Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Kikwete has challenged scientists to strengthen health research and ensure proven interventions reach communities, saying the fight against malaria must ultimately prevent unnecessary suffering and protect productivity and development.
Speaking at the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and its fifth Scientific Conference, Mr Kikwete said research into insecticide-treated mosquito nets and malaria vaccines, had generated evidence that informs malaria control efforts worldwide.
‘Our ultimate ambition must be a future where no child, no mother, no family suffers unnecessarily from a disease that stunts productivity and prevents development,’ he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among the government, research institutions, health workers, manufacturers and development partners to ensure proven interventions reach the people who need them most.
Mr Kikwete also reflected on his contribution to malaria control efforts during and after his presidency.
IHI Chief Executive Director Dr Aly Olotu pledged to strengthen the institute’s research capacity by supporting emerging scientists, sustaining research platforms and deepening engagement with communities and policymakers.
He said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the institute’s history, recognise its achievements and agree on a shared vision for the future.
‘The next generation of scientists will inherit the institution that we build today, and that is how we honour our roots and extend our reach. It emphasises the importance of building an institution that can sustain its scientific contribution for generations to come,’ Dr Olotu said.
Switzerland’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Nicole Providoli, said the seven-decade partnership between Switzerland and Tanzania in health research had strengthened scientific collaboration and helped address public health challenges, with IHI among its notable achievements.
She said the partnership was built on a shared commitment to research that responds to local health needs while contributing to global solutions.
The collaboration brings together Swiss and Tanzanian institutions, including the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, the Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (Costech).
‘The partnership remains particularly important as malaria, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, climate change and population growth place increasing demands on health systems,’ Ms Providoli said.
She commended IHI for producing rigorous research that responds to community needs and contributes to solutions of global significance, while underscoring the need for sustained investment in local research capacity.
The fifth Ifakara Annual Scientific Conference runs until November 12, bringing together scientists, policymakers and health leaders from across the world to discuss pressing health challenges, including malaria prevention, control and treatment.