IHI conducts a wide range of health-related research, including biomedical and environmental studies, trials of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics, health-systems research, and monitoring and evaluation.

IHI develops and employs world-class Tanzanian scientists, including 25+ PhD-holders. Through its investment in training, the organisation now produces ~10 new PhDs annually and supports a similar number to pursue graduate studies. 

In 2010, IHI staff authored over 50 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals. IHI enjoys a close collaboration with centres of excellence in Switzerland, UK, Holland, USA and elsewhere.

The Institute depends on competitive research grants for more than 80% of its income, supplemented by core funding from the Governments of Tanzania, Switzerland, UK, Ireland and Norway. In 2010/11, IHI's turnover reached over US$25m.

With its registered office in Ifakara town, Morogoro Region, IHI also has offices in Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Rufiji, Kigoma, Mtwara and Dodoma.

IHI was the proud recipient of the Prince of Asturias Award in 2008, and the (Tanzania) National Award for Science and Technology in 2010.