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Katika juhudi za kuimarisha utafiti wa afya visiwani Zanzibar, Taasisi ya Utafiti wa Afya Zanzibar (ZAHRI) kwa kushirikiana na Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar, leo tarehe 15 Aprili, 2025, wamefanya ziara maalum ya mafunzo katika Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR), ofisi ndogo ya Dar es Salaam, ikilenga kubadilishana uzoefu na kujifunza mbinu bora za utafiti wa afya.Ziara hiyo iliongozwa na Mwenyekiti wa Kamati hiyo, Mhe. Sabiha Filfil Thani, ambapo wajumbe walipata fursa ya kutembelea Maabara ya Utafiti wa Vinasaba vya Mbu Wanaoneza Malaria (Malaria Genomics Laboratory) na kujionea kazi mbalimbali za kisayansi zinazoendeshwa na watafiti wa NIMR.Akizungumza kwa niaba ya Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR, Dkt. Mary Mayige ambaye ni Mkurugenzi wa Taarifa na Kurekebu Tafiti, alieleza kuwa taasisi hiyo imefanikiwa kufanya tafiti nyingi zenye tija kubwa kwa Taifa, ikiwemo zile zilizochangia moja kwa moja katika uundaji na uboreshaji wa sera za huduma za afya. Dkt. Mayige alisisitiza umuhimu wa ushirikiano miongoni mwa taasisi za utafiti nchini ili kuongeza ufanisi katika kukabiliana na changamoto mbalimbali za kiafya zinazolikumba taifa.Kwa upande wake, Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar, Mhe. Sabiha Thani, alisema kuwa ziara hiyo imewapatia maarifa na uelewa mpana kuhusu namna Taasisi ya NIMR inavyoendesha shughuli zake za utafiti kwa mafanikio. Alieleza kuwa Kamati yake itaishauri Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kuongeza uwekezaji ZAHRI, hasa katika maeneo ambayo bado hayajafikiwa, ili kuijengea uwezo wa kitaalamu katika kushughulikia masuala ya afya kwa ufanisi zaidi.Naye Khamis Rashid Kheir, Mkurugenzi wa Mawasiliano ya Tafiti na Usimamizi wa Maarifa kutoka ZAHRI, alisema kuwa ziara hiyo imelenga kujifunza kwa vitendo namna NIMR imeweza kujijengea msingi thabiti wa kitaaluma, kiteknolojia na kiutawala katika kufanikisha tafiti zake, pamoja na namna wanavyokabiliana na changamoto za utafiti katika mazingira ya kazi.Ziara hiyo imekuja ikiwa ni muendelezo wa juhudi za ZAHRI katika kujifunza na kuimarisha uwezo wake wa utafiti. Wiki chache zilizopita, Taasisi hiyo kwa kushirikiana na Kamati ya Ustawi wa Jamii ya Baraza la Wawakilishi Zanzibar walifanya ziara ya kikazi katika Kiwanda cha Dawa za Tiba Asili cha NIMR kilichopo Mabibo, Dar es Salaam, kwa lengo la kujifunza kuhusu mchakato wa utafiti, uchunguzi na uzalishaji wa dawa mbalimbali za tiba asili kwa ajili ya matibabu ya magonjwa ya binadamu.

n a groundbreaking move to uplift emerging talent in health research, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) successfully hosted the first-ever Tanzania National Young East African Health Research Scientists (YEARS’) Forum Workshop. The dynamic two-day event, held from 14–15 April 2025 at Tiffany Diamond Hotel in Dar es Salaam, aimed at strengthening critical research skills among early-career health scientists.The workshop was officially opened by NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who emphasized the need to invest in the future of science through early-stage capacity building. In his opening remarks, Prof. Aboud underscored the significance of practical training, mentorship, and regional partnerships as powerful tools to shape the next generation of scientific leaders.“This workshop is a key step in empowering our next generation of researchers. I urge all participants to actively engage and apply these skills in their scientific work to advance health research in Tanzania and the East African region,” he stated.Organized in collaboration with the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the workshop forms part of the broader YEARS’ Forum initiative, which seeks to support, mentor, and connect young health researchers across the seven East African Community (EAC) member states namely Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.Speaking earlier at the event, Dr. Novat Twungubumwe, the Deputy Executive Secretary at EAHRC, gave a background on the initiative, noting that the YEARS’ Forum was formally approved by the 15th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health and officially launched during the 7th East African Health and Scientific Conference, which was also held in Dar es Salaam in March 2019. Further Dr. Fabian Mashauri, Training Coordinator, emphasized the critical role that the young scientists can play in developing sustainable health research ecosystems across the region. “Our goal is to ensure these young researchers are not only technically competent but also visionary leaders who will drive health innovation across East Africa,” he commented.The workshop assembled a vibrant group of 42 participants, including six PhD-level researchers and 36 mentees from across Tanzania for hands-on training in five essential areas of health research: Application of ICT in research, Critical reading and referencing, Research communication skills, Reviews in health research, and Data management.With its successful launch, this workshop marks a pivotal milestone in the regional mission to invest in youth, nurture future scientists, and promote health innovation. NIMR’s initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing health research through strategic partnerships, skill-building, and visionary leadership.

Jumla ya watumishi wapya 41 wa Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) kutoka kada 11 tofauti wamehitimisha mafunzo elekezi ya siku nne yaliyolenga kuwaandaa rasmi kwa majukumu yao ndani ya utumishi wa umma.Mafunzo hayo yalifanyika kuanzia tarehe 8 hadi 11 Aprili, 2025 katika Ukumbi wa CEEMI uliopo Ofisi ndogo za NIMR jijini Dar es Salaam.Akizungumza wakati wa kufunga mafunzo hayo, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR Prof. Said Aboud alieleza matumaini makubwa juu ya mchango wa watumishi hao wapya katika kuimarisha utendaji kazi wa Taasisi. “Tunaamini kuwa kupitia mafunzo haya, tumepata watumishi wenye weledi, maadili na ari ya kufanya kazi kwa bidii, kwa mujibu wa sheria, taratibu na kanuni za Serikali,” alisema Prof. Aboud.Miongoni mwa mada muhimu zilizofundishwa ni pamoja na taratibu za utumishi wa umma, sheria za kazi, utunzaji wa siri za Serikali, haki na wajibu wa mtumishi, muundo wa Taasisi na namna bora ya kutekeleza majukumu kwa uadilifu na weledi. Mafunzo yalitolewa na wawezeshaji kutoka Chuo cha Utumishi wa Umma (TPSC) kwa kushirikiana na Ofisi ya Usalama wa Serikali (GSO) sambamba na wakurugenzi wa idara mbalimbali za NIMR akiwemo Mkurugenzi wa Kuratibu na Kukuza Utafiti (DRCP), Mkurugenzi wa Taarifa na Kurekebu Tafiti (DRIRA), Mkurugenzi wa Huduma za Taasisi pamoja na wakuu wa Idara ya Uhasibu, Ukaguzi wa Ndani, na TEHAMA.Katika kilele cha mafunzo hayo, watumishi wamekula kiapo cha uadilifu ambayo ni ishara ya dhamira ya dhati ya kuwahudumia watanzania kwa uaminifu na kuzingatia maadili ya utumishi wa umma.NIMR inaendelea kuwekeza katika kuimarisha rasilimali watu kwa kuwajengea uwezo watumishi wake mara wanapojiunga ili kuhakikisha wanaanza kazi wakiwa na uelewa mpana wa majukumu yao na mchango wao katika kufanikisha malengo ya Taasisi

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) held on 10th April 2025 a stakeholders’ workshop at its Sub-office in Dar es Salaam aimed at updating Tanzania’s health research agenda. The workshop sought to expand the scope of the agenda by incorporating emerging priority areas including mental health, rehabilitation services, nutrition, geriatric care and the intersection between climate change and health.The event brought together key stakeholders from a wide range of institutions including representatives from the Ministry of Health specifically from the Directorate of Reseach, Planning and Innovation, Departments focusing on rehabilitation, mental health and nutrition services – Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), Rehabilitation Organizations and NIMR researchers. These participants contributed their expertise to ensure the updated agenda reflects current health priorities, national development goals, Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) V and Vision 2050.The workshop was officially opened by NIMR Director General Prof. Said Aboud and was coordinated by Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya, NIMR Director of Research Coordination and Promotion. Dr. Elizabeth Shayo served as the Secretary to the workshop while Mr. Emanuel Makundi facilitated the discussions. The outcomes of this collaborative engagement are expected to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and guide future research to improve health outcomes across the country.

Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) imetoa matokeo ya awali ya Utafiti kuhusu vihatarishi vya magonjwa yasiyoambukiza (NCD) nchini Tanzania. Utafiti huo ulifanyika kuanzia mwezi Septemba hadi Novemba 2023 kupitia mradi wa STEPS NCD Survey uliofadhiliwa na Shirika la Afya Duniani (WHO) na Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kupitia Wizara ya Afya. Matokeo hayo yamewasilishwa na Mtafiti Mkuu wa mradi ambaye pia ni Mkurugenzi wa Taarifa na Kurekebu Tafiti, NIMR Dkt. Mary Mayige katika mdahalo wa kitaaluma uliohusisha wadau mbalimbali wa afya, kwenye maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Afya. Maadhimisho hayo yamefanyika katika viwanja vya JKCC – Dodoma kuanzia tarehe 3 hadi 8 Aprili 2025.Dkt. Mayige amesema kuwa Utafiti huo wa kina ulikuwa na lengo la kutathmini hali ya afya ya watu wazima wa Kitanzania wenye umri kati ya miaka 18 hadi 69 kwa kutumia hatua tatu kuu: ukusanyaji wa taarifa za kijamii na tabia za kiafya, vipimo vya mwili (urefu, uzito na shinikizo la damu), na vipimo vya kimaabara kupima sukari, figo na kolesteroli katika damu.Aidha Dkt. Mayige amesema matokeo ya utafiti huo yameonesha kuwa bado kuna tatizo la magonjwa yasiyoambukiza nchini Tanzania ikiwemo kisukari, shinikizo la juu la damu, afya ya akili, afya ya kinywa na meno na magonjwa mengine yasiyoambikiza. Dkt. Mayige amesema kuwa takwimu zinatoa taswira ya kina ya hali ya vihatarishi vya magonjwa yasiyoambukiza miongoni mwa watu wazima wa Tanzania amabapo amesisitiza haja ya dharura ya kuimarisha afua za afya ya umma ili kukabiliana na vihatarishi hivyo na kuboresha afya ya Watanzania kwa ujumla.NIMR ni miongoni mwa Taasisi za afya zilizoshiriki Wiki ya Afya Kitaifa. Mbali na kuwasilisha matokeo ya utafiti pia imeshiriki maonesho ya Wiki ya Afya kwa kutoa elimu ya kupata vibali vya utafiti, kuonesha bidhaa za tiba asili zilizofanyiwa utafiti katika kituo cha utafiti wa tiba asili Mabibo.

Mamia ya wananchi wamemiminika katika Banda la NIMR kujipatia Kinywaji lishe cha NIMREVIT kwenye wiki ya Afya Kitaifa, iliyofanyika tarehe 3-8 Aprili 2025, kwenye viwanja vya JKCC-Dodoma, ambacho hutengenezwa Kwa mimea ya asili na Kituo cha NiMR Mabibo, ambapo umati huo unathibitisha Imani ya wananchi Kwa Taasisi.Kinywaji hiki hutengenezwa Mahususi kwaajili ya kuimarisha afya ya mwili kikiwa na faida nyingi kama kuongeza damu, kuimarisha afya ya moyo na mishipa ya damu, kuimarisha mifupa na mishipa ya fahamu, na kuondoa uchovu wa mwili.

Waziri wa Afya, Mhe. Jenista Mhagama, ameielekeza Taasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Magonjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) kuongeza idadi ya dawa za tiba asili zinazozalishwa na Kituo cha Utafiti cha NIMR Mabibo, ambazo utafiti wake umekamilika, ili zitumike katika huduma jumuishi zinazotolewa katika hospitali za rufaa za mkoa sita zaidi mbali na saba za sasa ili kuongeza huduma na kuisaidia jamii katika kukabiliana na magonjwa mbalimbali.Mhe. Mhagama ameyasema hayo leo terehe 08/04/2025 alipotembelea banda la NIMR katika kilele cha maonesho ya Wiki ya Afya  yaliyofanyika katika viwanja vya JKCC – Dodoma. Aidha, aliipongeza NIMR kwa juhudi kubwa wanazozifanya katika utafiti wa afya, zinazolenga kutatua changamoto za kiafya kwa wananchi.Aidha akieleza kuhusu mafanikio ya Tafiti, Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa NIMR Prof. Said Aboud alieleza mafanikio makubwa yaliyopatikana kupitia tafiti za tiba asili zilizofanywa na taasisi hiyo. Alisema kuwa mpaka sasa, NIMR kupitia kituo chake cha Mabibo kimeweza kufanya tafiti za tiba asili ambazo zimeonyesha matokeo chanya na baadhi ya dawa zimeingizwa katika mpango wa huduma jumuishi.Prof. Aboud amesema miongoni mwa dawa zilizofanyiwa utafiti ni pamoja PERSIVIN inayotibu tezi dume, WARBUGISTAT (Magonjwa nyemelezi), NIMREGENIN (Saratani), TANGESHA (Seli mundu), TMS 2001 (Malaria) na NIMRCAF (UVIKO-19) ambayo inaendelea kusaidia jamii kutibu magojwa ya mfumo wa upumuaji. Prof. Aboud amesema NIMR katika tafiti zake za hivi karibuni imefanikiwa kuja na njia mpya ya kugundua kifua Kikuu kwa njia ya kutumia sampuli za choo na damu pamoja na kupunguza dozi kwa wagonjwa wa kifua kikuu kutoka miezi 6 ya sasa hadi 4, kupunguza dozi ya chanjo ya kuzuia saratani ya mlango wa kizazi kutoka dozi mbili hadi moja ambayo imerahisisha utoaji huduma na kupunguza gharama kwa Serikali.    “Kwa sasa mfumo wa kidijitali wa kuombea vibali vya tafiti za afya wa National Research Information Management System (NREIMS) umeimarishwa na unasomana na mfumo wa GePG katika kufanya malipo na TMDA katika tafiti za majaribio ya kitabibu yaani ‘Clinical Trials’. Pia mfumo huu unaweza kutoa vibali kwa njia ya kidijitali na hivyo kupunguza muda wa watafiti kupata vibali vya tafiti na ruhusa ya kuchapisha matokeo ya utafiti katika majarida ya kisayansi pale wanapoomba”. Amesema Prof. Aboud Katika Wiki ya Afya, Taasisi pia ilitoa wasilisho la matokeo ya utafiti wa nchi nzima wa hali ya magonjwa yasiyoambukiza. Taarifa ambayo imetoa tathmini ya hali ya magonjwa yasioambukiza kama shinikizo la damu, kisukari, figo, afya ya kinywa na meno na afya ya akili.Akimshukuru Mhe. Waziri Prof. Aboud amesema kuwa NIMR iko tayari kufanya tafiti zaidi na kuongeza bidhaa za tiba asili katika huduma jumuishi ili kuendelea kuwasaidia watanzania kukabiliana na changamoto za kiafyaMaonesho hayo ya Wiki ya Afya yameandaliwa na Wizara ya Afya yakiwakutanisha pamoja wadau mbalimbali na Taasisi za Afya kwa ajili ya kujadili na kutathimini mafanikio na maendeleo ya afya nchini.

Tafiti za ndani ya nchi zimekuwa chanzo kikuu cha ushahidi wa kisayansi unaotumika katika kufanya maamuzi ya kisera, kuboresha huduma na kuimarisha mifumo ya afya kwa ujumla. Hayo yamesemwa leo tarehe 4 Aprili na Mkurugenzi wa Kuratibu na Kukuza Utafiti NIMR Dkt. Nyanda Ntinginya, aliyekuwa  akimuwakilisha Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa Tasisi ya Taifa ya Utafiti wa Maginjwa ya Binadamu (NIMR) katika mdahalo wa kitaaluma uliohusisha wadau mbalimbali wa afya, kwenye maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Afya. Maadhimisho hayo yanafanyika katika viwanja vya JKCC- Dodoma kuanzia tarehe 3 hadi 8 Aprili 2025, Dkt. Nyanda amesisitiza nafasi muhimu ya tafiti za kisayansi katika kuboresha huduma za afya nchini Tanzania.“Kujikita katika mbinu za kitafiti kumeleta maendeleo makubwa katika kufikia malengo ya mfumo wa afya – kuanzia kwenye utoaji wa huduma, utawala bora, hadi ushirikishwaji wa wadau katika kuongeza usawa wa huduma za afya nchini Tanzania, NIMR inaendelea kuimarisha tafiti zinazotokana na mahitaji halisi ya wananchi ili kuhakikisha hakuna anayebaki nyuma katika kufikia huduma bora za afya,” amesema Dkt. Nyanda.Aidha Dkt. Nyanda amebainisha kuwa mafanikio ya kisera yanayotokana na tafiti za ndani ni pamoja na kuboreshwa kwa uwezo wa watumishi wa afya, mifumo ya usimamizi na taarifa, upatikanaji wa dawa, pamoja na mikakati ya kukabiliana na magonjwa ya kuambukiza na yasiyo ya kuambukiza.Mbali na kushiriki mdahalo huo wa kitaaluma, NIMR pia inashiriki kwenye maonesho yaliyoandaliwa na Wizara, bandani tuna bidhaa mbalimbali za tiba asili zinazozalishwa na kituo cha Mabibo, tunatoa elimu kuhusu mchakato wa kupata vibali vya utafiti wa afya, na kuonesha kwa vitendo namna tafiti za wadudu waenezao magonjwa kama mbu zinavyofanyika.Ushiriki wa NIMR katika maadhimisho ya Wiki ya Afya ni sehemu ya juhudi za Taasisi katika kuhakikisha Tanzania inafikia lengo la “Afya Kwa Wote”, kwa kutumia tafiti za kisayansi kama nyenzo muhimu.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), led by Director General Prof. Said Aboud, has recently reaffirmed its commitment to global research collaboration through a strategic visit to the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). During the visit, the NIMR delegation engaged in high-level discussions with the Vice Chancellor of LSTM, focusing on strengthening institutional partnerships and expanding joint efforts in infectious disease research, epidemiology, and health system strengthening. The discussions also explored opportunities for collaborative research projects, grant funding, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare solutions in Tanzania and beyond. This visit underscores NIMR’s dedication to fostering international partnerships that drive impactful scientific discoveries and enhance Tanzania’s research capacity. By working together with globally renowned institutions like LSTM, NIMR continues to position itself at the forefront of medical research and innovation.

The Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud, along with researchers from the Amani Centre, participated on 15th February 2025 in the launch of the Amani Exhibition titled “AMANI Kukita | Kungoa.” The exhibition took place from 15th February and will continue until 9th June 2025, at the Museum Schwedenspeicher and the Kunsthaus in Stade, Germany. The opening ceremony was attended by Sonke Harlef, the Mayor of the Hanseatic City of Stade, NIMR Director General, Director of Museen Stade, Dr Sebastian Möllers and Director of Lost Art Foundation, the Tanzania based PI Dr Peter E. Mangesho, among other delegates. The exhibition is part of a collaborative project between NIMR and the Museen Stade focused on the historical context of the Amani Station, formerly known as the Biological-Agricultural Institute Amani (Biologisch-Landwirtschaftliches Institut Amani). This institute was one of the first in Africa, from 1902 to 1914, to conduct research on medicinal plants from local communities, extending its influence to global levels. The institute hosted a herbarium containing various important plants, many of which have either been lost or are now part of the current Amani biodiversity and nature reserve. Through this program, both parties are working on researching and documenting significant objects, artefacts, and plants from the Amani biodiversity belonging to NIMR and the establishment and strengthening of the first Medical Research Museum in Africa at Amani. Further to this, the goal is to develop and revive the herbarium at Amani Station as a foundation for initial medicinal plant research while also establishing connections with its Mabibo Traditional Medicine Centre and factory for further advancement in herbal medicine, which is important for public health. The ongoing exhibition at Stade also provides insights into the research process and invites visitors to critically reflect on the ethical questions associated with it. Plans to establish a similar exhibition at Amani are underway.