The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in collaboration with the Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) on 13th June 2024 launched the GREAT-LIFE (Linking Infectious Disease Front-liners’ Control Efforts with Central Public Health Authorities in the African Great Lakes Region) Project in Kigoma region which will strengthen the country capacity to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), early detection and timely response against the threats of infectious pathogens of epidemic potential.

The launching event was graced by Hon. CGF (rtd) Thobias Andengenye, the Regional Commissioner for Kigoma. In his opening remarks, Hon. Andengenye said that the project has come at an opportune time when the risk and threats of infectious disease outbreaks are on the increase. He was glad to note that the project will improve clinical care of patients, enhance early detection of pathogens of epidemic potential through genomic surveillance and address challenges related to an ever-increasing AMR in the cross-border ecosystem, which is driven by several factors including irrational use of antibiotics and self-medication practices.
In his welcoming remarks, the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud assured the delegates that the institute in collaboration with the KCRI and other project partners will ensure that the GREAT-LIFE project implementation in Kigoma is a success. The Kigoma region will be a model for other regions in the country to learn on how integration of genomics in the routine healthcare service is an important tool for infectious diseases surveillance and case management.

Further, Prof. Aboud said the project will ensure that the required skills particularly on applying genomics in improving clinical care and supporting the efforts to fight AMR in the region are acquired and applied by the front-liner healthcare service providers.

Additionally, Dr. Tolbert Sonda, a genomic and bioinformatic specialist from KCRI, highlighted the strategic decentralization of the Nanopore Sequencing technology in strengthening laboratory capacities for detecting AMR and pathogens of epidemic potential in the cross-border ecosystem.
The event took place at Sunset Vista Hotel in Kigoma region. It brought together delegates from the Ministry of Health, Regional Medical Officer, Regional Laboratory Coordinator, Regional Coordinator for Epidemiology & Surveillance, District Medical Officers, District Laboratory Coordinators, the incharge of Nyarugusu Health Centre from Nyarugusu Refugees Camp and delegates from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kasulu offices.