The NIMR Gonja Research Station is witnessing a period of dynamic growth and activity, facilitated by the seamless integration of five newly hired staff, all under the guidance of the dedicated NIMR Management team. The station is now poised for a significant milestone—the imminent inauguration of the “Research-based Diagnostic Unit.” Under the leadership of Mr. Franklin Magogo, Acting Head of Station, a notable event occurred on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. A team, representing NIMR Gonja Research Station, paid a diplomatic visit to the District Medical Officer’s Office in Same DC. The primary objective of this visit was to fortify and formalize the collaborative linkages between NIMR and the healthcare facilities in the surrounding area. This strategic collaboration is particularly pivotal as it sets the stage for the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit. The unit is anticipated to bring forth advanced functionalities and capabilities, significantly enhancing the station’s capacity to serve the residents in the vicinity. The visit to the DMO’s Office underscores NIMR Gonja Research Station’s commitment to fostering partnerships within the healthcare sector. Such collaborative efforts are integral to the station’s mission of seamlessly integrating research with practical healthcare applications. As we await the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit, the station stands poised to contribute to the local community with unparalleled dedication and efficiency. This endeavor signifies not only a commitment to research excellence but also a tangible impact on the health and well-being of the community. Stay tuned for forthcoming updates as NIMR Gonja Research Station continues its trajectory towards excellence, exemplifying the convergence of research and healthcare for the betterment of society.

The five participating institutions from Tanzania (NIMR-Mbeya and Muhimbili University of Allied and Health Sciences), Mozambique (INS/CISPOC in Maputo), Uganda (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit in Masaka) and South Africa (Verulam clinical research site) met in Zanzibar from 15th-17th January 2024. The meeting involved discussions on the recently released Independent Data Monitoring Committee results that required pausing of vaccinations but continued oral PrEP component up to trial completion. Additional discussions were held on planned final trial analyses, plans for unblinding and dissemination of trial results. Discussions were also held on the way forward beyond the PrEPVacc trial for each of the partner sites.

NIMR has conducted a 2-day training on 8th to 9th January 2024 to build capacity of early and mid-career research scientists on policy brief writing. In his opening remarks, Director General Prof. Said Aboud reiterated NIMR commitment to build capacity of early and mid-career research scientists in translating scientific findings to a non-scientific language that can be easily understood and used by policy makers to influence changes in policy, best practices and improve health care delivery services in the country. This is the second batch of trainees and a total of 15 research scientists from NIMR Centres and Headquarters attended the training. The training was facilitated by Dr. Sirili Nathaniel from MUHAS.

The NIMR Director General Prof Said S. Aboud through the NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre hosted Dr. Eliud Wandwalo, the Head of TB, Global Fund in Geneva accompanied MKUTA CEO Dr Willy Mbawala. Salient discussions were held regarding the role of NIMR in contributing to country efforts regarding the End TB strategy by 2030 which is within the next 6 years. The institution was highly encouraged to take a bold move towards generating evidence for novel point of care tests for TB that are feasible within local settings as well as strengthening laboratory related aspects for improved TB diagnosis and management. It was also an opportunity to showcase varied studies funded by the Global Fund at @NIMRMbeya. These included studies focusing on modified shorter all oral MDR-TB treatment, COVID-19 impact on TB services delivery, HIV early infant diagnosis and Post TB Lung Disease. Grateful for the commitment to making a positive impact and fostering collaboration for a healthier world.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) conducted on 29th December 2023 a user training workshop for stakeholders to orient them on National Research Ethics Information Management System (NREIMS) in order to create awareness of the system that evolved from the functionalities of the current system (REIMS) to accommodate all institutional research ethics committees in one platform for easy monitoring and regulation of health research in the country.In the opening speech, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud, said the system will serve as a tool for harmonizing protocol review processes for all Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in the country. “Further, the system will be able to provide relevant information to COSTECH, TMDA and PO-RALG.” said Prof. Aboud. Furthermore, he assured the training participants that NIMR looks forward to continue with strengthening of health research regulations in line with global practices to ensure research is conducted following the principles laid down in the Declaration of Helsinki, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and all regulatory requirements. The One-day training workshop organized by NIMR took place at the Headquarters and brought together 30 stakeholders from various institutions including Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices (TMDA), Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Agha Khan University (AKU), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI).

NIMR through Mbeya medical research center has just completed an operational study funded by the Global Fund through NASHCoP, Ministry of Health (MOH). The study aimed to assess the impact of the family approach on the uptake of 3HP (3 months of weekly Isoniazid and Rifapentine) among people living with HIV. The center disseminated the study findings on 28th and 29th December 2023 in Dodoma to MOH, NTLP, NASHCoP, implementing partners, RACC and CTC staff who participated in the study. The NASHCoP Manager, Dr Anath Rwebembera, who graced the event on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Tumaini Nagu, commended the role of NIMR in generating research-based evidence that will inform on decisions regarding 3HP programmatic scale up in the country. Further, the NIMR DG, Prof. Said S. Aboud remarked on strengthening of facilitators of the family approach intervention in order to overcome anticipated barriers in terms of access to the new TPT regimen. Overall, the shorter TB preventive treatment (TPT) is acceptable to clients and providers and thus uptake and completion are relatively good compared to the six-month TB Preventive Treatment of daily Isonizid (INH).

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