In a milestone event for the continent, Tanzania hosted the 7th Africa Continental World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week (WAAW) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dar es Salaam from 2nd to 5th December 2025, reaffirming its commitment to combating AMR. The theme of WAAW was “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”. The event, inaugurated by his excellency Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, the Vice President of United Republic of Tanzania on behalf of H.E. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan was attended by policymakers, research scientists, academicians, youth leaders and international partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and accelerate actionable solutions to the growing AMR threat.
The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) played an important role in the success of the week-long continental Africa commemoration. As a member of the National Multisectoral Coordinating Committee on AMR and part of the event organizing committee, NIMR contributed to shaping the agenda, coordinating sessions, and driving discussions that bridged policy, science, and practice.
NIMR scientists presented ten key studies covering clinical and environmental aspects of AMR.
NIMR research scientists presented ten key studies covering clinical and environmental aspects of AMR. Highlights included Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance for Pathogen Detection and Antimicrobial Resistance Gene Profiling in Tanzania, Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum-Beta- Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae among children and chickens in Korogwe District, Prevalence, Diagnostic Accuracy, and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Uropathogens in Urinary Tract Infections at Ngamiani Health Center in Tanga, Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles of ESKAPE pathogens isolated from clinical samples in Tanga City, Laboratory-Based Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance in Urinary Tract Pathogens at Bombo Regional Referral Hospital, Tanga Region, and The Prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Salmonella typhi Isolated from Blood Samples at Selected Health Facilities in Korogwe District, Tanga.
Additional presentations showcased environmental and hospital-based surveillance, including Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Contamination on Highly Touched Surfaces among the Public Transports in Tanga City, North-Eastern Tanzania, Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae Complex in Neonatal Units in Tanga, and Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance among Bloodstream Infections at Tanga Regional Referral Hospital and Ngamiani Health Centre: A 2023–2025 Surveillance Study. The EXPAND-AMR study, led by Professor John Lusingu, Principal Investigator at NIMR Tanga, provided critical insights into overdiagnosis of urinary tract infections and associated antibiotic resistance, demonstrating actionable strategies for improved diagnostics and treatment.
Through its engagement, NIMR reinforced the One Health approach, integrating human, animal, agriculture, and environmental health perspectives while delivering evidence-based recommendations to protect Tanzania’s antibiotic resources. By showcasing scientific leadership and strategic direction, NIMR strengthens Tanzania’s position at the forefront of AMR research, policy development, and continental collaboration.
The event underscored that combating AMR requires robust laboratory infrastructure, accurate diagnostics, evidence-based treatment, and integrated One Health strategies. NIMR continues to translate research into actionable policy, safeguarding public health in Tanzania and across Africa.
Other participants from NIMR included Dr. Vito Baraka, Principal Scientist and Lead Investigator of the ODIN project; Dr. Eric Lyimo, Co-Investigator of the ODIN project; and Mr. Athanas Mhina, Laboratory Technologist. Other key NIMR contributors and scientists who actively organized, presented, and facilitated sessions throughout the event also participated, demonstrating the institute’s comprehensive engagement at all levels of the continental WAAW 2025 event.