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Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) imeadhimisha Siku ya Wafanyakazi Duniani kwa vitendo kwa kutoa huduma za afya bure kwa wananchi katika vituo mbalimbali nchini, hatua iliyowezesha wengi kutambua hali zao za kiafya na kupata elimu ya kujikinga na magonjwa.Maadhimisho ya kitaifa ya Mei Mosi mwaka 2026 yamefanyika mkoani Njombe yakiongozwa na Mhe. Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan, Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania. Sanjari na maadhimisho hayo, vituo vya NIMR nchini vilishiriki kwa kutekeleza shughuli za kijamii, hususan utoaji wa huduma za afya bure kwa wananchi.Huduma zilizotolewa ni pamoja na vipimo vya malaria kwa kutumia mRDT, sukari kwenye damu, shinikizo la damu, pamoja na vipimo vya uzito na urefu. Wananchi pia walipatiwa elimu ya afya kuhusu magonjwa mbalimbali, hasa malaria, ili kuwajengea uwezo wa kujikinga na kutambua dalili mapema.Katika vituo mbalimbali ikiwemo Tanga, Amani, Mwanza na Mbeya, wananchi walijitokeza kwa wingi kupatiwa huduma hizo. Katika viwanja vya Mkwakwani mkoani Tanga, baadhi ya wananchi walieleza kufurahishwa na huduma hizo, wakisema zimewasaidia kufahamu hali zao za kiafya na kuchukua hatua mapema.“Huduma hizi zimetusaidia sana. Wengi wetu hatupati nafasi ya kupima afya mara kwa mara, lakini leo tumepata fursa ya kujua hali zetu,” alisema mmoja wa wananchi aliyepata huduma hizo.Sanjari na utoaji wa huduma, watafiti kutoka vituo vya NIMR walitoa elimu na kuonesha shughuli mbalimbali za utafiti zinazotekelezwa na taasisi hiyo, ikiwemo tafiti kuhusu mbu na ugonjwa wa malaria. Lengo likiwa ni kuongeza uelewa wa jamii kuhusu mchango wa tafiti katika kuboresha afya na kudhibiti magonjwa.Aidha, wafanyakazi hodari wa NIMR kwa mwaka 2026 walitambuliwa katika maadhimisho ya kitaifa kwa kupatiwa vyeti na zawadi, ikiwa ni kuthamini mchango wao katika maendeleo ya taasisi na sekta ya afya nchini.Maadhimisho ya Mei Mosi mwaka huu yamebeba kaulimbiu isemayo: “Kazi Zenye Staha ni Nguzo Imara kwa Maendeleo Endelevu Katika Utekelezaji wa Dira ya Taifa 2050.” Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

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The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), on 30th April 2026, officially launched a new project aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to predict and respond to Mpox outbreak using evidence-based scientific approaches.Speaking during the inception meeting, the Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, said the project comes at a critical time as the country continues to enhance its preparedness for public health emergencies. He emphasized that the initiative will support a shift from reactive response to proactive planning through the use of epidemic modelling and risk mapping.He further noted that the project outputs will guide decision making, improve resource allocation, and strengthen the overall effectiveness of outbreak response.The project’s Principal Investigator from NIMR, Dr. Angelina M. Lutambi, highlighted that the initiative will also focus on building local capacity in epidemic modelling and geospatial analysis, enabling Tanzanian experts to independently manage future public health threats.Adding to these efforts, the Programme Lead for Thanzi at ECSA-HC, Mr. Edward Kataika, emphasized the importance of modelling in strengthening health systems. He noted that ECSA Health Community promotes the use of modelling as a key approach to generating evidence for decision-making. According to him, modelling will complement other tools and approaches such as economic evaluation to inform better allocation of limited resources within health systems.A key highlight of the meeting was a presentation by Mr. Emmanuel Mnjowe, a software developer representing ECSA-HC, on the Thanzi Model, a newly developed predictive tool designed to support outbreak forecasting and response planning. The model is expected to play a significant role in strengthening data-driven decision-making in managing Mpox and other public health threats.Implemented in collaboration with key partners including the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the project is expected to generate critical insights that will enhance timely and effective interventions.The launch of this project marks a significant step forward in strengthening Tanzania’s preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Wanawake wa Kituo cha Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) Mbeya wametoa zawadi za mashuka kwa kliniki za utafiti zinazotumiwa na kituo hicho ili kusaidia washiriki wa tafiti mbalimbali za afya, kama ishara ya kuthamini mchango wao katika maendeleo ya utafiti wa afya nchini.Kliniki zilizopokea mashuka hayo ni za utafiti wa kifua kikuu, VVU/UKIMWI pamoja na kisukari inayodhaminiwa na mradi wa PROTID. Mashuka hayo yalikabidhiwa tarehe 18 Aprili, 2026 kwa uongozi wa NIMR Mbeya kwa ajili ya kuwafikishia washiriki wanaohudumiwa kupitia kliniki hizo.Hatua hiyo inalenga kuonyesha kutambua na kuthamini ushiriki wa wananchi ambao wamekuwa nguzo muhimu katika kufanikisha tafiti za kisayansi zinazolenga kuboresha afya ya jamii.Akizungumza wakati wa kupokea zawadi hizo, Meneja wa Kituo cha NIMR Mbeya, Dkt. Bariki Mtafya, amesema mafanikio ya tafiti nyingi za afya hutegemea ushiriki wa wananchi, hivyo ni muhimu kuendelea kuthamini mchango wao.“Washiriki wa tafiti ni sehemu muhimu ya maendeleo ya sayansi ya afya. Hatua hii inaonesha kuthamini mchango wao na kuimarisha uhusiano kati ya watafiti na jamii,” amesema Dkt. Mtafya.Dkt. Mtafya pia amewapongeza wanawake wa NIMR Mbeya kwa moyo wa kujitolea, mshikamano na ushirikiano wao, akisema wameendelea kuwa chachu ya maendeleo ndani ya taasisi kupitia shughuli mbalimbali zinazounga mkono utafiti.Ameongeza kuwa wanawake wana nafasi muhimu katika kuendeleza sayansi na teknolojia, si tu kama watafiti bali pia kama viongozi na wabunifu wanaochangia mabadiliko chanya katika jamii.Aidha, amesema uongozi wa kituo utaendelea kuunga mkono juhudi za wanawake hao ili waendelee kutekeleza malengo yao ya kuimarisha shughuli za utafiti na ustawi wa jamii.Tukio hilo linaendelea kudhihirisha umuhimu wa ushirikiano kati ya watafiti na jamii katika kuhakikisha tafiti za afya zinafanikiwa na matokeo yake yanawanufaisha Watanzania wa sasa na vizazi vijavyo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) leo tarehe 21 Aprili 2026, imefanya Mkutano wa 17 wa Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi katika Ukumbi wa Mikutano wa St. Gasper jijini Dodoma, ukiwa na lengo la kujadili na kupitisha Mpango Mkakati wa Taasisi wa miaka mitano (2026–2031) pamoja na Mpango na Maoteo ya Bajeti ya mwaka wa fedha 2026/2027. Mpango Mkakati huo na bajeti hiyo vimeandaliwa kwa kuzingatia Mwongozo wa Maandalizi ya Bajeti, Mpango Mkakati wa NIMR, Ilani ya Uchaguzi ya Chama Tawala ya mwaka 2025–2030, pamoja na miongozo mbalimbali iliyotolewa na Wizara ya Fedha, Sera za Kisekta na maelekezo ya Wizara ya Afya. Hatua hiyo inalenga kuimarisha uwazi na ushirikishwaji katika maamuzi ya taasisi ili kila mfanyakazi anapotekeleza majukumu yake afahamu kwa uwazi matarajio ya Mpango Mkakati. Aidha, inalenga kuhakikisha wafanyakazi wanashiriki kikamilifu katika maamuzi na utekelezaji wa malengo ya taasisi. Akifungua mkutano huo, Mwenyekiti wa Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi ambaye pia ni Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud, amesema Baraza hilo ni jukwaa muhimu linalowaunganisha wafanyakazi na Menejimenti katika kujadili na kutoa ushauri kuhusu usimamizi wa kazi, rasilimali watu na mazingira bora ya kazi. Prof. Aboud amesema NIMR inaendelea na juhudi mbalimbali za kuongeza mapato ya taasisi ikiwemo mpango wa kuanzisha Kampuni Tanzu (Spin Off Company) itakayorahisisha mashirikiano na wadau na kuongeza mapato kwa taasisi na Serikali, kujenga jengo la ofisi Dodoma, kuboresha miundombinu ya kufanyia kazi, kutenga fedha za kufanya tafiti kwa ajili ya watafiti wachanga (Early Career Research Scientists) na kuboresha maslahi ya wafanyakazi. Aidha, amesema kupitia Kituo cha Mabibo, NIMR inaendelea kuzalisha dawa za tiba asili sambamba na kuendesha tafiti mbalimbali za kisayansi zinazolenga kuboresha afya za wananchi. Akitaja baadhi ya mafanikio ambayo Taasisi imeipata katika mwaka mmoja uliopita, Prof Aboud alisema Taasisi imeendelea kufanya tafiti ambazo zimetoa matokeo chanya katika kuboresha sera na huduma, kukarabati miundombinu ya vituo vyake, kununua vitendea kazi kwa ajili ya watumishi, kusimika mifumo ya TEHAMA ili kuongeza ufanisi na tija, kuhamishia Makao Makuu ya Taasisi Dodoma, kuwapatia ofisi kituo cha NIMR Muhimbili badala ya kuendelea kupanga ili kupunguza gharama za uendeshaji wa taasisi, kuzalisha dawa za tiba asili na kuchangia katika huduma jumuishi zinazotolewa katika Hospitali za Rufaa za Mkoa 14 na kuboresha maslahi ya wafanyakazi kupitia motisha. Katika hotuba yake, Prof. Aboud pia amewakumbusha wafanyakazi kuendelea kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kuzingatia maadili ya utumishi wa umma, kutumia muda wa kazi ipasavyo na kutunza rasilimali za taasisi ili kuongeza ufanisi na tija katika utekelezaji wa majukumu. Mkutano Mkuu wa 17 wa Baraza Kuu la Wafanyakazi umewakutanisha wajumbe kutoka vituo vyote vya NIMR pamoja na Makao Makuu, kwa lengo la kujadili kwa kina masuala mbalimbali yatakayosaidia kuimarisha utendaji wa taasisi. Mkutano huo pia ulihudhuriwa na viongozi kutoka Chama cha Wafanyakazi wa Taasisi ya Elimu ya Juu, Sayansi, Teknolojia, Ufundi Stadi, Ushauri, Habari na Utafiti (RAAWU) akiwemo Naibu Katibu Mkuu wa RAAWU Taifa, Bw. Simon Mbai pamoja na Katibu wa RAAWU Kanda ya Kati, Bi. Staile Kiko. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has continued to emphasize the importance of international collaboration in advancing research, training, and innovation aimed at addressing the challenges of Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM).This was highlighted by the Director General of NIMR in his opening remarks during the Preventive Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in People with DM (PROTID) Annual General Meeting, which brought together various local and international stakeholders.The meeting was attended by representatives from several institutions, including KCRI/KCMC through the Good Samaritan Foundation, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Makerere University and Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga (Uganda), Radboud University Medical Center (Netherlands), the University of Otago (New Zealand), St George’s Hospital Medical School, and King’s College London (United Kingdom) as well as NIMR.The Director General noted that the meeting was an important platform that demonstrates the strength of international collaboration in improving community health, emphasizing that the participation of stakeholders from diverse global institutions enhances the exchange of knowledge and experience.He further emphasized that the PROTID project has continued to act as a catalyst for building capacity in high-quality research as well as mentoring early-career researchers through multi-disciplinary approaches. He also noted that the research findings contribute to improving health policies and services particularly in settings where infectious diseases remain a major public health challenge.Researchers involved in the project discussed various study findings, achievements, challenges encountered, and opportunities to strengthen scientific collaboration in the fields of TB and diabetes.In addition, he encouraged institutions to further strengthen collaboration, actively engage in discussions and develop sustainable solutions to public health challenges.He also expressed appreciation to the PROTID project leadership, the organizers of the meeting, and all partners for their contribution to the success of this important event.The three-day meeting was held from 12th to 14th April 2026 at the Ummy Mwalimu Hall at the National Hospital of Muhimbili in Dar es Salaam. It brought together different groups including researchers, medical doctors, partners, and early-career researchers, with the aim of strengthening international collaboration and advancing research in TB and DM. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The Director General of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Said S. Aboud, has been honoured with the African Excellence and Personality Award (AEPA 2026) in Medical Science, Research and Capacity Building by the African Corporate Excellence and Personality Awards (ACEPA) Events Secretariat on 10th April 2026 in Accra, Ghana. The award was in recognition of his outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions to advancing medical research, public health, and scientific innovation across Africa.The citation of the award recognizes Prof. Aboud for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to strengthening medical research systems and improving public health outcomes. Through his extensive work in infection biology and clinical research, he has established himself as a globally respected authority in the field of health research.With more than two decades of experience, Prof. Aboud has led and contributed to groundbreaking research addressing major public health challenges, including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis and antimicrobial resistance. His work has significantly influenced health policy development, advancing diagnostics and strengthened research capacity both in Tanzania and internationally.In addition to his academic and scientific contributions, Prof. Aboud has demonstrated strong leadership in both national and international health institutions. His active involvement in global health initiatives including pandemic preparedness and response efforts has contributed to improving healthcare delivery systems and advancing scientific innovation across the African continent.Speaking during the award event, Prof. Aboud thanked the organizers for the recognition and urged countries to increase investment in health research, enhance uptake of impactful research findings and to inculcate a culture of research and innovation in young population that can lead to product development in diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics in Africa. This recognition not only celebrates Prof. Aboud individual achievements but also highlights the critical role played by Tanzanian researchers in advancing science and improving public health. It further reinforces the growing reputation of NIMR as a leading institution in health research in Africa. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has once again demonstrated its leadership in scientific research with five of its distinguished scientists ranked among the Top 50 scientists in Tanzania by the AD Scientific Index 2026.This recognition highlights NIMR growing influence in advancing health research and generating evidence that informs policy and strengthens healthcare systems to reduce morbidity and mortality both nationally and globally. This also reflects the institute continued commitment to excellence, innovation and impactful research scientists.The research scientists recognized in this ranking are Prof. Sayoki Mfinanga (4th), Prof. Said Aboud (10th), Dr. Susan Rumisha (12th), Dr. William Kisinza (30th) and Dr. Bruno Mmbando (41st). The inclusion of these scientists reflects years of commitment, dedication, conduct of impactful research and significant contributions to the public health and scientific knowledge nationally and globally.Through the research work, NIMR address key health challenges in Tanzania and beyond including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, health data systems, zoonoses, NCDs, vector-borne diseases and others. The research conducted continues to inform policy, influence decision-making, and strengthen responses to both infectious and non-communicable diseases.The presence of five NIMR scientists in the Top 50 is not only an individual achievement but also a strong reflection of the institution role as a centre of scientific excellence and a trusted partner in global health research.NIMR congratulates the five scientists for their outstanding performance and continued commitment to enhancing lives through advancing health research. The institute also congratulates all other NIMR researchers who have appeared in the ranking of AD Scientific Index 2026. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

New evidence from a decade of research led by Tanzania’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) on integrated HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) care is driving renewed efforts across Africa to reform health systems, as leaders prepare for the launch of the SPARK-NCD initiative to strengthen data and service integration.Speaking at the high-level dissemination of integrated HIV and NCD evidence, Zanzibar Second Vice President, Suleiman Hemed Abdulla, representing Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, called for stronger collaboration among health experts to improve healthcare outcomes across Africa.He noted that people living with HIV are increasingly affected by non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, cancer and mental health disorders, underscoring the need for more coordinated care, while emphasizing the importance of research in guiding effective service delivery.He also commended the efforts of both the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government in tackling HIV and non-communicable diseases.Evidence from studies led by NIMR, including the INTE-COMM trial in Tanzania and Uganda, shows that integrated, community-based care can expand access to treatment while maintaining outcomes comparable to facility-based services.The findings further show that bringing services closer to communities reduces transport costs, waiting times and stigma, while easing pressure on health facilities and informing policy discussions across Africa on integrated HIV and NCD services.Representing the Chief Medical Officer from the Ministry of Health Tanzania, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud said the initiative aims to ensure research findings translate into tangible benefits for communities.“Integrated service delivery allows patients with multiple conditions to receive care more efficiently, reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs, while also contributing to reduced deaths and the growing burden of HIV and non-communicable diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations,” he said.The SPARK-NCD initiative, led by Africa CDC, seeks to strengthen disease surveillance and support data-driven decision-making across African countries. Discussions also emphasized the need to improve NCD surveillance, integrate services, and strengthen Africa-led, data-driven health solutions.The two-day continental meeting, held from March 27–28, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Zanzibar brought together Ministers of Health, policymakers, researchers and development partners from across Africa.With growing political commitment and locally generated evidence from institutions such as NIMR, experts say that integrating HIV and NCD services could transform healthcare systems across Africa, improving access, reducing costs and saving lives. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.