NIMR embraces bioinformatics technology to analyze, track disease outbreaks

MOROGORO: THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), has officially launched a capacity-building training program for laboratory professionals on the use of modern bioinformatics technology in analyzing and tracking disease outbreak variants.

 The training, currently underway in Morogoro Region, aims to enhance diagnostic and disease control services across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Vida Mmbaga, Assistant Director for Epidemiology and Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of the training in equipping laboratory experts with modern skills to combat disease outbreaks more effectively.

She added that the government aims to ensure accurate processing of pathogen data to enable timely and effective decision-making in disease management.

“Through this training, we aim to increase awareness of bioinformatics tools for analyzing pathogen data, understand various analytical methods, and strengthen the ability of our professionals to visualize, interpret, present, and scientifically discuss the results,” she emphasized.

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Dr. Mmbaga explained that the training is part of the government’s ongoing efforts, through the Ministry of Health, to modernize the country’s disease surveillance system, making it more reliable and capable of supporting quick decision-making during outbreaks.

The training is jointly organized by the Ministry of Health, NIMR, and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). Participants are drawn from the National Public Health Laboratory, where they are receiving specialized training aimed at boosting efficiency and professional performance.

This initiative is expected to bring positive transformation to the country’s disease surveillance and diagnostic systems by strengthening local technical and technological capacities to address emerging health challenges.