About Us / Kuhusu Sisi

Aligned with the vision of The Global Health Network (TGHN) — “Equity in Health Research by improving methods, building careers & sharing knowledge” — the Tanzanian Centre for TGHN serves as a national hub for strengthening research capacity and promoting collaborative health research across Tanzania. The Centre implements TGHN’s strategic goals by promoting access to research tools, training resources, and partnerships to advance global health and scientific excellence within the country.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), and academic institutions, the Tanzanian Centre works to address the country’s research priorities by:

I. Facilitating national and regional research training and linking scientists to TGHN’s global resource platform.

II. Promoting mentorship, knowledge exchange, and multi-sectoral collaboration under the One Health approach.

III. Supporting the development of sustainable research infrastructure and health data systems.

National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is Tanzania’s leading health research institution mandated to conduct, coordinate, and promote medical research for the improvement of health and well-being. NIMR plays a critical role in disease surveillance, diagnostics, and response to epidemics, contributing to regional and global health security through innovation and collaboration.

Its mission aligns with Tanzania’s National Health Research Agenda and One Health strategy, emphasizing the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health. NIMR’s research portfolio includes AMR surveillance, vaccine trials, zoonotic disease studies, and health systems research to inform policy and practice.

1. Vision / Dira

To be a national and regional centre of excellence in medical and public health research, advancing innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions for a healthier Tanzania and Africa.

2. Mission / Dhamira

To conduct and promote high-quality research, strengthen disease surveillance systems, and build research capacity that supports public health policy, epidemic preparedness, and health system resilience in Tanzania.

1. Completed Projects and Publications / Miradi na Machapisho Yaliyo Kamilika

Over the past decade, Tanzanian researchers from NIMR, MUHAS, and partner institutions have made major contributions to global health research. Highlights include:

1. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine response in Tanzania — Nature Medicine, 2022.

2. Characterization of antimicrobial resistance in clinical and community settings — Frontiers in Public Health, 2021.

3. Vector-borne and zoonotic disease surveillance in wildlife-human interfaces — PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2020.

4. Strengthening laboratory and genomic networks for AMR and pandemic preparedness — BMJ Global Health, 2023.

2. Ongoing Projects / Miradi Inayoendelea

Current studies include One Health-based AMR surveillance, genomic mapping of zoonotic pathogens, climate-linked disease modeling, and vaccine efficacy studies. Collaborations with WHO-AFRO, University of Oxford, and East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) continue to enhance surveillance and regional research capacity.

3. Infrastructure / Miundombinu

NIMR hosts modern laboratories, including Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities, molecular and genomic diagnostic platforms (PCR, ELISA, sequencing), and a national AMR data repository. Research centres are powered by sustainable hybrid energy systems to ensure continuous operations and environmental responsibility.

1. Needs and Sustainability / Mahitaji na Uendelevu

To maintain and expand its mission, the Centre prioritizes:

• Upgrading genomic and AMR laboratory equipment.
• Expanding renewable energy systems for research continuity.
• Developing the next generation of Tanzanian scientists through mentorship and training.
• Forging new partnerships to support One Health research and innovation.

5. Key Research Priorities / Vipaumbele vya Utafiti

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and One Health integration

2. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (Rift Valley fever, Dengue, Marburg)

3. Genomic and molecular surveillance for epidemic preparedness

4. Zoonotic and vector-borne disease transmission dynamics

5. Environmental and agricultural health influences on disease emergence

6. Media Recognition / Taarifa kwa Vyombo vya Habari

1. The Citizen: Tanzania strengthens health research and surveillance through NIMR

2. Daily News: AMR research shaping public health policy in Tanzania

3. The Global Health Network Africa: Building Research Capacity in Tanzania

Knowledge mobilization and sharing 

The Guinea Centre works closely with TGHN Team to Identify & Share High-Value Research Resources for Local/Regional Groups in TGHN Africa/Asia/LAC Hub.

Early Career Researcher Capacity Building

The Centre Empowers Early Career Researchers: Hands-On Workshops, Webinars, Career Development, and Site Exchange Initiatives for Unlocking Potentials Through Education.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and One Health 

AMR is escalating in Guinea due to antibiotic misuse, poor infection control, and inadequate surveillance. Research and One Health training are crucial for effective solutions.

Grantsmanship and Collaboration

The Guinea centre equips early career researchers with resources to secure funding, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promote research advancement in Guinea.

Women in Global Health Research and Leadership 

As a key priority, the Guinea centre focuses also on Empowering Women in Evidence-Based Research for Guinea's Advancement and Inclusive Development.

The TGHN calendar

Events from across The Global Health Network which may be of interest