Switzerland’s Federal Councilor visits Ifakara Health Institute
Switzerland’s Federal Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey on Friday 12, 2010 visited the Ifakara branch of IHI where she was briefed about the activities of the Ifakara Health Institute, the St. Francis Hospital and the Tanzania Training Center for International Health. The three institutions were founded over 50 years ago by missionaries and research scientists from Switzerland. Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey who is also the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs made this trip to Tanzania in the framework of the strong partnership between Switzerland and Tanzania in the sector of public health. The Councilor was accompanied by the Director of SDC ambassador Martin Dahinden and the Swiss Ambassador to Tanzania Adrian Schlaepfer. IHI is known for its cutting-edge research in the area of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Councilor with Dr. Salim
Swiss Tropical Institute (STI) becomes Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)
From the beginning of 2010 the
Swiss Tropical Institute (STI) and the former Institute for Social und
Preventive Medicine of the University of Basel (ISPM) have been integrated
to form the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH).
For more information read the announcement of the directorate of the Swiss TPH.
SDC and DfID sign a Memorandum of Understanding for the support of the IHI’s strategic plan
The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the UK Department for International Development (DfID) have on the 14th of December 2009 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in support of the five-year strategic plan of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI). “I’m very pleased to sign this MoU today and to confirm that the UK Government - through the Department for International Development - has decided to provide core funding to support the Ifakara Health Institute to implement its new strategic plan,” says the Head of DFID Tanzania Mr. Darren Welch. Swiss Ambassador Adrian Schläpfer said: “Switzerland is proud to have been associated with the Ifakara Health Institute since it was first established more than 50 years ago.”
For more information read The press release and the Speaking notes by the Head of DFID Tanzania at the signing of a MoU with IHI
Swiss Ambassador in Tanzania exchanges document with BoT chairperson
Dr Hassan Mshinda talks to the media after
signing the MoU with DFID and SDC
Part of t he audience at the signing ceremony
Vice President visits IHI
Vice President Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein and his wife Mama Mwanamwema Shein visited Ifakara Health Institute in Ifakara, Morogoro Region on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. During his visit to IHI, he had a chance to tour the training laboratories at IHI and the Tanzania Training Centre for International Health (TTCIH). The IHI laboratory deals with immunology, molecular biology, parasitology and bactenology. A brief history of IHI was given to him by the Deputy Director of IHI Dr. Godfrey Mbaruku. The Vice President was accompanied by the Regional Commissioner for Morogoro, Kilombero District Commissioner and the ruling party officials.
Director General of World Health Organization (WHO) at IHI
The Director General of World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Margaret Chan has said the purpose of her visit to Tanzania was to advocate the good work in Africa for malaria. Commenting on the Bagamoyo branch of IHI, Dr Chan said the setting was conducive for the scientists to ground their research work on the reality. She was also impressed by the professional “cross-fertilization” that exists between IHI and the district hospital in Bagamoyo. The two building are next to each other, thus “professional cross fertilization” is possible. “I am impressed to see the commitment of the scientists working at IHI to protect and improve the health of the people.” Dr. Chan visited Tanzania for three days where she spent almost one day visiting the Bagamoyo branch of IHI.
IHI and the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University sign MOU
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU) have agreed to collaborate in the areas of research, training and service provision. The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday July 31 for the purposes of extending, consolidating and expanding their collaborative research activities, services, training, consultancies and educational exchange related to health and other biomedical challenges of interest to the parties. IHI Director Dr Salim Abdulla said many stakeholders would wish IHI to become a university, but “we have said no” because there are credible universities whom we collaborate and make greater impact. Some institutions enter into partnership “for image building but for us we want something unique” in terms of better results, said Dr Abdulla. On his side, the HKMU Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Prof Paschalis Rugarabamu said the three mandates of IHI match very well with those of HKMU. He said his university is building research capacity and would benefit from the experience of IHI. HKMU was established 11 years ago with a vision to become a model private university in Tanzania and in Africa, and to provide highest quality education, conduct cutting edge research and provide exemplary services to society.
Prof P. Rugarabamu (L) and Dr Salim Abdulla
Group picture of IHI and HKMU staff who attended the signing of the MoU
Irish Minister of State visits IHI
The Irish Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D. has applauded the contributions of Ifakara Health Institute in evaluating safety and efficacy of several antimalarial drugs and vaccines. During his visit to IHI on Friday July 10, 2009, Mr. Power said he was particularly impressed by the cherry-flavored tablet designed specifically for children. The Irish government is among the key sponsors of the Institute’s research dissemination strategy.
TRIBUTE TO AMBROSE MGANDA
The Ifakara Health Institute and the Swiss Tropical Institute pay tribute to the late Ambrose Andreas Mganda, one of the Tanzanian founders of the Swiss Tropical Institute Field Laboratory (STIFL) which became the Ifakara Health Institute. Today the Ifakara Health Institute stands on the solid foundation laid by people such as Ambrose and He will always be remembered for his contribution to the well being of future generations. Ambrose was recruited together with Pius Helemens by the late Prof. Rudolf Geigy when he established the Swiss Tropical Institute Field Laboratory (STIFL) in 1957.
To read more download the full Tribute to Ambrose Mganda
IHI launches a digital library
Ifakara Health Institute has officially launched its electronic library during the IPTi dissemination meeting held in Dar es Salaam on June 18, 2009. The library will become a vehicle for dissemination of research findings to a wider range of users. Commenting on the digital library, the guest of honour Dr Peter Mbunji said the digital library will assist in bridging the gap between research and policy. “I would like to see more undertakings like this, so that we have better evidence for stronger health policies and optimised implementation,” Said Dr Mbunji from the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
This service available here
IPTi dissemination successful
Evidence generated from studies conducted in southern Tanzania have helped the World Health Organization to confirm that intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in infants (IPTi) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine commonly known as SP “does not have an adverse impact on serological responses to vaccination against measles, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio serotypes 1 & 3, Haemophilus influenza type b, hepatitis B.” Large-scale surveys led by Ifakara Health Institute proved that IPTi (locally named ‘MKINGE’) can be implemented as part of routine health services to improve child health.
A one-day dissemination meeting held in Dar es Salaam on Thursday June 18 discussed ways to integrate the recommendations in national and international policies for improvement of child health. Presentations made during the meeting are available in the IHI e-library.
Koffi Olomide, a famous Democratic Republic Congolese soukous singer, producer and composer has on Wednesday June 10, 2009 visited the Bagamoyo branch of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI). Commenting on the state-of-the-art laboratory of IHI Bagamoyo branch, Koffi said: "I am proud that such a big research centre like this exists in Africa. I am proud that Africa has leading scientists in the fight against malaria." Koffi is the goodwill ambassador for African Malaria Network Trust (AMANET), an institution with its headquarters in Dar es Salaam
Workshop on Writing a scientific article and getting it published
Many researchers from developing countries face difficulty in publishing in high impact journals; the prestigious journals. Reasons are variable ranging from rejection, where demands of journal are not met, or despair, after experiencing several rejections or witnessing rejection in others
Some don’t write because of totally other reasons writers block, laziness, too much criticism on write up, too busy this list continuous.
IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE comes with a much needed course to enhance publications among scientists in the field of health. The course will take place on 27th July to 30th July, 2009. Enrollment in now. For more information, download the workshop brochure
Larvicides show dramatic effect in reducing malaria risk
A study conducted by Ifakara Health Institute and the Dar es Salaam City Council has shown that the use of larvicides to complement existing interventions appears to have had a dramatic effect in reducing malaria risk in Mikocheni, Kurasini and Buguruni wards. “Malaria control programmes have traditionally focused on rural areas, where the disease is more prevalent,” says Dr. Gerry Killeen. “However, it's becoming clear that malaria also poses a problem in towns or cities, where we expect that over half the African population will live by 2030.
Read more: The City Council - IHI Press Release 2009 March 31
Commonwealth Scholarships for MSc by Distance Learning
The Ifakara Health Institute and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine invite applications to undertake a MSc Course by Distance Learning in:
Epidemiology
Infectious Diseases
Public Health
Clinical Trials
These are courses are run by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The scholarships are funded by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. Supplementary study support activities will be organised by IHI to enhance the learners' distance learning experience.
For more information download the Ifakara cluster advertisement Also get the Commonwealth Scholarships for MSc application form
Before submitting your application check the Scholarships checklist
Workshop on Capacity Development in Health Research in Tanzania
The Director of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Dr. Salim Abdulla was recently in Arusha to attend a workshop on Capacity Development in Health Research in Tanzania. At the meeting Dr. Abdulla made various contributions, including sharing with the audience the significance of his institution. Dr. Abdulla traced the history of the IHI from its inception, presenting an overview of the infrastructure, staff structure, and core competencies currently available. The setting up of centers of excellence in specific areas, clinical evaluation of diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, mosquito ecology and intervention studies, surveillance of emerging infectious diseases, and monitoring and evaluation platform for health were some of the core areas the institution is focusing on.
The capacity development needs of the institute were, i) infrastructure, and ii) human resource development, such as setting up of a skills-based institutional development training and think tank. The speaker enumerated a range of achievements, including, competitive grants received; number of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals, as well as policy papers; research for policy and action and for societal impact, such as larviciding, rapid diagnostic tests, direct observed therapy in TB, and reduction of the malaria burden in Ifakara. Patents and trademarks obtained; as well as international recognition, such as the Prince of Asturias Award in 2008 were mentioned. In the ensuing discussion a point about whether IHI has any links or collaborative agreements with the universities to provide training, the speaker replied that there are agreements with some universities for training. However, it was generally agreed that a lot more needs to be done in terms of linkages between R&D institutions and universities in Tanzania. IHI receives funding from both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology. However, it was emphasized that the total amount received is less than 5% of the total expenditure of the institution. Another main discussion point was on whether, in view of the multiplicity of funding sources, some of the resources should not be pooled for efficiency and better utilization. However, a participant raised the issue of how difficult it will be to influence funds that are pooled. It was therefore considered that the structures of the institutions needs another look and that the situation in which institutions are denied core funding because they receive development agency funding needs to be reviewed.
Dr Salim Abdulla appointed Director of the Ifakara Health Institute
The Board of Trustees of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) which met on December 13, 2008 has appointed Dr Salim Abdulla to be the Director of the Institute after serving as Acting Director since October 2008.
Board members are convinced that Dr. Abdulla’s experience in scientific research and leadership will guarantee smooth running of the institution.
Read more in the
press release
New malaria vaccine shows a reduction in infections and illness in children
Results of a study on malaria vaccine candidate in Africa conducted by Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), the Korogwe branch of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) show that the new vaccine reduced infections and illness in children by 65%. The exciting findings revealed that the world’s most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate provides both infants and young children with substantial protection against malaria. RTS,S/AS02D was administered to 340 infants who were monitored for six months. In addition, the IHI Acting Director Dr. Salim Abdulla says the infant study conducted in Bagamoyo district found that RTS,S/AS02D when co-administered with other common childhood vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age did not interfere with the other vaccines’ effectiveness. These encouraging results were also published online on December 8, 2008 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Read the New England Journal of Medicine publication Read the IHI & NIMR joint press release
IHI at the Annual Science, Technology and Innovation Conference and Exhibitions
The Ifakara Health Institute was at the Annual Science, Technology and Innovation Conference and Exhibitions held in Arusha, from November the 5th to the 7th at AICC (Arusha International Conference Centre).
This event is organized every year by COSTECH.
The guest of honor was His Excellency, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein.
He visited our pavilion where he was greeted by Mrs. Deborah Sumari of IHI.
IHI at the Prince of Asturias prize-giving ceremony at Oviedo, Spain
In a ceremony at Oviedo, the Ifakara Health Institute has received the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation for the merits and work carried out by the Institute in the struggle to put an end to the relation between disease and poverty.
For more information, read the
IHI Asturias Award Press release
Three other research centres which also won the award are:
-The Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, in Mozambique
-The Malaria Research and Training Center, in Mali
-The Kintampo Health Research Centre, in Ghana
Dr. Hassan Mshinda and Dr. Salim Abdulla representing IHI at prize-giving ceremony
Dr. Salim Abdulla appointed the Acting Director of IHI
Due to the change of leadership within IHI, the Board of Trustees of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) which met on October 13, 2008 has appointed Dr. Salim Abdulla the Acting Director of IHI. Dr. Abdulla is the leader of the Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre which is a branch of IHI responsible for biomedical and clinical research and training. Board members are convinced that Dr. Abdulla’s experience in scientific research and leadership will guarantee smooth running of the institution during this interim period.
The Board of Trustees of IHI applauds the new General Director of COSTECH, Dr. Hassan Mshinda
THE Board of Trustees of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) has congratulated Dr. Hassan Mshinda for his Presidential appointment in July 2008 to become the new General Director of the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).
Dr. Mshinda was the director of IHI since 1997;
he has played a major role in the transformation of the institution from the Swiss Tropical Institute Field Laboratory into a premier research institution in Tanzania.
A promising new tool for malaria control
Intermittent Preventive Treatment in infants (IPTi) is a promising new tool for malaria control. Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) worked with the Ministry of Health & Social Welfare to develop and implement an IPTi strategy. Good results have been attained so far. If we were to up-scale the intervention, what are the costs involved? Read more here http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6963-8-165.pdf
Actor Will Smith visits IHI - Bagamoyo
Hollywood star Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith, were in Tanzania! On August 26, 2008, the American actors and rapper visited the branch of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Bagamoyo to witness efforts taken by African scientists in the fight against malaria. In Bagamoyo IHI is conducting clinical trial research activities aimed at finding a vaccine for malaria. IHI is recognized internationally and nationally for its capacity to conduct public health research to enable developing countries set, among others, health priorities and policies, based on scientific evidence. Malaria vaccine trials in Bagamoyo aim at assessing the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of RTS’s. The visit of Will Smith to IHI in Bagamoyo was due to the recognition IHI has attained internationally. Institutions like Malaria No More, a US-based Non-Governmental Organization is one of the many international organizations that recognizes the contributions of IHI in public health research. Will Smith is the Good Will Ambassador for Malaria No More.
Smith with IHI Staff
Group photo
Smith and his wife
Admiring IHI T-shirt
Tanzania HIV AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey report is out
The Preliminary Report on the findings of the 2007-08 Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey is out. The survey was carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). HIV/AIDS and malaria continue to be two of the most severe health problems facing Tanzania today - yet the survey shows encouraging signals of progress. Download a pdf copy of the report here...
EMPOWER project meets stakeholders
Since 2007, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) has been implementing and evaluating the Maternal, Newborns and Child Health (MNCH) program in Kigoma, Ulanga, Kilombero and Rufiji districts. In order to gain stakeholders’ consensus on the need to develop an integrated package for MNCH that guides programming, planning and health services, Empower project held a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on Monday August 18, 2008 at Millennium Towers Hotel, Dar Es Salaam. The meeting drew participants from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, health training institutions, development partners, programs, health and policy practitioners, UN agencies and NGOs. The meeting resulted into a stakeholders’ consensus on main issues to be addressed in the process of identifying and developing minimum packages for maternal, newborn and child health. For more information, contact: Dr. Albert Kitumbo at akitumbo@ihi.or.tz and Hadija Kweka at hkweka@ihi.or.tz
Malaria in pregnant women in an area with sustained high coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets
Malaria infection during pregnancy poses substantial risks to the mother, her fetus and the newborn. Malaria infection contributes to low birth weight (LBW), one of the principal causes of infant mortality. IHI conducted a study in Ifakara town and the surrounding villages in the rice growing plains of the Kilombero River Valley. It was concluded that incidence of LBW and prevalence of placental parasitaemia at delivery suggest that malaria remains a problem in pregnancy, even in areas with high bed net coverage for women who do not receive intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).
Read more at http://www.malariajournal.com/content/pdf/1475-2875-7-133.pdf
High bed net coverage in rural Tanzania realised
A study on the use of mosquito nets in Tanzania has revealed that net use varied across population age group with excellent targeting of high coverage to the most vulnerable groups. The study conducted by IHI established that infants (0–12 months) had the highest proportion of net use in Rujiji, with more than 85% using any net the previous night, exceeding the targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), Roll Back Malaria (RBM) and the US President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) for insecticide treated nets use.
Read more at http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=2426705&blobtype=pdf
Increase of HIV-positive people with access to antiretroviral drugs
Tanzania plans to triple the number of HIV-positive people with access to antiretroviral drugs in the country to 440,000 by 2010, Health Minister Hon. Prof. David Mwakyusa said recently at a ceremony to lay the foundation for a new testing laboratory in the capital of Dar Es Salaam
Read more...
Ifakara office launches IHI
"Fantastic, unbelievable, keep it up!" These were the only words the District
Commissioner for Kilombero District, Eng. Evarist Ndikilo, was able to speak during the
launching of the new name for the former Ifakara Health Research and Development Centre.
The centre is now known as 'Ifakara Health Institute (IHI).' The District Commissioner
was the guest of honor at a colorful ceremony held at Ifakara Office on July 1, 2008 to
launch the new name and logo for IHI.
The District Commissioner praised IHI for the contributions it has made to improve people's health through research, training and service support.
Rufiji Health Demographic Surveillance System launches IHI
On June 26, 2008, the Rufiji Health Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) launched the new corporate image of the former Ifakara Health and Research Development Centre (IHRDC). The Rufiji HDSS will now be referred as Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Rufji HDSS office. The coordinator of the Rufiji Dr. Honorathy Masanja officiated that launching of the new name at a colorful ceremony held at the RHDSS office in Ikwiriri.
“Eyes on Malaria”, a new magazine on malaria in Africa
On June 10, 2008, a new magazine called “Eyes on Malaria” was launched at Kunduchi Beach Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The magazine will give African journalists an opportunity to use their power of the pen and camera to disseminate information about new ways to combat malaria in Africa.
The colourful launching ceremony was presided by Dr. Hassan Mshinda, Director of Ifakara Health Institute (IHI). Journalists and scientists from Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Gabon, The Gambia, Senegal and Burkina Faso have attended the ceremony.
"Eyes on Malaria" magazine is published by the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) and provides a platform for policy advocacy toward the implementation of malaria policies in Africa.
To contribute to this magazine, write to the editor. Email: ammren1@yahoo.com
Visit also AMMREN at www.ammren.org
The Jury of the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation has prized the merits and work carried out by IHI in the struggle to put an end to the relation between disease and poverty.
Three other research centres which also won the award are:
-The Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, in Mozambique
-The Malaria Research and Training Center, in Mali
-The Kintampo Health Research Centre, in Ghana
For more information, visit: The Prince of Asturias Foundation
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) include a target of 80 percent coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) for children under five and pregnant women. Although young children in malarial affected areas are most at risk, increasing the use of ITNs throughout the general population may bring community-wide benefits that are just as important.
In 1990, mortality in children younger than five years in Tanzania was 141 per 1000 live births; thus, Tanzania’s MDG4 is to reduce this number to 47 per 1000 by 2015. The most recent survey, from late 2004 and early 2005, showed that the probability that a child would die before it reached its fifth birthday fell 24%.
Links: Lancet Publication
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) has launched a three-year program to halt unsafe sex among men and women aged 15-30 in southern rural Tanzania. IHRDC will counsel 3,000 men and women and pay them $45 per month on condition that periodic laboratory test results prove they have not contracted sexually transmitted infections.
IHI believes that payments of $45 when combined with careful counselling could play an important role in reducing HIV infection, especially for vulnerable young women.
The “Conditional Cash Transfers” is a big advance in efforts to test public health ideas more rigorously, with some participants placed in a control arm not offered payment in order to track the effects of the programme precisely.
IHI will implement this programme in collaboration with researchers from the University of California and the World Bank.
For more information, contact: hmshinda@ihi.or.tz
