Ifakara Health Institute has joined the St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences (SFUCHAS) and other partners in co-hosting the 5th Annual Scientific Conference, a two-day gathering aimed at advancing health research, innovation, and collaboration in Tanzania and beyond.

Held on June 24-25, at Homeland Hall in Morogoro, the event has brought together researchers, students, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and development partners to share evidence and explore solutions to pressing health challenges. The conference is held under the theme “Generating Impact for SDG 3: Intersecting Research, Technology, and Community-Based Health Solutions.”

Advancing health impact through research and innovation 

The opening ceremony set the tone for the event, with SFUCHAS leadership, led by Principal Prof. Albino Kalolo, highlighting the importance of the conference and urging participants to use the platform to discuss the role of research and innovation in improving health outcomes, informing policy, and addressing community health challenges.

A call for collaboration to address emerging health threats

Representing the Ministry of Health as Guest of Honour, Dr. Saitore Laizer, Director of Training and Human Resources Development, commended the strong collaboration among institutions within the Ifakara cluster in organizing the conference, describing it as a model partnership that other academic institutions across the country could emulate.

He further noted that while Tanzania has made significant progress in tackling communicable diseases, emerging challenges such as non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions require renewed and coordinated action. He stressed that no single sector can address these issues alone, calling for stronger collaboration among researchers, policymakers, healthcare providers, communities, and technology experts.

Harnessing science, technology, and innovation for sustainable solutions

“Science alone, technology alone, or communities acting alone cannot solve these challenges. We must work together to develop practical and sustainable solutions, while harnessing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to address today’s health challenges,” he said.

Dr. Laizer further called for sustained investment in research, innovation, and capacity building as Tanzania advances towards achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3), aligning with the conference theme.

Diverse scientific presentations address key health priorities

Over two days, participants will be presenting research covering a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and digital health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health and maternal care aimed at improving health outcomes in Tanzania.

Key presentations from the Ifakara team included presentations from the Heart and Lung Clinic and the CARECHAIN-NCD project team. The presenters highlighted how the specialized care and community outreach services delivered through their initiatives are helping to address the growing burden of NCDs in rural communities across Kilombero District and other parts of Tanzania.

Fostering collaboration through exhibitions and dialogue

In addition to scientific presentations, the conference features poster sessions, exhibitions, and interactive forums designed to strengthen dialogue between researchers, healthcare providers, academic institutions, and development partners.

As a long-standing research institution, Ifakara Health Institute is participating through scientific presentations, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with Ifakara cluster partners, including the Ifakara Innovation Hub, St. Francis Referral Hospital, Solidermed, Girl Effect, Good Samaritan Hospital, Inqaba, among others.

The SFUCHAS annual scientific conference continues to serve as a platform for strengthening Tanzania’s scientific community and advancing innovation-driven solutions to current and emerging health challenges