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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

Preparations Underway: NIMR Hosts WHO-supported NCD STEPS Survey Stakeholders Meeting in Dodoma NIMR conducted a stakeholders meeting in Dodoma in preparation for launch of WHO-supported NCD STEPS Survey in August2023The meeting was graced by Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health-Zanzibar Revolutionary Government and attended by Government officials & development partners

NIMR’s Ongoing MUSE Training Program: Strengthening Interdisciplinary Collaboration Across its Centers The MUSE training at Morogoro Hazina Square  from Monday, 12th June 2023 to Friday, 16th June 2023. A total of 36 participants attended the training from various centers, including Mwanza, Tanga, Amani, Tabora, Mbeya, NIMR HQ, Muhimbili, and Dodoma. These participants came from different fields, such as IT, Accounts, Procurement, and Planning. The training covered the applicability and functions of MUSE, as well as specific modules including procurement, accounts, and budget management. The program included both theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations. Live training sessions are conducted from the third day onwards, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience using MUSE for their respective roles.

International Consortium Launches TAKeOFF: A Groundbreaking Research Initiative to Combat Filarial Infections and Podoconiosis in Africa NIMR DG Prof. Said Aboud officiated kick-off meeting for Tackling Obstacles to Fight Filarial Infections and Podoconiosis (TAKeOFF) Research Consortium (Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania and Germany) that is held at Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania from 6th to 9th June, 2023. Dr. Akili Kalinga, the Senior Research Officer is the Principal Investigator of TAKeOFF project at NIMR. TAKEOFF project works closely with Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program at Ministry of Health and its findings have contributed to policy change, decision making and best practices in the mapping, prevention and control of NTD in the country.

Promoting Ethical Conduct in Health Research: NIMR DG and IHI Jointly Facilitate GCP Training On the 5th of June, 2023 NIMR Director General, Prof Said Aboud officiated good clinical practice ( GCP) training that was jointly facilitated by NIMR and IHI. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of adherence to ethical conduct in health research to ensure protection of study participants. The training was attended by Chairperson of NatHREC, Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs and staff from both institutions. Previous image Next image