UDOM, Shifaa sign MoU to advance healthcare, medical education

DODOMA: The University of Dodoma (UDOM) and Shifaa Pan African Hospitals have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that paves the way for the two institutions to collaborate in advancing healthcare, strengthening medical education, promoting research and innovation, and contributing to Tanzania’s national development.

The agreement was signed recently at the Dodoma Conference Centre during the Third UDOM Scientific Conference on Health (USCHe), held under the theme: “Our Health, Our Future: Building Resilient, Integrated and Sustainable Health.”

Speaking shortly after signing the MoU, Shifaa Pan African Hospitals Managing Director Bashir Haroon described the strategic partnership as a significant milestone that reflects the University’s graduation theme last year: “Entrepreneurship for the Future: Harnessing Industry Linkages to Drive Skills Development and Job Creation.”

“This was not merely a graduation theme; it was a national call to action,” Haroon said.

“It recognized that the future of Tanzania depends on strong and meaningful partnerships between academia and industry. The theme challenged universities to move beyond producing graduates and instead nurture innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals equipped with practical skills to solve real-world challenges.”

Haroon said the initiative calls on industry to become an active partner in education by providing practical training, internships, mentorship, research collaboration, innovation platforms and opportunities for technology transfer.

He added that the vision was further reinforced in February 2026, when Vice President Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi launched a joint strategy involving employers, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and higher learning institutions aimed at aligning education and training with the needs of priority economic sectors.

“This landmark strategy recognizes that education and training must be closely aligned with the needs of employers and the country’s economy. It encourages employers to participate actively in curriculum development, practical skills training, research, innovation and workforce development so that graduates leave our institutions ready to contribute effectively from their very first day of employment,” he said.

Haroon said the agreement between UDOM and Shifaa was a direct response to these national initiatives.

“This partnership demonstrates that when government provides strategic direction, universities generate knowledge, and industry contributes practical experience and innovation, meaningful transformation becomes possible,” he said.

The Managing Director noted that collaboration between academia and industry is no longer optional but essential, particularly as healthcare continues to evolve through advances in technology, artificial intelligence, precision medicine, digital health and changing patient expectations.

“Preparing healthcare professionals for the future requires universities and hospitals to work hand in hand. Through this partnership, students will gain high-quality clinical exposure in a modern tertiary healthcare environment, while academic staff and clinicians will collaborate on research that addresses Tanzania’s healthcare priorities,” he said.

Speaking at the conference, UDOM Vice Chancellor Professor Lughano Kusiluka said the public university recognizes that health is the foundation of national development. He said the conference had brought together academicians and researchers to discuss how they could contribute to achieving the National Development Vision 2050.

He said it was time to shift from reacting to health challenges to proactively building resilient systems capable of responding efficiently to disasters and emerging public health threats.

Prof. Kusiluka also emphasized that health research findings should not remain on library shelves but should instead inform policies and provide practical solutions to national challenges.

He said the conference serves as a bridge connecting researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues affecting Tanzania’s healthcare system.

The UDOM Scientific Conference on Health (USCHe) is an annual platform organized by the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry (SoMD) and the School of Nursing and Public Health (SoNPH).

This year’s conference attracted more than 700 participants from Tanzania and abroad, with more than 100 scientific abstracts and 20 oral presentations presented during the three-day event.