The Tanga Medical Research Centre had the honor of hosting Professor Said Aboud, the Director General of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), on 24th February 2026, during an official working visit aimed at strengthening research direction and institutional collaboration. As one of NIMR’s leading hubs for clinical trials and biomedical research, the Centre continues to play a pivotal role in addressing neglected tropical diseases and other national health priorities.
Ongoing projects include malaria, emerging arboviral infections, Mpox, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, Buruli ulcer, and epilepsy. The Centre is also pioneering evidence on the intersection of climate change and health.
During his visit, the Director General engaged with discussion on ongoing projects, sharing invaluable insights to refine strategies and ensure alignment with the NIMR strategic plan and national health research priorities. His visit underscored the Tanga Centre’s critical role in tackling the most pressing health challenges facing local communities.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships among NIMR centres, local and international partners and community stakeholders to enhance health systems. “Research should address local needs and priorities head on,” he stated, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases and NTDs. The Director General also urged researchers to avoid working in “silos” and to leverage networks, partnerships and collaborations to navigate today’s uncertain and dynamic landscape.
The Director General encouraged staff to uphold work ethics, rules, regulations and professional standards, emphasizing that maintaining integrity is key to driving shared success and sustained excellence.
The NIMR Tanga management and staff expressed their gratitude for the visit, noting that it inspired them to continue executing their duties with professionalism, dedication, and innovation. They emphasized that the Director General presence demonstrates NIMR management commitment to supporting and strengthening research activities across all its centres, while pledging to continue producing high-quality research findings that inform evidence-based health policies and services in Tanzania.