DODOMA: THE government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the research system and utilising study findings in the planning and implementation of health strategies to improve health service delivery in the country.
Speaking yesterday during a professional symposium on research utilisation in improving health services, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe said the government is devoted to allocating funds for vital health research, overseeing and coordinating all health sector research, and fostering collaboration with both local and international stakeholders.
Dr Shekalaghe represented the Minister for Health, Ms Jenista Mhagama at the symposium held in Dodoma.
The symposium is part of the 2025 Health Week celebrations under the theme: ‘Where We Came From, Where We Are and Where We Are Going: Building a Resilient Nation with Good Health.’
“I want to emphasise that it is the government’s intention to strengthen the research system that contributes to improving provision of health services by utilising research findings,” said Dr Shekalaghe.
He pointed out that so far, several research projects have been implemented in areas such as Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs).
On malaria, Dr Shekalaghe said that research on combating malaria-carrying mosquitoes, the application of insecticides and community behaviours as well as skills related to prevention and treatment has been ongoing in the country for some years.
According to the PS, the studies have contributed to changing malaria treatment from various medications, such as Chloroquine, which was previously used, to Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, and now Artemether-Lumefantrine, which is a combination therapy.
“All of these improvements are results of researches that have been conducted by our experts in collaboration with doctors,” he said.
In the area of TB, Dr Shekalaghe explained that the government, through research institutions, universities and the national TB control programme has elevated the standard of TB cure service delivery in the country to meet international standards.
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He said the efforts have helped Tanzania to receive accreditation in 2019 for the quality of its TB laboratories, as well as recognition from international universities.
Dr Shekalaghe also highlighted the innovation of using alternative stool and sputum samples to detect TB pathogens through a new testing procedure called GeneExpert. This method has proven especially beneficial for patients who are unable to produce sputum.
On HIV, the PS noted that extensive research has led to significant advancements in identifying better methods for providing care to individuals living with HIV/ AIDS.
Addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Dr Shekalaghe stated that research has played a key role in developing the 2016-2020 strategic plan and identifying additional efforts to curb the rising prevalence of NCDs.
He stressed the government’s deep appreciation for the significant contributions made by research institutions, especially the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and other health sector institutions, including universities, in creating more health professionals.
The PS added that the government has expanded its collaboration network with research institutions and universities both locally and globally, increasing partnerships from fewer than 10 in 1989 to over 100 across 50 countries today.
On her part, Chief Government Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe said the celebrations offer an opportunity to reflect on how various research projects have influenced changes in practice and policy.
