Ms. Calister Imeda is a seasoned research scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), where she has served since 2004. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Health Promotion from Georgia State University, a Master of Arts in Demography, and a Bachelor of Science with Education (majors in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Education), both from the University of Dar es Salaam.

Ms. Imeda’s research expertise spans Traditional Medicine, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Maternal Health. She has led and contributed to numerous intervention and evaluation studies, including large-scale national research initiatives. Notably, she recently led a nationwide study on menstrual health among school-going girls in Tanzania, providing critical insights into adolescent health and hygiene needs.

An active member of the Tanzania Menstrual Health and Hygiene Coalition, Ms. Imeda advocates for evidence-based health promotion strategies, especially those targeting women and girls. She has been a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on several Grand Challenges Canada grants, competitively awarded in 2004, 2005, and 2019, supporting her work in health innovation and applied research. With strong analytical skills, she is proficient in data analysis tools such as SPSS and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. Her multidisciplinary background enables her to bridge research, policy, and practice effectively.