africa Cooperation and the Regional Commissioner’s Office in Mbeya.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between WRAIR and NIMR, particularly under PEPFAR-supported HIV research programs, reinforcing joint efforts to advance scientific innovation and improve public health outcomes.
The WRAIR delegation was officially received and welcomed at NIMR-MMRC by the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud. In a notable highlight of the event, NIMR-MMRC was awarded a Medal of Excellence by COL Brianna Perata in recognition of the outstanding contributions to medical research and public health in Tanzania. During his remarks, Prof. Aboud reaffirmed NIMR’s commitment to advancing high-quality, impactful research through strong global partnerships.
During the visit, the delegation received a comprehensive overview of ongoing clinical trials and collaborative research initiatives at the Centre. Presentations were delivered by the Centre Manager, Dr. Bariki Mtafya, and the Director of Research Coordination, Dr. Nyanda Elias Ntinginya, highlighting the Centre’s growing role in HIV and TB research; cohort, epidemiological, vaccines including broad neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs), drugs, therapeutics, biomarkers, diagnostics and preventive therapy.
The delegation toured key research facilities including the HIV Vaccine Trial Clinics, the state-of-the-art main laboratory accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the DAIDS/NIH-certified pharmacy, where ongoing clinical research activities were showcased. The technical teams demonstrated the Centre’s operational excellence and research capacity. Prof. Aboud accompanied the Commander and her delegation throughout the tour, underscoring the importance of the collaboration.
The engagement reaffirmed the strong partnership between NIMR-MMRC and WRAIR and emphasized a shared commitment to advancing cutting-edge research to improve health outcomes in Tanzania and beyond.