The Ifakara Health Institute, through its Training and Capacity Building Department, marked a significant milestone this year by participating for the first time in the Nane Nane agricultural exhibition held in Morogoro. 

The Institute used the event as a strategic platform to engage with students, educators, and the broader public about academic and career development opportunities in public health and scientific research.

Connecting with future scientists 

Situated at the Ifakara Town Council pavilion, the Ifakara booth became a hub for information and inspiration. Visitors were able to learn about the Institute’s dedicated Training Centre in Bagamoyo, which offers a growing portfolio of training programs developed in partnership with academic and research institutions both within Tanzania and internationally. 

A key highlight at the exhibition was the Institute’s flagship academic program—the Master of Science in Public Health Research (MScPHR).

Flagship Program: Master of Science in Public Health Research (MScPHR)

The MScPHR is a two-year accredited master’s degree offered in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). The program is designed to build high-quality public health research capacity across Tanzania and the wider region. 

It is structured to include one year of intensive coursework followed by one year dedicated to field-based research. Students enrolled in the MScPHR can specialize in one of three critical areas: intervention research, health systems research, or determinants of health and disease.

By blending rigorous theoretical instruction with practical research experience, the MScPHR program equips graduates with the skills necessary to design, lead, and evaluate impactful public health interventions. All components of the training are delivered at Ifakara’s Bagamoyo Training Centre, where students benefit from access to extensive research platforms and mentorship from experienced scientists.

Short courses for practical skill development

The Institute also offers a broad selection of short scientific skill-transfer courses aimed at professionals seeking to enhance specific competencies. These courses, delivered through a blend of online and in-person formats, cover important areas such as statistical analysis, systematic reviews, economic evaluation of health programs, geographic information systems, and research ethics. 

Notably, a specialized course on malaria, developed in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), forms a key part of this portfolio. Additional training modules focus on infectious disease modeling, project management, media communication, and technical skills such as programming in R.

Bridging academia and practice: Internship program

Complementing its formal academic programs, Ifakara offers an Internship Program that provides hands-on research experience in real-world settings. These internships, which last between three and twelve months, take place across Ifakara’s branches in Dar es Salaam, Ifakara, and Bagamoyo. 

The program allows students and early-career professionals to gain valuable exposure to ongoing research projects and mentorship from experienced investigators, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.

Inspiring the next generation

Representing the Training and Capacity Building Department at the Nane Nane exhibition was Togani Mhoma, a Library Assistant from the Bagamoyo Training Centre. Togani engaged actively with visitors, especially students, offering detailed information about scholarships, application processes, and mentorship opportunities. Her presence helped spark curiosity among young attendees and encouraged many to pursue careers in science and public health.

A hub for learning and innovation

Through these comprehensive training programs and proactive outreach efforts, Ifakara continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health research and education in Tanzania. By leveraging academic partnerships and the expertise of its scientific staff, Ifakara remains a regional leader in public health training and innovation. 

Its participation at Nane Nane reinforces its commitment to community engagement and underscores its position as a trusted institution nurturing the next generation of public health professionals and researchers.