National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the U.S.-based Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) have discussed strategies to strengthen the existing collaboration in health research including joint research, capacity building for researchers, and making better use of existing infrastructure to expand the scope of health research in Tanzania.
The discussions took place on 13th August 2026 at the NIMR Mbeya Research Centre, during a visit by HJF President and Chief Executive Officer, retired U.S. Army Major General Dr. Joseph Caravalho, and his delegation.
Speaking during the visit, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Tanzania and the United States provides an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in health research, particularly at a time when the global health research funding landscape is changing.
Prof. Aboud noted that NIMR has invested in research infrastructure at the Mbeya Research Centre and its other centres, including laboratories and equipment that support a range of health research activities.
The discussions also covered changes in U.S. research funding. Prof. Aboud expressed appreciation to the U.S. Government for its support through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has contributed to Tanzania’s efforts to address HIV and other public health challenges.
NIMR and HJF also discussed areas for future collaboration, including joint research, researcher capacity building and identifying new areas of scientific cooperation.
Following the discussions, the HJF delegation visited the Safety and Immunology Laboratory at the NIMR Mbeya Research Centre, where they observed ongoing research activities. The delegation was also briefed on investments made by the Government in collaboration with various partners, including HJF, to strengthen the Centre’s research infrastructure.
The visit concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to continuing the existing partnership and making use of available infrastructure and research capacity to expand health research in Tanzania.