Overview

Name: National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania

Established: By Parliament Act No. 23 of 1979; became operational in 1980

Status: Parastatal organisation under the Ministry of Health

Mission / Vision: To conduct, coordinate, promote, evaluate, and regulate health research that addresses Tanzania’s health needs and to provide evidence-based recommendations to the government. Its vision is to be an institution of excellence for health research and development in Tanzania and beyond.

Mandate & Functions

NIMR’s mandate covers a wide range of activities related to medical and health research, including:

Conducting basic, applied, and operational health research on diseases of public health importance in Tanzania.

Coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating health research across the country.

Promoting and investigating traditional medicine, especially local medicinal plants and herbal remedies.

Providing evidence-based input into national health policies.

Operating laboratories and research centres across Tanzania.

Training and capacity building for scientists, researchers, and laboratory staff.

Collaborating with both national and international research partners.

Structure & Research Centers

NIMR operates through a network of centres and stations across Tanzania:

Research Centres: Amani, Mbeya (Mbeya Medical Research Centre), Muhimbili, Mwanza, Ngongongare, Tabora, Tanga, and Tukuyu.

Research Stations: Kilosa, Handeni, Hydom, Korogwe, Amani Hill, and Gonja.

Traditional Medicine Production Unit: Located in Dar es Salaam.

The institute employs around 1,000 staff, including over 150 research and laboratory scientists, with about 40% holding PhDs.

History & Evolution

Before NIMR was established, Tanzania hosted several colonial-era disease research units and regional medical research councils. These were consolidated after independence to create a coordinated national health research system. This effort led to the formation of NIMR in 1979, giving Tanzania its own autonomous medical research authority.

Key Research Areas & Achievements

NIMR’s research focuses on priority health challenges in Tanzania, including:

Infectious Diseases: Malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.

Vector Biology and Disease Surveillance: Monitoring, control, and diagnostic development.

Public Health and Epidemiology: Health systems research, interventions, and policy guidance.

Traditional Medicine: Scientific study and development of herbal remedies and health products.

For example, the Mbeya Medical Research Centre has been a hub for vaccine trials, diagnostics, and clinical epidemiological studies.

Governance & Policy Role

NIMR plays a key advisory role for the government. It provides scientific evidence and recommendations that inform the introduction or revision of health policies, aligning research with Tanzania’s national health priorities.

Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges: Limited funding, the need for modern laboratory infrastructure, and retaining highly skilled researchers.

Opportunities: Expanding into non-communicable disease research, integrating traditional medicine, and building stronger local and international research partnerships.