MUHAS, Oxford sign MoU on cancer research
DAR ES SALAAM: MUHIMBILI University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Oxford to strengthen cooperation in cancer care research and improve access to quality prevention, diagnosis and treatment services.
The agreement marks a significant step in enhancing the country’s capacity to address the growing burden of cancer through advanced research, clinical training and innovation.
According to a statement issued by MUHAS Head of Communications and Marketing, Ms Helen Mtui, the partnership will be implemented under the Oxford Global Cancer Initiative and will focus on strengthening comprehensive cancer care in the country.
Key areas of cooperation include clinical training and mentorship, building sustainable research capacity, integrating data science and artificial intelligence in diagnostics and generating evidence to support the National Cancer Strategy.
The cooperation will also facilitate specialised training in oncology, radiotherapy, paediatric cancer care and clinical haematology, as well as research in early detection and precise prevention.
In a related development, MUHAS has also entered into a separate five-year agreement with Imperial College London to cooperate in education and scientific research, particularly in the life sciences.
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The partnership will focus on joint research in infectious diseases and epidemiology, including malaria transmission and entomology, alongside faculty and graduate student exchange programmes and the sharing of teaching and research resources.
Speaking on the development, MUHAS ViceChancellor, Professor Appolinary Kamuhabwa, said the agreements reflect the university’s commitment to strengthening its role in addressing critical health challenges.
“By cooperating with world-leading institutions such as Oxford and Imperial College London, we are enhancing our capacity to tackle major health issues, from cancer to infectious diseases, while ensuring our work remains locally relevant and globally impactful,” he said.
Head of the Internationalisation and Convocation Unit, Ms Maryam Amour, said the partnerships open up new opportunities for academic exchange, joint research and capacity building.
“This partnership positions MUHAS as a key link between global expertise and local health priorities,” she said.
The agreements are expected to strengthen specialised healthcare training and research in Tanzania, ultimately contributing to improved diagnosis, treatment and management of complex diseases.
