Erick Mboma

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.

Katika juhudi za kuimarisha utafiti wa afya visiwani Zanzibar, Taasisi ya Utafiti wa Afya Zanzibar (ZAHRI) kwa kushirikiana na Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar, leo tarehe 15 Aprili, 2025, wamefanya ziara maalum ya mafunzo katika Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR), ofisi ndogo ya Dar es Salaam, ikilenga kubadilishana uzoefu na kujifunza mbinu bora za utafiti wa afya.Ziara hiyo iliongozwa na Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo, Mhe. Sabiha Filfil Thani, ambapo wajumbe walipata fursa ya kutembelea Maabara ya Utafiti wa Vinasaba vya Mbu Wanaoneza Malaria (Malaria Genomics Laboratory) na kujionea kazi mbalimbali za kisayansi zinazoendeshwa na watafiti wa NIMR.Akizungumza kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Dkt. Mary Mayige ambaye ni Mkurugenzi wa Taarifa na Kurekebu Tafiti, alieleza kuwa taasisi hiyo imefanikiwa kufanya tafiti nyingi zenye tija kubwa kwa Taifa, ikiwemo zile zilizochangia moja kwa moja katika uundaji na uboreshaji wa sera za huduma za afya. Dkt. Mayige alisisitiza umuhimu wa ushirikiano miongoni mwa taasisi za utafiti nchini ili kuongeza ufanisi katika kukabiliana na changamoto mbalimbali za kiafya zinazolikumba taifa.Kwa upande wake, Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar, Mhe. Sabiha Thani, alisema kuwa ziara hiyo imewapatia maarifa na uelewa mpana kuhusu namna Taasisi ya NIMR inavyoendesha shughuli zake za utafiti kwa mafanikio. Alieleza kuwa Kamati yake itaishauri Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kuongeza uwekezaji ZAHRI, hasa katika maeneo ambayo bado hayajafikiwa, ili kuijengea uwezo wa kitaalamu katika kushughulikia masuala ya afya kwa ufanisi zaidi.Naye Khamis Rashid Kheir, Mkurugenzi wa Mawasiliano ya Tafiti na Usimamizi wa Maarifa kutoka ZAHRI, alisema kuwa ziara hiyo imelenga kujifunza kwa vitendo namna NIMR imeweza kujijengea msingi thabiti wa kitaaluma, kiteknolojia na kiutawala katika kufanikisha tafiti zake, pamoja na namna wanavyokabiliana na changamoto za utafiti katika mazingira ya kazi.Ziara hiyo imekuja ikiwa ni muendelezo wa juhudi za ZAHRI katika kujifunza na kuimarisha uwezo wake wa utafiti. Wiki chache zilizopita, Taasisi hiyo kwa kushirikiana na Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar walifanya ziara ya kikazi katika Kiwanda cha Dawa za Tiba Asili cha NIMR kilichopo Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, kwa lengo la kujifunza kuhusu mchakato wa utafiti, uchunguzi na uzalishaji wa dawa mbalimbali za tiba asili kwa ajili ya matibabu ya magonjwa ya binadamu.

n a groundbreaking move to uplift emerging talent in health research, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) successfully hosted the first-ever Tanzania National Young East African Health Research Scientists (YEARS’) Forum Workshop. The dynamic two-day event, held from 14–15 April 2025 at Tiffany Diamond Hotel in Dar es Salaam, aimed at strengthening critical research skills among early-career health scientists.The workshop was officially opened by NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who emphasized the need to invest in the future of science through early-stage capacity building. In his opening remarks, Prof. Aboud underscored the significance of practical training, mentorship, and regional partnerships as powerful tools to shape the next generation of scientific leaders.“This workshop is a key step in empowering our next generation of researchers. I urge all participants to actively engage and apply these skills in their scientific work to advance health research in Tanzania and the East African region,” he stated.Organized in collaboration with the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the workshop forms part of the broader YEARS’ Forum initiative, which seeks to support, mentor, and connect young health researchers across the seven East African Community (EAC) member states namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Novat Twungubumwe, the Deputy Executive Secretary at EAHRC, gave a background on the initiative, noting that the YEARS’ Forum was formally approved by the 15th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and officially launched during the 7th East African Health and Scientific Conference, which was also held in Dar es Salaam in March 2019. Further Dr. Fabian Mashauri, Training Coordinator, emphasized the critical role that the young scientists can play in developing sustainable health research ecosystems across the region. “Our goal is to ensure these young researchers are not only technically competent but also visionary leaders who will drive health innovation across East Africa,” he commented.The workshop assembled a vibrant group of 42 participants, including six PhD-level researchers and 36 mentees from across Tanzania for hands-on training in five essential areas of health research: Application of ICT in research, Critical reading and referencing, Research communication skills, Reviews in health research, and Data management.With its successful launch, this workshop marks a pivotal milestone in the regional mission to invest in youth, nurture future scientists, and promote health innovation. NIMR’s initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing health research through strategic partnerships, skill-building, and visionary leadership.

Jumla ya watumishi wapya 41 wa Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) kutoka kada 11 tofauti wamehitimisha mafunzo elekezi ya siku nne yaliyolenga kuwaandaa rasmi kwa majukumu yao ndani ya utumishi wa umma.Mafunzo hayo yalifanyika kuanzia tarehe 8 hadi 11 Aprili, 2025 katika Ukumbi wa CEEMI uliopo Ofisi ndogo za NIMR jijini Dar es Salaam.Akizungumza wakati wa kufunga mafunzo hayo, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR Prof. Said Aboud alieleza matumaini makubwa juu ya mchango wa watumishi hao wapya katika kuimarisha utendaji kazi wa Taasisi. “Tunaamini kuwa kupitia mafunzo haya, tumepata watumishi wenye weledi, maadili na ari ya kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kwa mujibu wa sheria, taratibu na kanuni za Serikali,” alisema Prof. Aboud.Miongoni mwa mada muhimu zilizofundishwa ni pamoja na taratibu za utumishi wa umma, sheria za kazi, utunzaji wa siri za Serikali, haki na wajibu wa mtumishi, muundo wa Taasisi na namna bora ya kutekeleza majukumu kwa uadilifu na weledi. Mafunzo yalitolewa na wawezeshaji kutoka Chuo cha Utumishi wa Umma (TPSC) kwa kushirikiana na Ofisi ya Usalama wa Serikali (GSO) sambamba na wakurugenzi wa idara mbalimbali za NIMR akiwemo Mkurugenzi wa Kuratibu na Kukuza Utafiti (DRCP), Mkurugenzi wa Taarifa na Kurekebu Tafiti (DRIRA), Mkurugenzi wa Huduma za Taasisi pamoja na wakuu wa Idara ya Uhasibu, Ukaguzi wa Ndani, na TEHAMA.Katika kilele cha mafunzo hayo, watumishi wamekula kiapo cha uadilifu ambayo ni ishara ya dhamira ya dhati ya kuwahudumia watanzania kwa uaminifu na kuzingatia maadili ya utumishi wa umma.NIMR inaendelea kuwekeza katika kuimarisha rasilimali watu kwa kuwajengea uwezo watumishi wake mara wanapojiunga ili kuhakikisha wanaanza kazi wakiwa na uelewa mpana wa majukumu yao na mchango wao katika kufanikisha malengo ya Taasisi

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), led by Director General Prof. Said Aboud, has recently reaffirmed its commitment to global research collaboration through a strategic visit to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). During the visit, the NIMR delegation engaged in high-level discussions with the Vice Chancellor of LSTM, focusing on strengthening institutional partnerships and expanding joint efforts in infectious disease research, epidemiology, and health system strengthening. The discussions also explored opportunities for collaborative research projects, grant funding, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare solutions in Tanzania and beyond. This visit underscores NIMR’s dedication to fostering international partnerships that drive impactful scientific discoveries and enhance Tanzania’s research capacity. By working together with globally renowned institutions like LSTM, NIMR continues to position itself at the forefront of medical research and innovation.