The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) played a key role in the successful 9th Vector Control Technical Working Group (VCTWG) Quarterly Meeting, held from December 3rd to 5th, 2024, at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The event brought together experts and stakeholders from a range of sectors, including research institutions, government agencies, development partners, and higher learning institutions, all united in their commitment to advancing the control of vector-borne diseases, particularly malaria.
As a leading institution in Tanzania’s health research landscape, NIMR was represented by nine of its scientists, including Dr. William Kisinza, the Chief Research Officer and Center Manager of NIMR Amani, who chaired the meeting.
This gathering provided NIMR with an invaluable opportunity to engage with distinguished professionals and partners, contributing critical research expertise to discussions on best practices for vector control.
The meeting was officiated by Dr. Catherine Joachim, Head of Programmes from the Ministry of Health (MoH), with Dr. Rashid Mfaume, Director of Health Services from the President’s Office, Local Government, and Regional Administration (PO-LARG), also in attendance. These distinguished guests, alongside 80 participants from Tanzania and international institutions, focused on sharing technical advice and reviewing evidence-based practices to combat vector-borne diseases.
Academic institutions, including Sokoine University of Agriculture, Mwanza University, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Mbeya University College of Health and Allied Sciences (MUCHA), and the University of Dar es Salaam, were also involved in the discussions, ensuring the latest research findings and innovations were shared across both academic and healthcare sectors.
In her closing remarks, Stella Kajange, the PO-LARG Malaria and Vector Control Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the insightful feedback and recommendations shared during the meeting, noting that these would be forwarded to relevant authorities for further action.
The VCTWG meeting provided a crucial platform for NIMR to continue its leadership in shaping the future of vector control in Tanzania, working alongside both local and international partners to tackle the challenge of vector-borne diseases in Tanzania and beyond.
