Kusa Mchaina

Collaborative Efforts in Combating Non-Communicable Diseases: NIMR’s Participation in the 2023 Congress The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) today, on November 1, 2023, participated in a Non-Communicable Diseases Conference organized in collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Ministry of Health. The congress is taking place at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Center in Dar es Salaam. This three-day conference aims to strengthen regional cooperation in policy, research, and innovation for the prevention, monitoring, and control of non-communicable diseases. It is expected to conclude on Friday, November 3, 2023, during which NIMR researchers will present various topics related to these diseases and engage in discussions with experts from various institutions. #Ministry of Health #Better Health #Non-Communicable Diseases#

Leadership Training and Capacity Building at NIMR: Fostering Effective Leadership and Workplace Dynamics The Director General of the National Institute for Human Diseases Research (NIMR), Prof. Said Aboud, presenting participation certificates to Senior Officials of the Institute after their participation in a 3-day leadership training conducted by the Leadership Institute. The training aimed to build the capacity of leaders to enhance their effectiveness in the execution of their daily responsibilities. In addition, various topics were discussed, including job delegation, workplace conflict reduction, workplace relationships, collaboration, work ethics, and public resource management.

Regional NCD Conference in Dar es Salaam with NIMR: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control” The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Conference, held in Dar es Salaam at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, is a significant event that spans three days, running from November 1 to November 3, 2023. The primary objective of this conference is to bolster regional collaboration in the fields of policy development, research, and innovation with a specific focus on the prevention, monitoring, and control of non-communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases, often referred to as NCDs, encompass a broad range of health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. These diseases have become a growing public health concern, not only in Tanzania but also globally. The conference brings together experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers from various institutions to collectively address this pressing issue. Key highlights of the Non-Communicable Diseases Conference include: 1. **Multidisciplinary Insights:** The conference serves as a platform for experts from diverse backgrounds to share their knowledge, research findings, and practical experiences related to NCDs. This multidisciplinary approach is essential in understanding the complex nature of these diseases and developing effective strategies for their prevention and management. 2. **Policy Development:** Policymakers and government officials participate in the conference to engage in discussions and workshops focused on developing policies that address NCDs. Effective policies play a crucial role in regulating healthcare systems and promoting public health. 3. **Innovative Solutions:** With a strong emphasis on innovation, the conference encourages the exploration of creative solutions to combat NCDs. These solutions may range from innovative medical interventions to novel public health campaigns. 4. **Regional Collaboration:** Collaboration is a key theme, as NCDs are not limited by borders. The conference provides an opportunity for regional cooperation, enabling attendees to learn from each other’s successes and challenges in dealing with these diseases. The conference’s conclusion on November 3, 2023, is anticipated to result in a wealth of knowledge and a roadmap for addressing non-communicable diseases in Tanzania and the broader East African region. The insights gained during this event are expected to drive policies and actions aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs, improving public health, and enhancing the overall well-being of the population. Notably, researchers from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) have played a significant role in this conference, presenting various topics and engaging in discussions alongside experts from other institutions. Their contributions are valuable in advancing the understanding and management of non-communicable diseases in the region.

Emergence of Artemisinin Partial Resistance in Tanzania: Insights from the 2021 Molecular Surveillance and Implications for Malaria Control A molecular surveillance of malaria in Tanzania (MSMT) survey was conducted in 2021 in 13 regions with different malaria transmission rates. A total of 7,666 samples were collected and analyzed for drug resistance markers. Presenting the study findings during a symposium at American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) conference 2023 in Chicago, USA, the Principal Investigator, Dr. Deus Ishengoma, reported that k13 561H mutations were detected in Kagera and Tabora regions in 2021. Dr. Ishengoma commented that this raised an alarm of the emergence of artemisinin partial resistance and that artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) efficacy is under threat; and that, the findings prompted a special TES which confirmed artemisinin partial resistance in Tanzania based on WHO criteria. Both drugs had good safety profiles and adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was above 90%. Furthermore, the Principal Investigator reported that mutations are spreading to other districts and may have potentially reached other regions in the country, and recommended that artemisinin containment strategies are urgently needed in Tanzania Malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) using methods that can screen large sample size are needed to support continued MMS Malaria# Control# #Tanzania

Nimr Molecular Surveillance of Malaria in Tanzania (NMSMT) Project Staff Disseminating Research Findings at ASTMH Conference 2023. At the ASTMH Conference 2023 in Chicago, USA, a total of eight posters showcasing research findings from the MSMT project were presented. These posters were contributed by various individuals, including an intern, an MSc student, three PhD candidates, and three post-doctoral fellows. Congratulations to all the presenters for their valuable contributions. #MSMTProject #MalariaResearch #PublicHealth

Championing Malaria Surveillance: NIMR DG Applauds Progress in the Molecular Surveillance of Malaria in Tanzania (MSMT) Project The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Director General Prof. Said Aboud attended the MSMT project meeting today on 17th October, 2023, which took place in Chicago, USA prior to the start of ASTMH 2023 Conference where MSMT symposium and poster presentations will feature. The meeting was attended by Head of Programs, Dr. Catherine Joachim, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) Manager, Dr Samuel Lazaro both from MOH, collaborators, BMGF Program Officer, Dr Estee, PI, Dr Deus Ishengoma, NIMR DG and project team members. In his remarks, Prof. Aboud emphasized the significance of malaria as a disease of public health importance in Tanzania and highlighted NIMR close collaboration with the Ministry of Health through NMCT. He commended the uniqueness of the MSMT project, which utilizes Molecular Surveillance approach to monitor malaria in 26 regions of the country and congratulated the excellent progress made so far in the implementation of the project. He acknowledged the financial support provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) to NIMR through MSMT project. NIMR DG was delighted with immense capacity building of human resources done through training of post-doctoral fellows, PhD, MSc and interns as well as acquisition and establishment of the state-of the art malaria genomics laboratory at NIMR Headquarters. He underscored the importance to ensure that research findings emanating from the project findings should result not only in publications but also policy briefs that can be shared to influence policy change, decision making and best practices in malaria case management, prevention and control in the country. Additionally, Prof. Aboud challenged the project team to develop the much needed MSc in bioinformatics and accredit short course curricula in collaboration with Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to offer the trainings with CPD points to individuals in need of the same within and outside the country. Further, he advised project team to prepare action plan to accredit malaria genomics laboratory to increase its reputation internationally. He expressed NIMR commitment to continue collaborating with BMGF and assured of institutional support in ensuring the successful completion of the current phase of the project. #MSMTProject #MalariaResearch #PublicHealth

Elevating TB Diagnostics: USAID’s TIFA Project Empowers Dodoma RRH with 10-Color Module GeneXpert Machines A significant milestone achieved by the USAID funded TIFA project as Mbeya Medical Research Centre scientists led by the NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, officially handed over the 10-Color Module GeneXpert machines🧬 acquired under the @TIFA_Project, to the dedicated team at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital’s TB laboratory. The event was witnessed by the National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP) and the management team of Dodoma RRH. This molecular platform has demonstrated a pivotal role in enhancing XDR-TB diagnostics in the country during its 1 year of implementation. The team further demonstrated how the linkage of results from the 10-color module GeneXpert machine to the Electronic TB and Leprosy data system (ETL) has been a success in shortening the turnaround time for MDR and XDR laboratory results. We look forward to ensuring long-term collaborative efforts in sustaining the functionality of these platforms in all 4 zonal laboratories that have been capacitated to perform these tests #TIFA #USAID #NIMR #NTLP #EndTBCollaboratively

Advancing TB Diagnostics: NIMR’s 10-Color-Module GeneXpert Machine Handover at Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital NIMR is excited to handover another 10-color-module GeneXpert machine to the Kibong’oto Infectious Disease Hospital. The NIMR Mbeya team led by the Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, successfully achieved this milestone and had an opportunity to make rigorous discussions around MDR TB diagnostics and its clinical implications. This handover was witnessed by the Deputy Manager of National TB and Leprosy Program (NTLP). We acknowledge the remarkable support from USAID that made the TIFA project a success.

NIMR’s Impactful Presence at the 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference 2023 The 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference (EAHSC) in Kigali, Rwanda, witnessed a remarkable participation from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania. Led by the NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who also serves as a Commissioner of the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the NIMR delegation played a vital role in advancing healthcare in East Africa. 1. Pioneering Leadership in the Fight Against Viral Diseases Prof. Said Aboud chaired the session on COVID-19 & other Viral Diseases, underlining the institution’s commitment to tackling public health challenges. This leadership reflects NIMR’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in the region. 2. Empowering Researchers and Fostering Collaboration NIMR exhibited its core functions, emphasizing Health Research Regulation, Research Works, and the Tanzania Journal of Health Research. This exhibition showcased NIMR’s role in empowering researchers and promoting collaboration across the region. 3. Illuminating Plenary Sessions on Health Research The EAHSC 2023 featured enlightening plenary sessions where NIMR members made significant contributions. Dr. Mashoto explored Intellectual Property in Traditional Medicine, Dr. Kagaruki delved into community knowledge on noncommunicable diseases, and Mr. Hamisi Japhari unveiled insights on Herbal Medicine for Maternal Conditions. These sessions enriched knowledge for a healthier Tanzania. 4. Shaping Healthcare with Cutting-Edge Research NIMR’s commitment to cutting-edge research was evident at EAHRC 2023. Doreen Pamba’s study on Tuberculosis Service Delivery during COVID-19 in Tanzania and Akili Kalinga’s evaluation of serological thresholds for Onchocerciasis elimination promise to shape healthcare for the better. 5. Recognition for Dedication to Health Research NIMR proudly announced its First Runner-Up spot at the exhibition, a testament to its dedication to health research. This recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to healthcare innovation and its significant contributions to EAHRC 2023 6. Impact of COVID-19 on TB Services Delivery The NIMR-Mbeya Centre also made a significant contribution to the conference. Dr. Wiston William presented research on the impact of COVID-19 on TB services delivery in Tanzania. The study noted a 6.4% decline in case notifications and a 2% increase in bacteriological confirmed cases, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for healthcare services during the pandemic. In conclusion, NIMR’s active participation and impactful contributions at the 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference 2023 reflect its commitment to advancing healthcare in East Africa and beyond. Through leadership, research, and collaboration, NIMR continues to be a driving force in healthcare innovation and knowledge dissemination. The institution’s dedication to improving public health in Tanzania and the East African region remains unwavering. Event in Photos