Proceedings for the 31st Annual Joint Scientific Conference of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR); 17th-19th May 2022.

Abstract

Abstract

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) was established under the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania Act of 1979 (Cap.59. R.E. 2002) and became operational in 1980. It is mandated among other functions, to establish and operate systems of documentation and dissemination of information on any aspect of the medical research carried out by or on behalf of the institute. Since 1982, the Annual Joint Scientific Conference (AJSC) has been an important platform where researchers, policymakers, practitioners, development partners, media and any   other health research stakeholders discuss, and deliberate evidence generated from diverse research conducted across the world.

Objectives: The AJSC objectives have always been to; (i) promote health research for sustainable socio-economic development in Tanzania and Sub-Sahara Africa; (ii) share findings of health research with key stakeholders and the general public; and (iii) discuss and explore new health research and service priority areas.

The 31^st Annual Joint Scientific Conference: It was held from 17^th to 19^th May 2022 at Julius Nyerere International Convention Center (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam and Hon. Isidor Phillipo Mpango, Vice President, United Republic of Tanzania graced its opening ceremony. The main theme of the Conference was “A Multisectoral Approach for Health: An Agenda for Health Systems Strengthening Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage.” The conference had nine sub-themes namely non-communicable disease, neglected tropical diseases, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, health systems strengthening and health care financing, nutrition, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health, traditional and alternative medicine, Innovations and health technology, Infectious diseases and anti-microbial resistance and cross-cutting health issues. There were Oral and poster presentations, symposia and round table discussions, dissemination sessions on malaria molecular surveillance and the launch of the Genomics laboratory at NIMR headquarters. The Conference generated evidences and action-oriented recommendations to aid the general practices, assist in formulating policies and provide guidance to disease control programs in subsequent years.