The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) conducted on 20th May 2024 inception meeting of Patient Initiated Viral Load (PIVLo) Test Project with the implementers and shared the planned methodological approaches before starting the project implementation.The PIVLo Test Project to be implemented in collaboration with Tsinghua University, aims to uplift the standard of HIV care across Tanzania by focusing on improving HIV viral load testing.The project involved various stakeholders including district HIV/AIDS coordinators, healthcare professionals from selected facilities and dedicated study staff from NIMR.In his opening remarks, the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Said Aboud, emphasized the importance of participants continuing to conduct research while adhering to ethics and generating evidence to support policy change aimed at improving the quality of healthcare delivery services for our people.Dr. Peter Kroli, the Project Principal Investigator, stressed the importance of researchers collaborating with implementers to share experiences and ultimately fostering positive changes in health services through evidence-based data. He also highlighted on finding from previous research which informed on the current intervention model of patient initiated viral load testing to improve the quality and coverage of the testing. The findings indicated that Tanzania has had tremendous success with patients who achieve viral suppression (>90%); however, the coverage is still low particularly among women who are disproportionately highly infected by HIV.Furthermore, Dr. Elizabeth Shayo and Dr. Gibson Kagaruki, the co-investigators of the study, assured the DG that all efforts would be made to generate evidence on unanswered queries related to the low coverage of viral load testing. They emphasized that the inception meeting is aimed at raising awareness among the implementers regarding the innovative approach for increasing viral load testing so that they can contribute to how it can be implemented better, including the relevancy of the selected health facilities in terms of testing uptake.The Meeting held at NIMR headquarters involved participants from various hospitals in the Dar es Salaam including Ubungo District i.e. Sinza Hospital, Mbezi Health Center, and Goba Dispensary as well as from Kigamboni District, including Kigamboni District Hospital, Kigamboni Health Center, and Mjimwema Dispensary.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mbeya Research Centre in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Pragramme (NTLP) on 20th May 2024 convened a 5-day stakeholders engagement meeting to refine TB-Related Protocols under the Global Fund. During the meeting, the participants will work on developing different protocols aiming at evaluating patient and health care costs attributed to TB treatment and care services and evaluating public private partnerships in TB service provision.In his opening remarks the Director General of NIMR Prof. Said Aboud urged all stakeholders to participate actively share their perspectives and contribute their expertise in the discussion with a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment for the well-being of Tanzanians.The 5-day meeting held at NIMR in Dar es Salaam brought together stakeholders and partners from various institutions.

Huge congratulations to the NIMR Director of Research Coordination and Promotion, Dr Nyanda E. Ntinginya @NNtinginya for being appointed alongside other high profile global experts in TB research and public health to contribute to the Scientific Advisory Board of the FAST-TB Initiative. FAST-TB (Facilitating Accelerated Science and Translation for TB Regimen Development) is a new initiative launched by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH/NIAID) in partnership with @CRDFGlobal, which aims to accelerate the development and clinical translation of novel TB regimens by fostering efficient communication, coordination, and collaboration among stakeholders worldwide.

At the forefront of innovative research initiatives stands the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), spearheaded by Professor Said Aboud, Director General of the institute. Recently, NIMR made waves in the scientific community with the introduction of a groundbreaking project aimed at revolutionizing the study of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through mobile phone surveys. Professor Said Aboud’s visionary leadership has propelled NIMR into the vanguard of healthcare innovation. Under his guidance, the institute has embraced technological advancements to tackle pressing health challenges, with a particular focus on NCDs. Through his steadfast commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approach, Professor Said Aboud has set the stage for transformative research endeavors at NIMR. One of the key figures driving this paradigm shift is Dr. Mary Mayige, the Director of Research Information and Regulatory Affairs at NIMR. With her expertise and passion for advancing medical knowledge, Dr. Mayige has played a pivotal role in shaping NIMR’s research agenda, particularly in the realm of NCDs. Her dedication to methodological rigor and commitment to inclusivity have been instrumental in propelling NIMR’s Mobile Phone Survey Initiative forward. The integration of mobile phone surveys into NIMR’s research portfolio marks a significant milestone in the institute’s quest to unravel the complexities of NCDs. By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile phones, NIMR aims to gather real-time data on disease prevalence, risk factors, and treatment outcomes. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of data collection but also fosters greater inclusivity by engaging diverse populations in research endeavors. Dr. Mayige’s expertise in research methodology and data analysis has been invaluable in driving the success of this initiative. Her tireless efforts to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings have cemented NIMR’s reputation as a leader in NCD research. Through her collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to scientific excellence, Dr. Mayige continues to inspire meaningful advancements in healthcare at NIMR. As NIMR forges ahead with its Mobile Phone Survey Initiative, collaboration remains paramount. By partnering with healthcare institutions, technology experts, and community stakeholders, NIMR aims to amplify the impact of its research endeavors and catalyze positive change in the fight against NCDs. Together, Professor Said Aboud, Dr. Mary Mayige, and the entire NIMR team stand poised to unlock new frontiers in NCD studies, paving the way for healthier communities and a brighter future for all.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) recently underwent a significant digital transformation, spearheaded by its Director-General, Prof. Said Aboud. The implementation of the eBoard system marks a milestone in enhancing efficiency in coordinating management meetings and the Institute’s Council. In his opening address, Prof. Said Aboud highlighted the pivotal role the eBoard system would play in revolutionizing the management process. This digital platform enables the secretariat to prepare agendas, meeting summaries, and track matters arising from discussions, paving the way for seamless production of performance reports throughout the year. One of the system’s key features is its capability to consolidate all meeting information into a centralized hub, ensuring timely access to critical reports. Moreover, the transition to digital processes will significantly reduce paper usage, aligning with NIMR’s commitment to sustainability. Prof. Aboud also emphasized the system’s flexibility, enabling participants to join meetings remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility fosters inclusivity and efficiency, allowing stakeholders to contribute regardless of their physical location. The comprehensive one-day training, conducted at the NIMR headquarters with support from facilitators from the e-Government Authority, underscores the Institute’s dedication to embracing cutting-edge technology. By simplifying and streamlining the coordination of management meetings and Council activities, the eBoard system sets a new standard for advancing health research and enhancing operational efficacy at NIMR.

In a concerted effort to enhance healthcare delivery, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) convened a pivotal multi-disciplinary workshop today, drawing together a diverse array of stakeholders. From esteemed researchers to Ministry of Health delegates, PEPFAR implementing partners, laboratory experts, system analysts, and software engineers, the gathering exemplified a collaborative spirit aimed at revolutionizing healthcare systems. At the heart of this endeavor lies the LIFE2Scale study, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by NIMR. Professor Said Aboud, Director General of NIMR, underscored the institute’s commitment to leveraging the study to integrate e-health platforms seamlessly. The primary objective? To expedite the dissemination of HIV test results, particularly focusing on maternal HIV viral load and Early Infant Diagnosis, particularly in Tanzania’s unique settings. The significance of this workshop cannot be overstated. It represents a critical step towards bridging the gap between clinical and laboratory digital platforms, thereby streamlining processes and expediting crucial healthcare outcomes. This initiative, integral to the LIFE2Scale Study, aligns with the broader goal of optimizing the identification of mother-infant pairs at high risk for vertical HIV transmission. Collaboration lies at the core of NIMR’s approach. Partnering with esteemed institutions such as Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) in Mozambique, the University of Munich (LMU) in Germany, and the University of Liverpool in the UK, NIMR is poised to drive meaningful change. Over a two-year period, these collaborative efforts will pave the way for innovative solutions with far-reaching implications for healthcare delivery. Beyond the LIFE2Scale Study, NIMR remains steadfast in its support of the government’s healthcare initiatives. By designing, implementing, and testing interventions that address real-life challenges, NIMR is at the forefront of advancing health research and enhancing life. This workshop marks a significant milestone in NIMR’s journey towards digital health solutions. As the institute continues to forge ahead, it is poised to reshape the landscape of healthcare delivery in Tanzania and beyond.

The NIMR Gonja Research Station is witnessing a period of dynamic growth and activity, facilitated by the seamless integration of five newly hired staff, all under the guidance of the dedicated NIMR Management team. The station is now poised for a significant milestone—the imminent inauguration of the “Research-based Diagnostic Unit.” Under the leadership of Mr. Franklin Magogo, Acting Head of Station, a notable event occurred on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. A team, representing NIMR Gonja Research Station, paid a diplomatic visit to the District Medical Officer’s Office in Same DC. The primary objective of this visit was to fortify and formalize the collaborative linkages between NIMR and the healthcare facilities in the surrounding area. This strategic collaboration is particularly pivotal as it sets the stage for the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit. The unit is anticipated to bring forth advanced functionalities and capabilities, significantly enhancing the station’s capacity to serve the residents in the vicinity. The visit to the DMO’s Office underscores NIMR Gonja Research Station’s commitment to fostering partnerships within the healthcare sector. Such collaborative efforts are integral to the station’s mission of seamlessly integrating research with practical healthcare applications. As we await the inauguration of the Research-based Diagnostic Unit, the station stands poised to contribute to the local community with unparalleled dedication and efficiency. This endeavor signifies not only a commitment to research excellence but also a tangible impact on the health and well-being of the community. Stay tuned for forthcoming updates as NIMR Gonja Research Station continues its trajectory towards excellence, exemplifying the convergence of research and healthcare for the betterment of society.