Mkenda calls for greater investment in health research

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, has called for increased investment in scientific research to strengthen the country’s capacity to discover, develop and manufacture medicines that address the country’s health challenges.

Speaking during a visit to the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Bagamoyo recently, Prof Mkenda said Tanzania has the human resources, scientific expertise and natural resources needed to advance medical research.

“We are not doing this to make money. We are doing it to improve the health of Tanzanians, and the financial benefits will come later,” he said.

The minister stressed that medicines developed through local research should undergo all scientific stages, including pre-clinical studies in Tanzania before progressing to human clinical trials, to ensure their safety and effectiveness. He also urged the government to secure intellectual property rights for successful discoveries instead of relying on foreign technologies.

Prof Mkenda called for closer collaboration among the Ministries of Education and Health, universities, research institutions and organisations involved in traditional medicine to conduct scientific studies on medicinal plants and support the development of locally produced medicines.

He said Tanzania has many capable scientists but requires greater funding, modern laboratories and advanced equipment, including genetic analysis technology, to enable high-quality research.

Referring to malaria vaccine research, Prof Mkenda urged the government to adopt a long-term strategy for acquiring modern research equipment rather than depending on external support, saying this would strengthen the country’s ability to conduct internationally competitive research.

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He also said President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent visit to Russia had created new opportunities for cooperation in higher education, science and technology, encouraging Tanzania to send students and researchers to Russian institutions for specialised training in biotechnology, genetics and pharmaceutical development.

“There is no reason to educate scientists if we cannot utilise them,” he said.

During the visit, IHI officials briefed the minister on the institute’s 70 years of health research, including work on malaria, tuberculosis, infectious diseases and maternal and child health. The delegation also toured clinical trial facilities, the Transmission Zero malaria elimination project and scientist training centres.

Prof Mkenda said the government would continue working with research institutions, universities and the private sector to translate scientific discoveries into medicines, technologies and policies that improve healthcare and strengthen national self-reliance.

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