From a Sleeping Sickness Unit to a Modern Public Health Research Hub For more than a century, NIMR Tabora has connected scientific discovery with practical public health action. Established in Tabora in 1922 to support regional control of sleeping sickness, the unit has evolved into one of Tanzania’s oldest public health research platforms and a strategic scientific presence in the western zone. Since it was taken by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in 1979, the Centre has maintained its excellence and focal point for sleeping sickness research and monitoring in the country. Because of changing dynamics of public health threats, its mandate has expanded from a single disease to a multidisciplinary portfolio covering infectious and non-infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, climate and health, outbreak preparedness, clinical research, genomics, data science and health systems. 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) na Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) ya Marekani zimejadili namna ya kuendeleza ushirikiano katika tafiti za afya, ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanya tafiti za pamoja, kuimarisha uwezo wa watafiti na kutumia miundombinu iliyopo kupanua wigo wa tafiti nchini.Majadiliano hayo yalifanyika tarehe 13 Agosti 2026 katika Kituo cha Utafiti cha NIMR Mbeya, wakati Rais na Afisa Mtendaji Mkuu wa HJF, Meja Jenerali Mstaafu wa Jeshi la Marekani, Dkt. Joseph Caravalho, pamoja na ujumbe wake walipotembelea kituo hicho.Akizungumza wakati wa ziara hiyo, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud, alisema kusainiwa kwa Hati ya Makubaliano (MoU) kati ya Serikali ya Tanzania na Marekani kunatoa fursa ya kuendeleza ushirikiano katika tafiti za afya, hasa wakati ambapo mazingira ya ufadhili wa tafiti za afya duniani yanaendelea kubadilika.Prof. Aboud alisema NIMR imewekeza katika miundombinu ya utafiti katika Kituo cha Mbeya na vituo vyake vingine, ikiwemo maabara na vifaa vinavyowezesha tafiti mbalimbali za afya.Katika majadiliano hayo, pande hizo pia zilizungumzia mabadiliko katika ufadhili wa utafiti kutoka Marekani. Prof. Aboud alitoa shukrani kwa Serikali ya Marekani kwa mchango wake kupitia Mpango wa Dharura wa Rais wa Marekani wa Kukabiliana na UKIMWI (PEPFAR), ambao umeunga mkono juhudi za Serikali ya Tanzania katika mapambano dhidi ya VVU na changamoto nyingine za afya ya umma.NIMR na HJF pia zilijadili maeneo ya ushirikiano wa baadaye, yakiwemo kuendeleza tafiti za pamoja, kujenga uwezo wa watafiti na kutafuta maeneo mapya ya ushirikiano wa kisayansi.Baada ya majadiliano, ujumbe wa HJF ulitembelea Maabara ya Usalama na Kinga ya Mwili (Safety and Immunology) ya Kituo cha NIMR Mbeya, ambapo ulijionea shughuli za utafiti zinazotekelezwa katika kituo hicho. Ujumbe huo pia ulielezwa kuhusu uwekezaji uliofanywa na Serikali kwa kushirikiana na wadau mbalimbali, wakiwemo HJF, katika kuimarisha miundombinu ya kituo.Ziara hiyo ilihitimishwa kwa pande zote mbili kueleza utayari wa kuendeleza ushirikiano uliopo na kutumia miundombinu na uwezo wa watafiti kupanua tafiti za afya nchini. 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) and the U.S.-based Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) have discussed strategies to strengthen the existing collaboration in health research including joint research, capacity building for researchers, and making better use of existing infrastructure to expand the scope of health research in Tanzania.The discussions took place on 13th August 2026 at the NIMR Mbeya Research Centre, during a visit by HJF President and Chief Executive Officer, retired U.S. Army Major General Dr. Joseph Caravalho, and his delegation.Speaking during the visit, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of Tanzania and the United States provides an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in health research, particularly at a time when the global health research funding landscape is changing.Prof. Aboud noted that NIMR has invested in research infrastructure at the Mbeya Research Centre and its other centres, including laboratories and equipment that support a range of health research activities.The discussions also covered changes in U.S. research funding. Prof. Aboud expressed appreciation to the U.S. Government for its support through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has contributed to Tanzania’s efforts to address HIV and other public health challenges.NIMR and HJF also discussed areas for future collaboration, including joint research, researcher capacity building and identifying new areas of scientific cooperation.Following the discussions, the HJF delegation visited the Safety and Immunology Laboratory at the NIMR Mbeya Research Centre, where they observed ongoing research activities. The delegation was also briefed on investments made by the Government in collaboration with various partners, including HJF, to strengthen the Centre’s research infrastructure.The visit concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to continuing the existing partnership and making use of available infrastructure and research capacity to expand health research in Tanzania. 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) and Museen Stade of Germany have formalized their partnership through the signing of a collaboration agreement under the WAYS – Towards Fair and Sustainable International Partnerships Programme. The agreement was signed on 13th August 2026 at the NIMR Headquarters sub-Office in Dar es Salaam.The collaboration agreement follows the approval of funding by the German Federal Cultural Foundation under the four-year WAYS Programme, which is being jointly implemented by NIMR, Tanzania, and Museen Stade, Germany. The partnership seeks to promote sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation in research, heritage preservation, education, and knowledge exchange.The four-year programme will be implemented at the NIMR Amani Centre, with a particular focus on strengthening the historical, scientific, educational, and tourism value of the Amani Hill Research Station. Key areas of implementation will include the establishment of a Museum of Medical History at the Amani Hill Station, promotion of research tourism, enhancement of the Botanical Garden, preservation and development of medicinal and herbal plantations for research purposes and the production of traditional medicines.As part of the partnership, NIMR and Museen Stade will jointly implement a touring exhibition programme in Tanzania, complemented by an educational programme designed to enhance public awareness and knowledge of the historical and scientific significance of the Amani Hill Station. The exhibition is expected to be presented at four locations corresponding to the field research sites associated with the project entitled “The Karl Braun Collection and the Role of the Amani Institute during the German Colonial Period in Tanzania” (Amani Stade Project). The research project is being jointly undertaken by NIMR and Museen Stade.Speaking following the signing of the agreement, Dr. Sebastian Möllers, Director of Museen Stade, Germany, reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to broadening and deepening its collaboration with NIMR. He emphasised the importance of expanding the partnership to include research institutions and institutions of higher learning based in Germany. He further expressed interest in establishing opportunities for student exchange programmes and other academic initiatives once a fully operational Training Centre has been established at NIMR Amani Hill. The proposed Centre is expected to provide specialized training and capacity-building programmes.Speaking during the signing ceremony, NIMR Director General, Professor Said Aboud reaffirmed NIMR commitment to strengthening and sustaining its partnership with Museen Stade. He underscored the strategic importance of the collaboration in advancing research, education, heritage conservation, and knowledge exchange.Professor Aboud further noted that the current partnership provides an important foundation and springboard for establishing additional collaborative research initiatives with other national and international institutions. He emphasised that NIMR remains committed to developing strategic partnerships that contribute to scientific advancement, institutional capacity development, preservation of Tanzania’s medical and scientific heritage, and the promotion of research-based tourism.The signing of the agreement marks an important milestone in the longstanding collaboration between NIMR and Museen Stade and provides a framework for further cooperation in research, education, cultural heritage preservation, institutional development, and international knowledge exchange. 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), Kituo cha Mbeya, imetumia Maonesho ya Wakulima na Wafugaji (Nanenane) Kanda ya Kusini kuwafikia wananchi moja kwa moja, hususan wakulima ambao ni sehemu kubwa ya washiriki katika tafiti zake, kwa kutoa elimu ya afya, huduma za uchunguzi na elimu kuhusu tafiti za afya zinazofanyika katika Kanda ya Kusini.Maonesho hayo, yaliyofikia kilele tarehe 8 Agosti 2026, yalitoa fursa kwa Taasisi kuimarisha uhusiano na jamii na wadau mbalimbali, huku likiwafikia kundi muhimu la wananchi wanaoshiriki katika tafiti zake. Takriban asilimia 90 ya washiriki katika tafiti zinazofanywa katika kituo hicho ni wakulima, hivyo Nanenane imekuwa jukwaa muhimu la kuwafikia moja kwa moja na kuwaeleza umuhimu wa ushiriki katika tafiti zinazolenga kuboresha afya na ustawi wa jamii.Kupitia banda la NIMR, wananchi walipata huduma za uchunguzi wa afya bila malipo, zikiwemo upimaji wa Kifua Kikuu (TB), UKIMWI na Homa ya Ini, pamoja na ushauri wa afya kutoka kwa wataalamu. Huduma hizo zilienda sambamba na elimu kuhusu kinga, udhibiti wa magonjwa na umuhimu wa kupima afya mapema.Akizungumza wakati wa maadhimisho hayo, Afisa wa Jamii anayehusika na masuala ya Ushirikishwaji wa Jamii, Bw. Simeon Mwanyonga, alisisitiza umuhimu wa kuwafikishia wananchi elimu sahihi kuhusu magonjwa na kuwahamasisha kupima afya zao mara kwa mara.“Ni muhimu kuhakikisha wananchi wanapata elimu sahihi kuhusu magonjwa mbalimbali na umuhimu wa kupima afya zao mapema, ili kubaini hali zao na kuchukua hatua zinazostahili,” alisema Mwanyonga.Utekelezaji wa shughuli hizo ulifanyika kwa ushirikiano kati ya Kitengo cha Ushirikishwaji wa Jamii, Bodi ya Ushauri ya Jamii (CAB), Mwitikio wa Kudhibiti Kifua Kikuu na Ukoma (MKUTA) pamoja na wataalamu wa Kifua Kikuu.Kwa ujumla, ushiriki huo umeendelea kuimarisha ushirikishwaji wa jamii katika utafiti kwa kuwafikia wananchi katika mazingira yao, kuwaongezea uelewa kuhusu tafiti zinazofanyika na umuhimu wa ushiriki wao. Kupitia majukwaa kama Nanenane, utafiti unasogezwa karibu zaidi na jamii, huku wananchi wakipata fursa ya kuelewa na kushiriki katika tafiti zinazolenga kujibu changamoto za afya nchini.Ushiriki huo ulienda sambamba na kaulimbiu ya Nanenane 2026 isemayo, “Tambua Soko, Ongeza Tija Kutekeleza Dira 2050,” ambapo maadhimisho ya kitaifa yalifanyika jijini Dodoma. 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) in collaboration with the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA), other local and international partners, on 28th July, 2026 convened a stakeholders’ consultative meeting in Dar es Salaam to discuss strategies for strengthening Tanzania’s clinical trial oversight policy and legal framework.The meeting, held at the CEEMI Hall, NIMR Headquarters sub-Office, brought together representatives from regulatory authorities, government institutions, research institutions, universities, ethics committees, clinical trial investigators, patient associations, and development partners to discuss findings from the assessment of Tanzania’s clinical trial oversight framework conducted using the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT).The consultative meeting was organized under the Reinforce the Ethical and Regulatory Ecosystem for the Transformation of Clinical Trials Oversight in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Beyond (RER-CTO) Project, which is being implemented by NIMR in collaboration with TMDA, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), the University of Oslo (UiO), and Karolinska Institutet (KI).Speaking during the opening of the meeting, the NIMR Director General emphasized the importance of a strong ethical and regulatory oversight framework in ensuring that clinical research conducted in Tanzania protects the rights, safety, dignity, and well-being of research participants while maintaining the credibility and integrity of research outcomes.The Director General noted that the evolving clinical research landscape, driven by advances in biotechnology, genomics, digital health, artificial intelligence, and innovative clinical trial designs, presents both opportunities and regulatory challenges. He emphasized the need for Tanzania’s clinical trial oversight framework to remain responsive and aligned with international best practices.“This consultative meeting provides an important opportunity to discuss the findings of the assessment, identify strengths and gaps within the current framework, and agree on actions that will strengthen ethical and regulatory oversight, enhance coordination among institutions, and improve protection of research participants,” he said.Dr. Mary Mayige, Principal Research Officer and Project Principal Investigator at NIMR Headquarters, said the meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to review findings from the RER-CTO assessment and identify priority actions for strengthening clinical trial oversight in Tanzania.The assessment conducted through the RER-CTO Project identified key strengths and gaps within Tanzania’s existing clinical trial oversight policy and legal framework. Stakeholders discussed practical strategies and recommendations aimed at addressing the identified gaps and improving coordination among institutions involved in clinical research oversight.Supported by the European Union through the Global Health EDCTP3 programme, the RER-CTO Project aims to strengthen ethical and regulatory systems for clinical trials in Tanzania, Ethiopia, and beyond. Through this initiative, NIMR and its partners are working to enhance research governance and support the conduct of safe, ethical, and high-quality clinical research. 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) is strengthening Tanzania’s ability to detect and monitor pathogens responsible for infectious diseases through advanced training on 16S/Internal mkTranscribed Spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA sequencing for laboratory scientists from NIMR and the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL).The two-week training commenced on 13th July 2026 at the NPHL laboratories in Mabibo and is being implemented under the Tanzania Global Health Security Priorities – Advancing Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Health Security (TAGHESP) initiative. The training focuses on building laboratory expertise in advanced genomic technologies to improve the detection and surveillance of pathogens causing acute febrile illnesses (AFI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI).Speaking during the official opening of the training, Acting NPHL Director, Mr Seif Abdul, emphasised the importance of strengthening the use of genomic sequencing technologies particularly the 16S/ITS sequencing approach in detecting pathogens responsible for ARI and AFI. He noted that this expertise will enhance ongoing scientific work under the multi-pathogen study and establish a strong foundation for future research initiatives.Mr Abdul further commended the CDC Tanzania for its continued support in strengthening laboratory systems for pathogen detection and advancing modern disease surveillance approaches in the country.Representing the NIMR Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Misago Seth, he highlighted the importance of the training in enhancing the technical skills of laboratory scientists from NIMR and NPHL in applying advanced genomic technologies. The study team underscored the importance of incorporating metagenomics sequencing into the testing portfolio for multipathogen investigations particularly as Tanzania continues to expand surveillance of ARI and AFI beyond SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza virus.Through the training, laboratory scientists from NIMR and NPHL gain hands-on skills in key sequencing processes including nucleic acid extraction, 16S/ITS sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and interpretation of sequencing results.The training also supports the development of standardised laboratory workflows and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the sustainable application of genomic sequencing technologies in disease surveillance activities.The enhanced capability will enable NIMR and NPHL to detect a broader range of pathogens including those that may remain unidentified through conventional diagnostic methods. This will contribute to improved infectious disease surveillance, evidence-based public health decision-making, and enhanced preparedness for emerging disease threats.Testing of samples from AFI and ARI will be conducted during Phase I at NPHL and Phase II at NIMR. 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) kupitia mradi wa utafiti wa PENPLUS imeendelea kuboresha utoaji wa huduma za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza nchini kwa kuwezesha Hospitali za Kondoa Mji na ya Kilutheri Karatu kutoa huduma za kibingwa ambazo awali zilipatikana katika hospitali za mikoa na rufaa pekee.Mafanikio hayo yamebainishwa wakati wa Kongamano la Tatu la Kimataifa la Kimkakati wa Kikanda la PEN-Plus la Kukabiliana na Magonjwa Yasiyoambukiza Barani Afrika (3rd ICPPA 2026) linaofanyika katika Kituo cha Kimataifa cha Mikutano cha Julius Nyerere (JNICC) Dar es Salaam, tarehe 23 hadi 25 Juni 2026.Akifungua Kongamano hilo, Waziri wa Afya, Mhe. Mohamed Mchengerwa amesema mkakati wa PEN-Plus umeendelea kuwa suluhisho muhimu barani Afrika katika kuimarisha huduma za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza kwa kuyasogeza karibu na wananchi, hususan katika hospitali za wilaya na vituo vya afya vilivyochaguliwa.Amesema kupitia ushirikiano kati ya Serikali, Washirika wa Maendeleo na Mpango wa Samia Suluhu Hassan Outreach, huduma za PEN-Plus zinaendelea kupanuliwa nchini kote, hasa katika maeneo ya vijijini na yenye changamoto ya upatikanaji wa huduma za afya.Akitoa maelezo kwa Waziri wa Afya alipotembelea banda la NIMR, Mtafiti Kiongozi wa Mradi wa PEN-Plus nchini Tanzania, Dkt. Mary Mayige, alisema mradi huo wa utafiti umewezesha hospitali za Kondoa Mji na ya Kilutheri Karatu kutoa huduma za kibingwa za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza kwa kuwajengea uwezo wataalamu wa afya, kuboresha miundombinu ya vituo vya kutolea huduma, pamoja na kuwezesha upatikanaji wa vifaa vya kisasa.Katika Kongamano hilo, NIMR inaendelea kutoa huduma za uchunguzi na ushauri wa afya kwa washiriki ikiwemo upimaji wa shinikizo la juu la damu, kisukari pamoja na vipimo vya urefu na uzito kwa lengo la kuhamasisha kinga na udhibiti wa magonjwa yasiyoambukiza.Aidha, timu ya mradi iliambatana na baadhi ya wanufaika wa kliniki za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza zinazotekelezwa kupitia PEN-Plus katika vituo mbalimbali vya afya nchini, ambapo walipata fursa ya kuelezea uzoefu wao kuhusu namna huduma hizo zilivyoboreshwa na kurahisisha upatikanaji wa matibabu katika maeneo yao.Ushiriki wa NIMR katika ICPPA 2026 unaonesha mchango wa taasisi katika kuimarisha huduma za magonjwa yasiyoambukiza kupitia tafiti, ushahidi wa kisayansi na utekelezaji wa mifumo bunifu ya utoaji huduma za afya inayolenga kuwafikia wananchi wengi zaidi, hususan walioko katika maeneo yenye uhitaji mkubwa. 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 launched stakeholders’ consultation on draft Traditional Medicine Research Guidelines aimed at strengthening ethical and regulatory oversight of traditional medicine research in Tanzania.The consultation held in Morogoro on 22nd June 2026, is being implemented under the Trial Regulation and Clinical Ethics Optimization (TRACE PROJECT) and brings together government institutions, regulators, universities, researchers, healthcare providers, traditional medicine practitioners, and development partners.Opening the meeting, NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud said the guidelines are intended to reinforce ethical conduct, scientific rigor, and participant protection while supporting the development of evidence-based traditional medicine products.He said traditional medicine remains a key source of healthcare for many Tanzanians adding that stronger research is needed to generate reliable evidence on safety, efficacy, and quality.“These guidelines go beyond regulation. They provide a foundation for a robust research ecosystem that promotes scientific excellence, ethical conduct, protection of participants, and responsible product development,” he said.Head of Research Regulation at NIMR and Tanzania TRACE Project Coordinator, Dr. Obadia Bishoge said the consultation is intended to refine the draft guidelines through stakeholder input and strengthen ethical standards in traditional medicine research.He said the framework is expected to address challenges in ethical review processes within Research Ethics Committees, while improving coordination among researchers, traditional medicine practitioners, and regulators. He added that it will also support preservation of indigenous knowledge and alignment of research with scientific and legal standards.The meeting included technical presentations and discussions that will inform finalization of the guidelines and strengthen the governance of traditional medicine research in Tanzania.NIMR reiterated its commitment to continue working with stakeholders under the TRACE Project to strengthen ethical and regulatory systems for health research, to improve public health outcomes and support national development.#MinistryofHealth#NIMR #TRACEProject #TraditionalMedicine #AdvancingHealthResearchEnhancingLife Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.