On 16 April 2026,  Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and the Zanzibar Health Research Institute (ZAHRI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the beginning of a strategic five-year partnership to strengthen health research capacity, collaboration, and evidence generation in Zanzibar.

The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Health in Zanzibar, brought together senior leaders from both institutions and government officials in a strong demonstration of shared commitment to advancing research for better health outcomes. 

Representing IHI was Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja, accompanied by a delegation of technical and administrative experts. ZAHRI was represented by Director General, Dr. Mayassa Salum Ally and her team, while the Government of Zanzibar was represented by Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mngereza Mzee Miraji.

A mutually beneficial partnership to strengthen health research

Opening the event, Dr. Mngereza welcomed both institutions and emphasized the importance of partnerships in strengthening health research systems and improving healthcare delivery. He noted that strategic collaboration between institutions is essential in generating evidence that can inform policy and respond to priority health challenges.

Speaking during the ceremony, leaders from both IHI and ZAHRI highlighted the significance of the partnership in expanding research opportunities, strengthening institutional systems, fostering innovation, and promoting knowledge exchange between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

What the MoU will cover

The official signing of the MoU was the key highlight of the event, witnessed by the Principal Secretary as a symbol of government support for the collaboration. The agreement provides a framework for joint research initiatives, capacity building, staff exchange, technical cooperation, and stronger institutional systems to address pressing public health priorities.

Guest of honor calls for strong implementation

In his closing remarks, Dr. Mngereza commended both institutions for moving the partnership forward and called for strong implementation of the agreed priorities. He underscored the importance of focusing on maternal and child health, anaemia, data ownership frameworks, and regular annual reviews to ensure measurable impact.

Following the ceremony, technical teams from IHI and ZAHRI held working discussions to outline the next phase of implementation. Initial activities will run from April to June 2026, with full operationalization expected to begin in July 2026. The collaboration will align with ongoing Ministry of Health priorities, with particular focus on implementation research, research infrastructure, and institutional capacity strengthening.

The IHI delegation also visited ZAHRI offices in Binguni, where further discussions explored opportunities to strengthen researcher capacity, quality management systems, research governance, and long-term organizational development.

The event concluded with a group photo session, reflecting a shared commitment to a five-year partnership that aims to advance health research and improve public health outcomes in Zanzibar.