The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has continued to emphasize the importance of international collaboration in advancing research, training, and innovation aimed at addressing the challenges of Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM).
This was highlighted by the Director General of NIMR in his opening remarks during the Preventive Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in People with DM (PROTID) Annual General Meeting, which brought together various local and international stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by representatives from several institutions, including KCRI/KCMC through the Good Samaritan Foundation, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Makerere University and Uganda Martyrs Hospital Lubaga (Uganda), Radboud University Medical Center (Netherlands), the University of Otago (New Zealand), St George’s Hospital Medical School, and King’s College London (United Kingdom) as well as NIMR.
The Director General noted that the meeting was an important platform that demonstrates the strength of international collaboration in improving community health, emphasizing that the participation of stakeholders from diverse global institutions enhances the exchange of knowledge and experience.
He further emphasized that the PROTID project has continued to act as a catalyst for building capacity in high-quality research as well as mentoring early-career researchers through multi-disciplinary approaches. He also noted that the research findings contribute to improving health policies and services particularly in settings where infectious diseases remain a major public health challenge.
Researchers involved in the project discussed various study findings, achievements, challenges encountered, and opportunities to strengthen scientific collaboration in the fields of TB and diabetes.
In addition, he encouraged institutions to further strengthen collaboration, actively engage in discussions and develop sustainable solutions to public health challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to the PROTID project leadership, the organizers of the meeting, and all partners for their contribution to the success of this important event.
The three-day meeting was held from 12th to 14th April 2026 at the Ummy Mwalimu Hall at the National Hospital of Muhimbili in Dar es Salaam. It brought together different groups including researchers, medical doctors, partners, and early-career researchers, with the aim of strengthening international collaboration and advancing research in TB and DM.