Today, Tuesday – October 7, the Ifakara Health Institute was honored to welcome a delegation from the Gates Foundation – one of its longstanding partners – for a special visit to the Institute’s Bagamoyo offices and research facilities.

The visiting team included Dr. Hema Magge, Senior Program Officer for Innovations to Scale in Africa and Newborn Health Program Director; Tess Bosibori, Associate Program Officer; and Samburu Wa-Shiko, the Foundation’s Regional Representative.

The visit began with a warm welcome from Ifakara’s Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja, who expressed appreciation for the Foundation’s continued support and partnership in advancing health research and innovation in Tanzania. This was followed by a presentation from Abbas Sykes of the Ifakara Innovation Hub, who shared highlights of the hub’s work in driving forward creative solutions to address health challenges and scale innovations that make lasting impact.

Following the presentations, the delegation embarked on an extensive tour of Ifakara’s research facilities in Bagamoyo, including laboratories. At the Vector Control Product Testing Unit, they observed ongoing studies on spatial repellents, transmission-blocking strategies, insectary operations, experimental huts, product testing rooms, and indoor residual spraying demonstrations, each explained by leading scientists from the Institute. The team also had the opportunity to learn about the Transmission Zero project, which is pioneering research in genetic approaches to malaria control.

At the Clinical Trials Facility, they were briefed on how Ifakara researchers are advancing studies to improve treatments and interventions for pressing health issues. Their program concluded with visits to the Institute’s laboratories and Training Unit, which play a central role in building capacity for the next generation of researchers and public health professionals.

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment between the Gates Foundation and the Ifakara Health Institute to advancing innovative, evidence-based solutions for malaria and other health challenges facing communities in Tanzania and across the region.