NIMR’s Impactful Presence at the 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference 2023 The 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference (EAHSC) in Kigali, Rwanda, witnessed a remarkable participation from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania. Led by the NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud, who also serves as a Commissioner of the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC), the NIMR delegation played a vital role in advancing healthcare in East Africa. 1. Pioneering Leadership in the Fight Against Viral Diseases Prof. Said Aboud chaired the session on COVID-19 & other Viral Diseases, underlining the institution’s commitment to tackling public health challenges. This leadership reflects NIMR’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration in the region. 2. Empowering Researchers and Fostering Collaboration NIMR exhibited its core functions, emphasizing Health Research Regulation, Research Works, and the Tanzania Journal of Health Research. This exhibition showcased NIMR’s role in empowering researchers and promoting collaboration across the region. 3. Illuminating Plenary Sessions on Health Research The EAHSC 2023 featured enlightening plenary sessions where NIMR members made significant contributions. Dr. Mashoto explored Intellectual Property in Traditional Medicine, Dr. Kagaruki delved into community knowledge on noncommunicable diseases, and Mr. Hamisi Japhari unveiled insights on Herbal Medicine for Maternal Conditions. These sessions enriched knowledge for a healthier Tanzania. 4. Shaping Healthcare with Cutting-Edge Research NIMR’s commitment to cutting-edge research was evident at EAHRC 2023. Doreen Pamba’s study on Tuberculosis Service Delivery during COVID-19 in Tanzania and Akili Kalinga’s evaluation of serological thresholds for Onchocerciasis elimination promise to shape healthcare for the better. 5. Recognition for Dedication to Health Research NIMR proudly announced its First Runner-Up spot at the exhibition, a testament to its dedication to health research. This recognition underscores the institution’s commitment to healthcare innovation and its significant contributions to EAHRC 2023 6. Impact of COVID-19 on TB Services Delivery The NIMR-Mbeya Centre also made a significant contribution to the conference. Dr. Wiston William presented research on the impact of COVID-19 on TB services delivery in Tanzania. The study noted a 6.4% decline in case notifications and a 2% increase in bacteriological confirmed cases, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for healthcare services during the pandemic. In conclusion, NIMR’s active participation and impactful contributions at the 9th East African Health & Scientific Conference 2023 reflect its commitment to advancing healthcare in East Africa and beyond. Through leadership, research, and collaboration, NIMR continues to be a driving force in healthcare innovation and knowledge dissemination. The institution’s dedication to improving public health in Tanzania and the East African region remains unwavering. Event in Photos

Preparations Underway: NIMR Hosts WHO-supported NCD STEPS Survey Stakeholders Meeting in Dodoma NIMR conducted a stakeholders meeting in Dodoma in preparation for launch of WHO-supported NCD STEPS Survey in August2023The meeting was graced by Hon. Nassor Mazrui, Minister of Health-Zanzibar Revolutionary Government and attended by Government officials & development partners

NIMR’s Ongoing MUSE Training Program: Strengthening Interdisciplinary Collaboration Across its Centers The MUSE training at Morogoro Hazina Square  from Monday, 12th June 2023 to Friday, 16th June 2023. A total of 36 participants attended the training from various centers, including Mwanza, Tanga, Amani, Tabora, Mbeya, NIMR HQ, Muhimbili, and Dodoma. These participants came from different fields, such as IT, Accounts, Procurement, and Planning. The training covered the applicability and functions of MUSE, as well as specific modules including procurement, accounts, and budget management. The program included both theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations. Live training sessions are conducted from the third day onwards, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience using MUSE for their respective roles.

International Consortium Launches TAKeOFF: A Groundbreaking Research Initiative to Combat Filarial Infections and Podoconiosis in Africa NIMR DG Prof. Said Aboud officiated kick-off meeting for Tackling Obstacles to Fight Filarial Infections and Podoconiosis (TAKeOFF) Research Consortium (Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania and Germany) that is held at Gran Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania from 6th to 9th June, 2023. Dr. Akili Kalinga, the Senior Research Officer is the Principal Investigator of TAKeOFF project at NIMR. TAKEOFF project works closely with Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program at Ministry of Health and its findings have contributed to policy change, decision making and best practices in the mapping, prevention and control of NTD in the country.

Promoting Ethical Conduct in Health Research: NIMR DG and IHI Jointly Facilitate GCP Training On the 5th of June, 2023 NIMR Director General, Prof Said Aboud officiated good clinical practice ( GCP) training that was jointly facilitated by NIMR and IHI. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of adherence to ethical conduct in health research to ensure protection of study participants. The training was attended by Chairperson of NatHREC, Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs and staff from both institutions. Previous image Next image

Ministry of Health’s Director of Curative Services Commends Progress at NIMR Mabibo During Recent Visit Director of Curative Services from Ministry of Health, Prof. Paschal Ruggajo, accompanied by delegates from Traditional and Alternative Medicines Section visited NIMR Mabibo Traditional Medicine Centre on 22/05/2023. He toured Traditional Medicine production facility, Microbiology as well as Quality Control/Quality Assurance Laboratories. Speaking with NIMR management and staff, Prof. Ruggajo commended the progress of installation of equipment in the production factory and laboratory facilities as well as external construction works. Further, he promised to work with NIMR management to address the challenges presented. Previous image Next image

From Seminar to Solutions: Our Staff attend a seminar on corruption and Non-Communicable Diseases On 18th May 2023 a total of 110 employees from NIMR Centres and HQ were trained on how to fight and prevent corruption, preventing and treating mental health disorders as well as non-communicable diseases at workplace and the importance of physical exercises to fight diseases. The Seminar was officiated by NIMR Director General, Prof. Said Aboud and it was facilitated by trainers from PCCB, MUHAS and MNH. NIMR DG emphasized on integrity of staff and zero tolerance to corruption. Further he advised HRM to dedicate at least a day per week for staff to participate in the physical exercises.

JOINT TASK FORCE WORKSHOP FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF HIV AND NCDs SCALING UP Photos of members attending the Joint Task Force workshop for Integrated Management of HIV and non-communicable diseases scaling up, upheld at Madinat Al Bahr Hotel in Zanzibar on 1st to 2nd May 2023. The workshop involved RESPOND AFRICA GROUP Researchers, NGOs, Implementing partners (IPs), and Policy makers from the MoH in Tanzania and Uganda. The workshop was officially opened by the Tanzania MoH’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Grace Magembe. This workshop is the continuation of the INTE-AFRICA trial findings dissemination workshop held in November 2022. INTE-AFRICA trial is one of the projects under NIMR Muhimbili

Commemoration of the Union Day at NIMR Tanga In celebrating 59 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the centre continued with providing medical services to the community; diagnosis and treatment of Malaria and other related health threats were offered free. Apart from the free medical services given to the community NIMR Tanga staff participated in cleaning the environment surrounding the Tanga Regional Referral Hospital.  EVENT GALLERY