Humoral Immune Responses following COVID-19 Vaccinations among Adults in Tanzania Humoral Immune Responses following COVID-19 Vaccinations among Adults in Tanzania. Download

The first analyses of data from the Phase 2b vaccine trial A-055 show that the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate, H56:IC31, was well tolerated and demonstrated an immune response compared to the placebo in participants, all of whom had previously had TB. However, the primary analysis showed it did not provide protection against TB recurrence, reported Statens Serum Institut (SSI), IAVI and trial partners who are part of the Prevention of Recurrence (POR) TB Consortium today. Based on these trial data, SSI has stopped development of the vaccine. A supporting analysis points in the direction of an increased rate of TB recurrence among people who received the study vaccine (5.8%) compared to people who received the placebo (3.4%), although this cannot be concluded with certainty. Analyses are ongoing, including to understand whether people in one group were, by chance, more likely to get recurrent TB even before the vaccination. Press release: https://www.porconsortium.org/news/2023/early-results-on-the-a-055-por-trial

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Tanzania leadership is thrilled to announce a multi-million-dollar research award to advance HIV vaccine innovation within the African continent. This assistance has been awarded through its Mbeya Medical Research Center which is known for conducting multiple HIV vaccine trials since 2005. This significant funding of up to US$ 45.6 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will foster local HIV vaccine development and testing in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Tanzania.The awarded co-operative agreement went to a Consortium named BRILLIANT: BRinging Innovation to cLinical and Laboratory Research to end HIV In Africa through New vaccine Technology which is led by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and its President Prof. Glenda Gray, as well as leading scientists across the African continent that included eight countries: Tanzania (NIMR), Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Nigeria and South Africa. The BRILLIANT Consortium’s research will focus on utilizing the existing capacity, scientific talent, ingenuity, and investments made in community engagement on research in SSA to advance the HIV vaccine field through supporting activities in the following five interrelated areas: – i) Design and implement early-stage clinical trials of HIV vaccine immunogens;ii) Test innovative pre-clinical HIV vaccine concepts, advancing the most promising candidates toward clinical trials; iii) Partner with civil society advocates, affected communities including those affected by people living with HIV and AIDS, policymakers, and communicators to advance SSA -led HIV vaccine science; iv) Conduct laboratory analyses on samples from trials and epidemiological studies; and v) Strengthen systems of collaborations for HIV vaccine research in SSA and increase opportunities to advance the careers of promising sub-Saharan African scientists, including Tanzania. NIMR is deeply honored to be part of this exciting initiative with corresponding appreciation to USAID for once again supporting such a strategic undertaking. We extend our gratitude to SAMRC and all other BRILLIANT consortium partners for their unwavering dedication and efforts geared towards securing this award and commitment to eliminating HIV. This award will accelerate health research efforts toward developing African-made, safe and efficacious HIV vaccines. Indeed, NIMR as a parastatal institution in the Tanzania Ministry of Health is very much committed to promoting the advancement of high-quality health research and innovative solutions including the fight against HIV and AIDS as part of our mandates in advancing health research as well as enhancing life both locally and internationally.

Brilliant Consortium has appointed Dr Nyanda Elias Ntinginya to serve as a member in the Executive Committee in addition to his role as the Lead in the Capacity Augmentation and Development through USAID VISTA award. Congratulations to Dr Nyanda for this important appointment in the Brilliant Consortium.

on 18th December 2023 NIMR conducted a manuscript writing training to early and mid-career research scientists in order to impart knowledge and skills and in efforts to increase publications output of the institute.Gracing the event, the Director General, Prof. Said Aboud said, to ensure that Research Scientists publish their findings. NIMR has set criteria for career development including setting individual requirements for staff quarterly and annual performances and for selection of best scientist each year. Prof. Aboud commented that NIMR implements a number of strategies to increase the publications output emanating from research works namely provision of training on scientific writing such as manuscripts and proposals, research methods, data analysis and rewarding of excellence in research. On average, NIMR publishes 200 papers in peer reviewed journals per year.“Further, NIMR DG urged all participants to use the two-day training efficiently to finalize their manuscripts and submit them to both local and international peer-reviewed journals for publications”. The training that was facilitated by Dr. Sirili Nathaniel and George Kiwango from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) took place at the NIMR Headquarters. A total of 31 research scientists from seven centers in the country attend the training in two groups from 18th to 22nd December 2023.

On 12th December 2023 NIMR conducted a training which aimed at facilitating accreditation of short course curricula prepared by the research scientists. Gracing the event, Director General, Prof. Said Aboud said that NIMR is mandated to conduct health research related training in implementation of strategic plan to impart knowledge and skills to build capacity in conducting research in Tanzania. Prof. Aboud commented that NIMR is conducting training which will end up with accreditation of the short course curricula. Accreditation of short courses will help add value to the various health research related courses that are offered by NIMR and would increase the number of participants applying for these courses because of CPD points.“Further, he urged all participants to use the two-day training efficiently to finalize short course curricula that would then be submitted for accreditation.The two-day training facilitated by Dr. Doreen Mloka from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) took place at the NIMR Headquarters and brought together 20 research scientists from NIMR Centers.

In recent weeks, the residents of Hanang district have faced the devastating impact of floods triggered by incessant rainfall. As the rain continues to pour across the country, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) stands in solidarity with the affected communities, extending heartfelt condolences to those grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster. The leadership, management, and entire staff of NIMR wish to express their deepest sympathy to the people of Hanang district, particularly extending condolences to the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives due to the floods. Natural disasters, such as the floods caused by the ongoing rains, can have profound effects on communities, disrupting lives and causing immense hardship. NIMR recognizes the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by the affected residents. Floods can result in the loss of lives, displacement, damage to property, and disruption of essential services. It is a trying time for the community, and the institute empathizes with their struggles.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) conducted on 28th November 2023, a training workshop for research stakeholders to orient them on newly developed guidelines on ethics in order to continue upholding ethical standards in research activities in the country. In the opening speech, Prof. Said Aboud, the Director General of NIMR, said the institution continues to propel collective pursuit in carrying out research, fostering collaborations, and disseminating research findings. It is equally important to acknowledge that NIMR has been striving to strengthen systems to improve the coordination and regulation of health research in the country and the institute has made significant progress. “This event reflects a continuous commitment to ensuring the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in the field of health research. This is a continuous effort to protect our people who take part in research and generally to ensure that research is done in accordance with the principles of good clinical practice.” said Prof. Aboud. Prof. Aboud emphasized that NIMR holds the legal mandate to grant permits, oversee and coordinate research endeavors within the nation. He highlighted the importance of researchers to obtain approval for their studies and emphasized the need for vigilant monitoring. Additionally, Prof. Aboud stressed the significance of educating researchers who deviate from established procedures, aiming to foster adherence to ethical and procedural standards. Furthermore, Prof. Aboud mentioned three newly developed guidelines and procedures governing health research in the country. The two-day training workshop organized by NIMR took place at the Headquarters and brought together 42 research stakeholders from various public and private institutions.

In a momentous occasion, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) received the Acknowledgment Award from the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Recognizing NIMR’s outstanding contribution to advancing global health through impactful research, the award was presented to the Director-General of NIMR by Dr. Peter Karoli. This prestigious award underscores the fruitful collaboration between NIMR and Tsinghua University, as they jointly undertake the Patient-Centered Innovation for Accessing Healthcare Services (PIVLO-TEST) study. At the helm of this pioneering project is Dr. Peter Karoli, who serves as the Principal Investigator and mastermind behind the innovative patient-centered healthcare model. The PIVLO-TEST study seeks to revolutionize healthcare services, with a specific focus on improving accessibility and effectiveness for individuals living with HIV. Dr. Peter Karoli, alongside a team of esteemed research scientists from NIMR and the Vanke School of Public Health, is spearheading this collaborative initiative. Dr. Peter Karoli’s role as the Principal Investigator signifies his leadership in developing and implementing a model that has the potential to reshape global healthcare services. This collaborative effort stands as a milestone in addressing the evolving healthcare needs of people living with HIV, reflecting a dedication to innovation and positive change. Follow the progress of the #PIVLOTESTStudy on Twitter for real-time updates and insights into this groundbreaking healthcare innovation. Join us in celebrating the power of collaboration for change and the positive impact it promises for the future of global health. #HealthcareInnovation #CollaborationForChange #NIMRGlobalImpact

In a proactive move towards advancing the ethical standards of medical research in Tanzania, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) conducted a comprehensive training workshop for principal investigators on November 21, 2023. The workshop aimed to familiarize participants with newly developed guidelines on ethics, reinforcing NIMR’s commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in research activities across the country. Director General Prof. Said Aboud, a stalwart in the field of medical research, set the tone for the workshop in his opening speech. Prof. Aboud emphasized the paramount importance of ethics in research, underlining the necessity for research methods and practices to be firmly rooted in fairness, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders. His address highlighted the cultural context of Tanzania, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations to align with and respect the diverse cultural landscape of the country. The training workshop served as a platform for 64 principal investigators from various higher learning and research institutions to enhance their understanding of ethical guidelines and best practices. The diverse participation of investigators underscored the collaborative effort required to instill a culture of ethical research practices across institutions. Key components of the workshop included in-depth discussions on the newly developed ethical guidelines, case studies to facilitate practical application, and interactive sessions that encouraged participants to share insights and experiences. The collaborative nature of the workshop not only imparted knowledge but also fostered a sense of community among principal investigators, creating a network of professionals dedicated to ethical research. The use of hashtags such as #NIMR, #ResearchEthics, and #PrincipalInvestigators on social media platforms allowed for the dissemination of workshop highlights and key takeaways, reaching a broader audience and promoting the importance of ethical considerations in research. As the Director General, Prof. Said Aboud’s leadership in championing ethical research practices resonated throughout the workshop. His commitment to ensuring that research activities align with the highest ethical standards reflects NIMR’s dedication to being at the forefront of responsible and impactful medical research. In conclusion, the training workshop organized by NIMR serves as a significant milestone in fortifying the ethical foundations of medical research in Tanzania. With Director General Prof. Said Aboud leading the charge, NIMR continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the ethical landscape of research activities, fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of medical science in the country.