Erick Mboma

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), on 10th June 2025, participated in the annual scientific meeting of the RESPOND AFRICA partnership held at the University College London (UCL), Liverpool Campus. The meeting brought together international researchers, health professionals and policymakers to discuss progress and innovations in integrated care for chronic conditions such as HIV, diabetes and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa.The NIMR team was led by Prof. Said Aboud, Director General of NIMR, along with Prof. Sayoki G. Mfinanga, Principal Investigator of RESPOND AFRICA project in Tanzania and Dr. Sokoine Kivuyo who is a senior researcher from NIMR Muhimbili Centre. The team actively participated in high-level discussions on strategies to improve chronic disease management through scalable, integrated healthcare system.During the meeting, NIMR researchers presented key findings from the ongoing META trial which investigates the use of metformin to prevent diabetes in people living with HIV. NIMR also shared progress from other related projects namely INTE-COMM which compares community-based integrated care with standard clinic-based services; MOCCA, which explores strategies to optimize long-term care for chronic diseases; and INTE AFRICA, a flagship initiative that has demonstrated the feasibility, efficiency, and scalability of integrated chronic disease services by combining HIV, diabetes, and hypertension care into a unified primary healthcare system.Through these interactive discussions, NIMR researchers highlighted how Tanzania is taking a leadership role in designing and implementing integrated health services that can serve as a model to other African countries. Prof. Aboud emphasized the importance of findings generated from research studies informing on policy change, formulation, best practices and ultimately improving healthcare system in the country and globally while Prof. Mfinanga and Dr. Kivuyo shared Tanzania’s experience in research management, data collection and long-term follow-up of participants in the trials. Prof Aboud further commented on the strengthened regulatory environment through utilisation of National Research Information Management System (NREIMS) and integration with other systems.NIMR participation in the meeting which began on 10th June 2025 and is expected to end on 12th June 2025, reflects the Institute commitment to advancing scientific research that improves public health in Tanzania and globally.

Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) imefanya ziara ya kijamii tarehe 6 Mei 2025 katika Gereza Kuu la Isanga na Shule ya Viziwi Dodoma, ambapo imetoa msaada wa vitu mbalimbali kwa ajili ya kuwafariji na kusaidia makundi yenye uhitaji katika jamii.Msaada huo ulijumuisha magodoro, shuka, dawa za meno, sabuni za kuogea, mafuta ya kupaka, vyakula kama mchele, unga wa ugali, maharage, mahindi, nyama, sukari, mafuta ya kupikia, mikate, unga wa lishe na maziwa ya kopo.Akizungumza kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Meneja wa Rasilimali Watu na Utawala, Bi. Bupe Ndelwa, alieleza kuwa Taasisi inaguswa na hali ya makundi hayo maalumu na kuona umuhimu wa kuwafariji na kuwaonesha 0upendo. Alisisitiza kuwa NIMR kama sehemu ya jamii iliona ni vyema kutumia kidogo walichokuwa nacho kuwafikia ndugu zao ili wasijihisi wametengwa na jamii na kuwatia moyo kuwa wapo pamoja nao na wanawapenda.Mkuu wa Gereza la Isanga, Kamishna Msaidizi wa Magereza (ACP) Zephania Neligwa, aliishukuru NIMR kwa moyo wa huruma waliouonesha na kusisitiza umuhimu wa Taasisi na watu binafsi kuwa na utamaduni wa kusaidia makundi yenye uhitaji. Alisema, “Nawapongeza NIMR kwa hatua hii ya kugusa maisha ya wahitaji. Msaada huu si tu unaleta faraja kwa wafungwa, bali pia unaakisi uzalendo na upendo kwa jamii. Msipate hofu ya kutembelea magereza, ni sehemu rafiki, tunawakaribisha kuwatembelea ndugu zetu”.Kwa upande wake, Mkuu wa Gereza la Isanga, Sehemu ya Wanawake, Mrakibu wa Magereza Sifa Anyimike, alisema misaada kama hiyo husaidia kupunguza gharama kwa Serikali katika uendeshaji wa magereza na kuhakikisha mahitaji ya msingi ya wafungwa yanatimizwa.Baada ya ziara hiyo gerezani, NIMR pia ilitembelea Shule ya Viziwi Dodoma na kutoa msaada wa vyakula na mahitaji mengine kwa wanafunzi wenye ulemavu wa kusikia. Mwalimu Mkuu wa shule hiyo, Bw. Awadhi Mbogo, aliipongeza NIMR kwa kujitoa kwao na kuwataka kuendeleza moyo huo wa kutoa pale inapohitajika. “Hili ni tendo la kiutu ambalo limewagusa sana watoto wetu, huku hatufikiwi mara kwa mara, lakini NIMR mmefanya jitihada za kutufikia. Tunawashukuru kwa upendo wenu na tunawaombea muendelee kuwa na moyo wa huruma kwa jamii.” Alisema Mbogo.Misaada hiyo ni sehemu ya juhudi za taasisi kurudisha kwa jamii na kuonyesha mshikamano na upendo kwa makundi maalumu.

Katika kuimarisha ushirikiano na jamii, Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) tarehe 29/05/2025 imekutana na timu ya viongozi kutoka kata mbili zinazozunguka kituo cha utafiti cha NIMR Gonja.Ujumbe huo ulioongozwa na Mheshimiwa Issa Jasper Rashid, Diwani wa Kata ya Maore, ulihusisha Mtendaji wa Kata, Wenyeviti wa Vijiji, Watendaji na Wenyeviti wa Vitongoji 11. Viongozi hao walitembelea kituo cha NIMR Gonja na kujionea maendeleo makubwa ya ufufuaji wa kituo hicho.Wameipongeza NIMR kwa hatua hiyo muhimu na kuahidi kuendelea kutoa ushirikiano katika shughuli za utafiti sanjari na kuwa mabalozi wa kuelimisha jamii juu ya shughuli zitakazotekelezwa kituoni hapo.Mkuu wa kituo cha NIMR Gonja, Bw. Said Frank Magogo, aliwashukuru viongozi hao kwa kutambua umuhimu wa kutembelea kituo hicho, akibainisha kuwa wao kama wawakilishi wa wananchi ni wadau muhimu wa Taasisi. Alisisitiza kuwa ushirikiano wa karibu kati ya NIMR na jamii unachagiza mafanikio ya Taasisi katika kutekeleza jukumu lake kuu la kufanya tafiti mbalimbali kwa lengo la kuboresha afya ya Watanzania.Akijibu maombi ya viongozi hao waliotaka tafiti zaidi zifanyike juu ya magonjwa kama homa ya ini ambayo imeisumbua jamii hiyo kwa muda mrefu, Bw. Magogo alieleza kuwa ushirikiano wa karibu na jamii huchangia kwa kiasi kikubwa katika kuibua maeneo mapya ya kufanya tafiti za afya. Aliahidi kuwa NIMR itaendelea kushirikiana na wananchi ili kuhakikisha utafiti unagusa mahitaji halisi ya jamii.

Wataalamu kutoka idara mbalimbali za Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR), wakiongozwa na Idara ya Manunuzi na Ugavi wamekutana kuandaa Mpango wa Manunuzi wa mwaka wa fedha 2025/26 kwa lengo la kuongeza ufanisi na tija katika Taasisi.   Akizungumza leo tarehe 29 Mei 2025 alipotembelea timu ya washiriki wa kuandaa mpango huo, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud amesisitiza umuhimu wa kuwa na Mpango wa Manunuzi wa Mwaka ulioandaliwa kwa ushirikishwaji wa idara tumizi na umakini mkubwa ili kuweza kuutekeleza kwa wakati na kufikia malengo ya Taasisi. Amewakumbusha washiriki kuandaa mpango wenye uhalisia, kuzingatia sheria ya manunuzi ya umma na kanuni zake na kuchakata maombi kupitia mfumo wa NeST. “Mpango wa manunuzi wa mwaka ukiandaliwa na kutekelezwa vizuri unawezesha Taasisi kufikia malengo yake ya mwaka kwa wakati,” amesema, Prof. Aboud huku akiwapongeza watumishi kwa kuendelea kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kuwajibika, uadilifu na weledi.   Mkutano huo wa kuandaa Mpango wa Manunuzi wa Mwaka unaofanyika mjini Morogro ulianza tarehe 26 na unatarajia kumalizika 30/05/2025 ambapo umewakutanisha maafisa manunuzi, bajeti, TEHAMA, watafiti wanasayansi, Meneja wa Manunuzi na Ugavi, Meneja wa Mipango, Ufuatiliaji na Tathmini kutoka Makao Makuu, Kituo cha Muhimbili, Tanga, Amani, Korogwe, Mbeya na Mwanza na Mbeya.  

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on 20th May 2025 organized a workshop that focused on health data management and the sharing of research materials during public health emergencies. The workshop was officiated by Dr. Loishooki Saitore Laizer, Director of Human Resources Development at the Ministry of Health representing the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe. Dr. Laizer emphasized the need for strong collaboration among researchers in responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases and health outbreaks. “The BREEDIME project will help us build regulatory capacity that enables Tanzania to collect, utilize, and share research data that informs evidence-based policy making and accelerates decision-making processes both during normal times and in public health emergencies,” said Dr. Laizer. He further emphasized that “Globally, data use and sharing have become crucial in addressing health challenges through the contribution of information to international databases. I urge all participants to remain committed to our national values, safeguard research participants and promote inclusive and transparent collaboration with both local and international stakeholders.” Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya, NIMR Director of Research Coordination and Promotion representing NIMR Director General explained that the BREEDIME project began in June 2023 and it is structured around eight work packages that are implemented by various partner institutions. “The project partners include TMDA, NIMR, MUHAS, KCRI, ZAHRI, ZFDA, and Rwanda FDA, along with international collaborators namely University of St. Andrews (UK) and the Karolinska Institute (Sweden). NIMR is leading Work Package 3 which focuses on health data management during emergency periods,” said Dr. Nyanda. He added that through BREEDIME, Tanzania is building national capacity to respond effectively to public health emergencies by strengthening clinical trial regulatory systems and establishing a research ethics framework for the storage, access, and sharing of health data and materials within and beyond national borders. Dr. Nyanda also expressed deep appreciation to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Tanzania for their continued support in advancing scientific research, and extended sincere gratitude to EDCTP for providing the financial support to implement the project. Also in attendance was Dr. Elisha Osati, Chairperson of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NatHREC), along with other key stakeholders including clinical researchers, regulatory officials, laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, and statisticians from both public and private institutions across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. The workshop held in Morogoro, was organized under the BREEDIME project (Building Resilient Research Ethics, Diagnostics and Medicines Regulatory Capacity during Routine and Public Health Emergency Periods) aims to strengthen ethical research systems, diagnostic capacities, and medicines regulation to better manage both routine and emergency public health situations

Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) kwa kushirikiana na Wizara ya Afya imefanya mkutano tarehe 21 Mei 2025 kwa ajili ya kuwasilisha matokeo ya utafiti wa tathmini ya maambukizi ya ugonjwa wa Usubi katika eneo la Tukuyu. Eneo hilo linajumuisha halmashauri za wilaya ya Kyela, Busokelo, Rungwe, Ileje na Ludewa.Mkutano huo wa siku moja umefanyika katika Wilaya ya Kyela na kuwahusisha viongozi wa Serikali za Mitaa, wataalamu wa afya, wawakilishi wa Wizara ya Afya na watafiti kutoka NIMR.Akizungumza wakati wa ufunguzi wa mkutano huo, Mwenyekiti wa Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Kyela, Mhe. Katule Kingamkono ambaye alikuwa mgeni rasmi ameipongeza NIMR na Wizara ya Afya kwa juhudi kubwa walizofanya katika kupambana na ugonjwa wa Usubi kwa zaidi ya miaka 20.Amesema kuwa hatua ya kusitisha umezeshaji wa dawa kwa wananchi ni ishara ya mafanikio makubwa baada ya kushuka kwa kiwango cha maambukizi. “Tunaishukuru NIMR kwa kuendelea na tathmini ya kina ili kupata majibu ya uhakika yatakayowezesha kutangaza rasmi kutokomezwa kwa ugonjwa wa Usubi katika eneo hili” amesema Mhe. Kingamkono.Aidha, ametoa wito kwa madiwani, maafisa tarafa, watendaji wa kata na vijiji, wenyeviti wa vijiji, wahudumu wa afya na wadau wengine kushirikiana kikamilifu na wataalamu wa afya wakati wa utekelezaji wa tathmini ya mwisho ya maambukizi ya ugonjwa huo.Kwa upande wake, Mtafiti Mkuu kutoka NIMR, Dkt. Akili Kalinga, amesema kuwa lengo la mkutano huo ni kuwafahamisha wananchi kuhusu maendeleo ya utafiti wa tathmini ya maambukizi ya Usubi baada ya kusitishwa kwa umezeshaji wa dawa za kingatiba uliodumu kwa miaka 21.“Tathmini ya awali ilionesha kuwa maambukizi yameshuka hadi kufikia kiwango cha chini karibu na asilimia 0.01 – kiwango kinachopendekezwa na Shirika la Afya Duniani (WHO) kwa ajili ya kutangaza kutokomezwa kwa ugonjwa,” amesema Dkt. Kalinga. Aliongeza kuwa tathmini ya mwisho itakayofanyika sasa itaelekeza kama ni lazima kuendelea na ugawaji wa dawa au kutangaza rasmi kuwa ugonjwa huo umetokomezwa katika eneo la Tukuyu.Akizungumza kwa niaba ya Meneja wa Mpango wa Taifa wa Kutokomeza Magonjwa Yaliyokuwa Hayapewi Kipaumbele Bi. Toyi V. Midaba kutoka Wizara ya Afya amesema kuwa Wizara imeandaa mikakati maalum ya kufuatilia magonjwa kama Usubi ambayo awali hayakuwa yanapewa uzito ili kuhakikisha yanatokomezwa kabisa.Naye Afisa Mtendaji wa Kijiji cha Ushirika, Andendekisye Jeremia Mwakalinga, ameishukuru NIMR kwa kutoa elimu na kushirikisha jamii katika matokeo ya utafiti huo. Amesema taarifa hizo zitasaidia kuwapa matumaini wananchi walioteseka na ugonjwa huo kwa miaka mingi.Mkutano huo umehudhuriwa na madiwani wa Halmashauri za Kyela na Ileje, waganga wakuu wa wilaya, maafisa wa Mpango wa Taifa wa kudhibiti Magonjwa Yaliyokuwa Hayapewi Kipaumbele kutoka Wizara ya Afya, watafiti wa NIMR, wataalamu wa afya, maafisa elimu, maafisa tarafa, watendaji wa kata, wenyeviti wa vijiji na watendaji wa vijiji kutoka wilaya ya Kyela na Ileje.

Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) leo tarehe 12 Mei, 2025 imefanya kikao chake cha 16 cha Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi katika ukumbi wa CEEMI, ofisi ndogo za taasisi zilizopo jijini Dar es Salaam. Akizungumza wakati wa ufunguzi wa kikao hicho, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Profesa Said Aboud ambaye pia ni Mwenyekiti wa Baraza hilo, amewataka wafanyakazi kuwajibika ipasavyo kwa kuzingatia bajeti na mpango kazi wa Taasisi, maadili ya kazi, kutunza mali za umma na kuepuka matumizi yasiyo ya lazima yanayoongeza gharama za uendeshaji. Prof. Aboud amewakumbusha wajumbe kuwa Baraza ni jukwaa muhimu linalowezesha mashirikiano kati ya menejimenti, Chama cha Wafanyakazi na Wafanyakazi wenyewe kwa lengo la kuboresha mazingira ya kazi na utendaji wa Taasisi. Vilevile Prof. Aboud amesema kuwa Taasisi itaendelea kuweka vipaumbele katika tafiti za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza kama Saratani na Afya ya akili, magonjwa ya kuambukiza ikiwemo ya milipuko, Usugu wa vimelea dhidi ya dawa, Tiba Asili na Tiba Mbadala na matumizi ya matokeo ya tafiti hizo katika kuboresha sera, kufanya maamuzi kwa kutumia ushahidi wa kisayansi na hatimaye kuboresha huduma kwa wananchi. Hali kadhalika, Taasisi itaendelea kuimarisha ukusanyaji wa mapato toka vyanzo vyake vya ndani na matumizi ya TEHAMA ili kuongeza ufanisi na tija katika Taasisi na kuendelea kuchangia katika mfuko mkuu wa Serikali. Ameishukuru Serikali ya awamu ya sita inayoongozwa na Mheshimiwa Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kwa kuupa kipaumbele utafiti wa kisayansi. Naye katibu wa Chama cha Wafanyakazi RAAWU Bwa. Joseph Sayo Mwita   akizungumza katika kikao hicho amewataka wafanyakazi kuzingatia sheria, kanuni na taratibu za kazi ili kutimiza malengo ya Taasisi. Aidha, kikao hicho kilijadili na kupitisha makadirio ya mapato na matumizi ya bajeti ya mwaka wa fedha 2025/2026 yaliyotayarishwa kwa kuzingatia Mpango Mkakati wa sita wa taasisi na Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya mwaka 2020–2025. Kikao hicho pia kimefanya uchaguzi wa Katibu na Naibu Katibu wa Baraza, Uchaguzi wa Wajumbe wa Kamati Tendaji ya Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi sambamba na kuhuishwa kwa Mkataba Mpya wa Baraza kwa kipindi cha mwaka 2025 hadi 2028. Kikao hicho kimehudhuriwa na wajumbe kutoka vituo vinane vya utafiti vya NIMR nchini, pamoja na wawakilishi kutoka Ofisi ya Kamishna wa Kazi na chama cha wafanyakazi wa RAAWU Kanda ya Mashariki.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) was honored to host a delegation from the University of Whitworth, based in Washington, D.C., United States. This took place at the NIMR Headquarters Suboffice in May 2, 2025. The visiting team comprised two professors and eight students drawn from various disciplines, including political science, environmental science, health science, and psychology. Led by Professor Alisha Epps from the Department of Psychology and Professor Megan Hershey from the Department of Political Science, the purpose of the visit was to explore how Tanzania conducts health research, particularly in the areas of mental health and trust-building within public health systems. The visit was coordinated by Dr. Elizabeth Shayo, Head of Health Systems, Policy and Translational Research at NIMR. The delegation was warmly welcomed by NIMR’s Director General Professor Said Aboud, Director of Research Coordination and Promotion Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya, and Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs Dr. Mary Mayige. Also in attendance were representatives from various NIMR centers, including Mbeya, Tanga, Muhimbili, and Dodoma, showcasing the institute’s nationwide presence and integrated research approach. The visitors were taken through a series of presentations that offered a glimpse into NIMR’s dynamic research environment. Dr. Mary Mayige presented an overview of the Institute’s mission, national coverage, and contributions to public health research, supported by remarks from Prof. Aboud and Dr. Ntinginya. Dr. Ombeni Chimbe followed with insights into the mental health challenges faced by tuberculosis patients, while Dr. Bruno Mmbando presented research findings on epilepsy and onchocerciasis in Mahenge District, as well as cysticercosis in rural communities. Dr. Elizabeth Shayo concluded with a thought-provoking presentation on adolescent mental health and the crucial role of trust in the public health sphere. The one-day visit brought impactful conversations, meaningful exchanges, and the planting of seeds for future collaboration. Both NIMR and the University of Whitworth expressed strong enthusiasm for joint research projects, academic and student exchange, and long-term partnership. In her closing remarks, Dr. Shayo emphasized that this was more than an academic encounter—it marked the beginning of a promising international alliance. As the delegation departed, they carried with them a deeper understanding of Tanzania’s research excellence and a shared vision of strengthening global health through collaboration.

In a significant step towards strengthening the translation of research into actionable policy, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) convened a Policy Brief Development Workshop from 23rd to 25th April, 2025, at its Headquarters Sub-Office in Dar es Salaam. The event culminated in the successful development of high-impact policy briefs, reaffirming NIMR’s commitment to ensure that scientific evidence informs decision-making and health policies in the workshop.The Workshop was officially opened by the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud, who underscored the vital role of development of policy briefs in communicating research findings to policymakers. “Policy briefs are not just summaries, they are strategic tools that bring research to the table of decision-makers,” he commented Prof. Aboud emphasized that NIMR is mandated to publish at least 400 scientific papers and 40 policy briefs annually representing 10% of the total publications. “I am pleased to report that in 2024, we met our target of 40 policy briefs” he announced, applauding researchers for their hard work and commitment.To enhance publication output and collaboration, he urged NIMR researchers from centres and stations to collaborate and work together. He also reiterated the management’s support, highlighting that each research scientist is expected to produce at least two publications per year.In a bid to recognize and inspire research excellence, Prof. Aboud proposed the launch of a Publication Challenge, which will reward the top three most productive research scientists. This initiative is expected to enhance motivation and foster a culture of high-quality research output across the institute.He further endorsed the Policy Brief Challenge (PBC) proposed by Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya, Director of Research Coordination, and Promotion, signaling a renewed institutional focus on leveraging research for impactful policy engagement.The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Elizabeth Shayo, who together with a team of facilitators, guided participants through the structured process of developing policy briefs from their ongoing research projects.With a set of impactful policy briefs now ready for dissemination, NIMR continues to position itself at the forefront of transforming scientific evidence into policies that support Tanzania’s public health system and national development priorities.

A high-level delegation from the Danish Ministry of the Interior and Health and its affiliated agencies paid an official visit to the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on 23rd April 2025, to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation in health through the Strategic Sector Cooperation (SSC) model.The delegation led by the Deputy Head of Mission/Head of Corporation, Ms. Lise Abildgaard Sorensen from Royal Danish Embassy in Tanzania, engaged in productive discussions with NIMR leadership, aiming to align Denmark’s technical support with Tanzania’s national health priorities. The SSC model promotes peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and institutional collaboration, especially in areas crucial for improving public health systems.During the visit, both parties identified key areas of potential collaboration including strengthening translational research, advancing One Health surveillance, combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), improving diagnostics and bioinformatics, enhancing outbreak preparedness and digital surveillance, and building reference laboratory diagnostic capacities.“NIMR is delighted to welcome this strategic engagement with the Danish health sector. Our shared vision is to jointly tackle health challenges that affect our communities,” said Prof. Said Aboud, Director General of NIMR.Tanzania, through NIMR, emphasized its commitment to impactful collaborations targeting pressing health issues such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, malnutrition, mental health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), rehabilitation services, palliative care, impact of climate change on health and the application of mobile technology in healthcare delivery.The discussions concluded with a mutual agreement to continue communications and formulate a roadmap for concrete actions under the SSC framework. The collaboration aims to support both countries in building more resilient and responsive health systems.This visit underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing global health challenges and reaffirms Denmark’s and Tanzania’s commitment to advancing research-driven health interventions.