STAFF DIRECTORY
DIRECTORS
Prof. Said Aboud
Director General, NIMR Headquarters
Prof. Said Aboud
Director General, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Ndekya Oriyo
Director of Research Information, Technology and Communication, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Ndekya Oriyo
Director of Research Information, Technology and Communication, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Ndekya Oriyo is a Principal Research Scientist of the National Institute for Medical Research. She holds a Doctorate degree in Medical Microbiology from University College London. She obtained her Bachelors’ degree in Microbiology & Zoology and Master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Dar es Salaam. She has additional training in public health leadership and laboratory surveillance. Her research activities focus on clinical and operational research in Tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, neglected tropical diseases and pathogens of epidemic potential.
Before joining NIMR, Dr Oriyo started her career as a lecturer in Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College and as a Technical and Quality Assurance Advisor in the Clinical Laboratory of the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre.
At NIMR, Dr Oriyo has held the positions of Head of Clinical and Laboratory Research, head of the Tanzania National health ethics sub-committee Secretariat, Acting Director for Research Coordination and Promotion and from May 2018 Acting Director for Research Information, Technology and Communication. She sits on several institutional committees. Dr Oriyo is active in national technical working groups and committees to include disease surveillance, global health security, one health, biosafety& biosecurity and antimicrobial resistance. Dr Oriyo is a WHO technical expert for joint external evaluations (JEE) in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, biosafety &biosecurity and national health laboratory systems. Dr Oriyo is a member of the TFDA Medical Devices and Diagnostics Registration Technical Committee and the National Health Technologies Assessment Committee. She is the Chair of External Scientific Advisory Panel of The International Multidisciplinary Programme to Address Lung Health and TB in Africa “IMPALA” and a member of the External Scientific Advisory Panel for NIHR Global Health Research Group on non-communicable lung disease in Africa. Dr Oriyo is an Associate Editor for the East African Health Research Journal. Sub-editor of the LabsNET Bulletin and Editor of the Tanzania Public Health Bulletin.
- Email:ndekya.oriyo@nimr.or.tz
Dr. Erasto Kazyoba
Director of Research Coordination and Promotion, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Erasto Kazyoba
Director of Research Coordination and Promotion, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Kazyoba is a Chief Research Scientist with a Medicinal Chemistry background. He obtained his PhD (Phytomedicine) in 2007 from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa and a Postdoctoral fellowship (2007-2008) in the School of Pharmacy at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa. Prior to joining NIMR in 2012, Dr Kazyoba was a Research Fellow at the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) where he coordinated research projects and involved in teaching and supervision of MSc and PhD students. Between 2014 and 2016, Dr Kazyoba was involved in the teaching and supervision of MSc students at Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST). With over 10 years of working experience, He has been actively involved in research activities, collaborating with both local and international scientists earning him over 30 research articles. From 2014 to-date, he has been coordinating coverage surveys for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) for the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme (NTDCP). Prior to his current position, Dr Kazyoba was the Head of Department of Innovations, Commercialization and Technology Transfer. He is also a serving Member of the Board of Trustees for Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), and a Member of Executive Committee for Medicine and Public Health of the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH).
- Email:paul.kazyoba@nimr.or.tz
CPA. Obedi Ole-Kaondo
Director of Finance, Human Resource and Planning, NIMR Headquarters
CPA. Obedi Ole-Kaondo
Director of Finance, Human Resource and Planning, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya
Director, Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Dr. Nyanda Ntinginya
Director, Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Dr. Nyanda is a Senior Research Scientist with a background as the Medical Doctor from the University of Dar es Salaam (Muhimbili College of Health Sciences) in 2006, holder of a Master Degree in Tropical and Infectious Diseases from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK (2011) with a PhD in Medical Research-International Health from the Centre for International Health at the University of Munich; Germany (2017). Dr Nyanda has more than 10 years of research experience in conducting TB (mainly), HIV and Emerging Diseases research at institutional and national levels in cross-functional and multicultural and international environment. He is a scientific reviewer and member of the editorial board of the Tanzania Journal of Health Research. Dr. Nyanda is participating in several national and international medical research networks and technical working groups including; One Health under the Tanzanian Prime Minister’s Office, National TB Operational Research Committee, Streamlining Health Research Ethics review process and Regulatory framework in Tanzania(SMERT), Executive Group Member of the Pan African Consortium For the Evaluation of the Anti-tuberculosis Antibiotic (PanACEA), Global Alliance for TB Drug Development, Global HIV Vaccine Network (HVTN), TB Sequel Network, The International Multidisciplinary Programme to Address Lung Health and TB in Africa (IMPALA), Holistic Approach to Unravel Antibacterial resistance in East Africa (HATUA) and others.
Dr. Safari Kinung'hi
Director, Mwanza Medical Research Centre
Dr. Safari Kinung'hi
Director, Mwanza Medical Research Centre
Dr. Safari Kinung’hi is a principal research scientist based at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Mwanza centre. Before appointment as acting centre director for NIMR Mwanza centre in June this year, he was the heady of the parasitic diseases research programme and secretary for the centre's scientific committee. Dr. Safari Kinung’hi holds a PhD in Public Health of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, a masters degree in tropical veterinary epidemiology of Free University of Berlin, Germany/Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and a bachelors degree in veterinary medicine of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. Dr. Safari Kinung’hi's research interest focuses on the epidemiology and control of schistosomiasis, malaria and other neglected tropical diseases. He has more than 15 years of research experience in community based intervention trials for the control of schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminth infections and malaria and has published more that 50 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. Currently, Dr. Safari Kinung’hi is the Tanzania principal investigator of the larger scale multicentre gaining and sustaining control of schistosomiasis (SCORE) project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (through the University of Georgia) that aims to determine the effective strategy for delivering mass drug administration (MDA) for control of intestinal schistosomiasis. Dr. Safari Kinung’hi is also the Tanzania principal investigator of the multicentre and multidisciplinary study titled water infrastructure for schistosomiasis endemic regions of Africa (WISER) that aims to develop and evaluate water treatment processes for removing or inactivating schistosome cercariae as an alternative method for control of schisosomiasis in Tanzania and other endemic countries, funded by the UK engineering and physical sciences research council (EPSRC). Dr. Safari Kinung’hi is a WHO/AFRO temporary advisor and consultant on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections and a member of the schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth infections technical working group of the Tanzania national NTD control programme. Dr. Safari Kinung’hi is a reviewer of reputable international peer reviewed journals such as Acta Tropica, BMC Public Health, BMC Infectious Diseases, PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and Parasites &Vectors. Apart from routine research activities, Dr. Safari Kinung'hi also supervises MSc and PhD students in his area of expertise. Among key research achievements include initiation of the malaria research programme at NIMR Mwanza centre and re-introduction of research on snail intermediate hosts and their role in the transmission of schistosomiasis alongside use of molecular techniques in schistosomiasis research. Dr. Safari Kinung'hi also pioneered the establishment of strong collaboration links with higher learning institutions in and outside the country for training, research and supervision of MSc and PhD students at NIMR Mwanza centre.
Dr. William Kisinza
Director, Amani Medical Research Centre
Dr. William Kisinza
Director, Amani Medical Research Centre
Dr. William N. Kisinza is a Director and Chief Research Scientist (Medical Entomology and Programmatic Vector Control Specialist) of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). As a Director, he is responsible for providing overall strategic direction, technical leadership, management and administration of the NIMR – Amani Research Centre. His roles are to insure that health research activities meet desired outcomes, completed on time, and within the National health research priority framework. Dr. Kisinza is currently the Test Facility Manager (TFM) for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - IVCC – GLP funded Project at NIMR-Amani GLP Centre with an overall responsibility for facility management, study personnel, and the quality assurance of the programme. Dr. Kisinza is the coordinator for the Joint Malaria Programme (JMP) 2017 to date. JMP is a collaborative research programme among five institutions: (1) Centre for Medical Parasitology (CMP), (2) University of Copenhagen, Denmark, (3) Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania, (4) London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK and (5) National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania. JMP is an umbrella organisation that promotes and facilitates collaborative research on malaria between the member institutions. Being a Chief Research Scientist over 22 years has substantial experiences in the randomized controlled trials of various major health interventions. Have conducted intensive field research on Epidemiological, Entomological and Parasitological studies specifically in the application of innovative and appropriate technologies for Vector Biology and Control. Has carried-out research on the epidemiology and entomology of various vector-borne diseases including malaria, lymphatic Filariasis and Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever. Dr. Kisinza has undertaken several consultancy assignments to a number of African countries providing technical support in malaria control planning activities with substantial experiences working in national and international environments. Dr. Kisinza has worked with several WHO, DANIDA, EU, PMI/USAID and other consortia funded projects in Tanzania and elsewhere especially on Malaria Entomological Surveillance, Monitoring of Insecticide Resistance, randomized controlled field trials of the efficacy of insecticide treated fabric materials including wall liners, bed-nets, industrially treated blankets and bed sheets, and indoor residual spraying projects. Dr. Kisinza is currently a member of several national and international professional societies and consortia including Tanzania Public Health Association, African Medical Entomological Association, Roll Back Malaria Vector Control Working Group, Pan-African Malaria Research Consortium (PAMVEC), African Network for Vector Resistance (ANVR), Building out Vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa (BOVA). Dr. Kisinza is a PhD holder (Tropical Medicine – Epidemiology) with an MSc (Medical Entomology & Applied Parasitology) from Liverpool Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool in UK. He is a graduate of BSc (Hons) in Applied Microbiology & Marine Biology from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. To his credit, Dr. Kisinza has published over 100 scientific articles/papers on a wide range of subjects in the international peer reviewed journals. He has also participated considerably in PhD and MSc supervisions and examinations at local universities and abroad. In the recognition of his outstanding research careers, Dr. Kisinza was awarded the National Health Discovery Award by the Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 22nd April 2014 for the Discovery of a New Borrelia parasite causing Tick Borne Relapsing Fever in Tanzania. He was also a recipient of an award of a National Best Worker from the Researchers, Academicians, & Allied Workers Unions (RAAWU) in May 2004.
Prof. John Lusingu
Director, Tanga Medical Research Centre
Prof. John Lusingu
Director, Tanga Medical Research Centre
Professor John P.A. Lusingu is a Chief Research Scientist with the National Institute for Medical Research. He received his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in health sciences from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark in 2006 focusing on epidemiology and immunity of malaria. He completed his medical degree (MD) in 1994 from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He worked as a General Practitioner in the southern highlands of Tanzania for five years as an employee of the Ministry of Health of Tanzania. He was seconded to join National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in 2000 with a focus on studying malaria immunity. Before being appointed he was the Acting Centre Director for Tanga. He conducted several field-based studies to evaluate malaria epidemiology and later on joined University of Copenhagen, Denmark under Gates Malaria Partnership consortium where he pursued his Ph.D. Professor John Lusingu is also a Professor of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark with extensive experience in field studies including basic malaria research and clinical trials of malaria drugs and vaccines through phases 1, 2 and 3. He completed extension of the Phase 3 study of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine manufactured by GSK and sponsored by PATH-MVI and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at a capacity of Principal Investigator in Korogwe, Tanga, Tanzania. He is an overall Principal Investigator of an ongoing study to find alternative antimalarial drugs to prevent malaria in pregnant women which is conducted in Korogwe and Handeni districts in collaboration with European and USA partners (hps://www.improve-consorum.org/professor-john-lusingu). He is a Senior Fellow of EDCTP2 funded Project on Malaria Research and Capacity building for field trials in Tanzania (MaReCa) in collaboration with University of Copenhagen, Denmark (hp://www.edctp.org/projects-2/edctp2-projects/senior-fellowships/). He is currently working in collaboration with Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) to evaluate transmission of non-malarial fever and enteric diseases. He is a member of Tanzanian and international scientific technical committees. Prof John Lusingu has co-authored 107 peer-reviewed health research articles as per PubMed accessed on 25 April 2019 (hps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Lusingu J). He is a reviewer of several peer-reviewed reputable international scientific journals. Currently, Prof. John Lusingu is the Editor-in-Chief of the Tanzania Journal of Health Research (hps://www.ajol.info/index.php/thrb/about/contact).
- Email:john.lusingu@nimr.or.tz
Prof. Sayoki Mfinanga
Director, Muhimbili Medical Reserch Centre
Prof. Sayoki Mfinanga
Director, Muhimbili Medical Reserch Centre
Prof.Dr Sayoki Mfinanga is a public health and clinical research chief scientist working for National institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania. Prof.Dr Mfinanga has background in medicine and epidemiology, and holds a Degree of Medicine (MD) and a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Epidemiology focusing in tuberculosis and HIV. Dr Mfinanga has published over 100 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals, including the Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine. Mfinanga is a Honorary Professor of Global Heath, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine,Honorary Lecturer, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences and Deputy Director -UK NIHR Global Health Research Group on prevention and management of non-communicable diseases and HIV-infection in Africa Prof.Dr Mfinanga is leading several scientific research networks in Africa. He is Centre Director for NIMR, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre; Deputy Director for Afrique one ASPIRE consortium, and coordinator of TB node of excellence in East Africa under East Africa Consortium for Clinical Research (EACCR2). Prof. Dr. Mfinanga has led/is leading several multi countries clinical trials and contributed to national and global policies in management, prevention and control focusing mainly in TB and HIV. In addition, Dr Mfinanga has been active in other scientific topics in infectious diseases, ranging from zoonosis to maternal and child health (immunizations) and non-communicable diseases. He has expertise in epidemiology, clinical trials, and public health surveillance for infectious diseases. Prof. Dr Mfinanga is a faculty/lecturer and supervisor to Master’s and PhD students, as well as post-doctoral fellows, and he facilitate various courses in epidemiology, clinical trials, and tuberculosis at Muhimbili University (Dar es Salaam-FELTP) and visiting lecturer at various institutions and networks in Africa and Europe. Dr Mfinanga won several research grant and scientific awards including the NIMR Best Journal Publishing Scientist Award and American Thoracic Society (ATS) certificate of Scientific Merit.
RESEARCH
Dr. Esther Ngadaya
Principal Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Research Centre
Dr. Esther Ngadaya
Principal Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Research Centre
Dr Esther Ngadaya, a widely recognized researcher and two times NIMR-Muhimbili best scientists, has worked with the National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Centre as the Principal research scientist for over 15 years. She is a Medical doctor with Post graduate diploma in Health Economics and PhD in Epidemiology. Esther has just completed a four years post doc program studying Tuberculosis and zoonotic diseases. She has published over 35 papers in peer reviewed journals on various subjects. She has done extensive research studies among disadvantaged communities including pastoralist communities. Dr. Esther has extensively designed, won and implemented over 40 high impactful projects. She is conversant in both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, as well as data management. In addition, she has conducted over 10 high impactful consultancies as the lead consultant with government of Tanzania, UN agencies, Non-governmental organizations, universities and other research organizations. She has supported programs on developing strategies for translation of research into policies; and currently she is the overall multicounty Principal investigator of a big implementation research grant funded by EDCTP aiming at translating research into policy and practice through scaling-up Evidence-Based Multiple focus Integrated Intensified TB Screening in the East Africa region. Currently she is academic supervisor for MSc and PhD students at the University of Dar es Salaam, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, London School of Tropical Medicine and University of Bergen in Norway. She has wider experience on conducting both operational and implementation research as well as clinical trials, and project monitoring and evaluation. Dr Esther is the chair of the operational research technical working group in Tanzania under the East Africa Public Health Laboratory Network (EAPHLN) Project funded by the World Bank. Dr. Esther is a leader, teacher, supervisor and mentor.
Dr. Elizabeth Shayo
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Headquarters.
Dr. Elizabeth Shayo
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Headquarters.
Dr Elizabeth H Shayo is a Principal Research Scientist of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) with BA, MA (Social Sciences and Medical Anthropology) and a PhD on International Health. She is currently a Post-Doctoral Associate at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). Dr Shayo has worked with NIMR for 18 years in different research projects both quantitative and qualitative in nature. Being a Principal Research Scientist with Social Science background, she has conducted a number of researches in the areas of malaria, HIV/AIDS, Non-Communicable Diseases, tuberculosis, outbreak diseases including Ebola Virus Disease and COVID19, maternal and child health, gender-based violence, socio-cultural determinants of health and health systems. She has been a resource person in qualitative research and in research communication. She has knowledge and skills in developing policy briefs and to facilitate policy dialogue to share research findings with policy makers. Dr Shayo has further conducted a number of studies focusing on the governance in the decentralized health care system. She has advocated for community empowerment in the management of different diseases including training of potential stakeholders such as community leaders, traditional health practitioners and community health workers. She has also coordinated Social Science component on linkages and acceptability of integrated health care services. Dr Shayo has participated in writing four books, 20 technical reports and 37 peer reviewed publications.
Dr. Vito Baraka
Principal Research Scientist, NIMR Tanga Medical Research Centre
Dr. Vito Baraka
Principal Research Scientist, NIMR Tanga Medical Research Centre
Background: My research applies molecular genetics approaches to practical problems in infectious disease control. I have a strong interest in malaria chemoprevention strategies, disease epidemiology, and drug resistance surveillance (AMR). My current projects include the development of malaria chemoprevention strategies including Intermittent Presumptive Treatment in different target populations (IPTp, SMC, IPTc, etc.), tracking and mapping the spread of antimalarial drug resistance (artemisinin and partners drugs), using molecular/genomics tools to inform local and regional policy on malaria prevention, treatment, and elimination efforts.
EDCTP Career Development Fellowship:Title of the Project “Molecular markers of resistance to artemisinin and partner drugs (TMA2018CDF-2398). Dr. Vito Baraka uses high-throughput next-generation sequencing to determine genetic profiles of drug resistance and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum. The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum resistance present major challenges for malaria control and elimination. Thus, molecular monitoring of drug resistance is considered important for the detection and tracking of drug-resistant parasites. The recent advancement in next-generation sequencing (NGS) facilitates cost-effective high-throughput detection of resistance and the origin of parasite populations with different genetic backgrounds. This is relevant for monitoring antimalarial drug resistance and tracking the geographic spread of parasite populations. Dr. Baraka will use NGS-based approaches to determine molecular markers of resistance to both artemisinin and partner drugs, parasite genetic diversity, and population structure in African settings. In addition, the study will also generate evidence on the ex vivo susceptibility of antimalarial drugs. Samples will be collected from the study site in Tanzania, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The detection of molecular markers of drug resistance will be carried out using a high-throughput NGS platform (Illumina®-based technology) for targeted amplicon sequencing. Following multiplexing PCR amplification of the targeted sequences and indexing, pooled gene fragments will be sequenced using the Illumina Miseq® platform. The study is expected to generate P. falciparum temporal genotyping data of molecular markers of resistance to artemisinin and resistance to partner drugs. The molecular evidence is critical to inform NMCPs, WHO, and others on the efficacy of ACTs as well as drugs used in chemoprevention strategies in the region. Data on the geographical origin and spread of parasite populations is crucial to signal the dispersal of artemisinin-resistant strains to African settings.
- Email:vito.baraka@nimr.or.tz
Dr. Nyagosya Range
Chief Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Medical Research Centre
Dr. Nyagosya Range
Chief Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Medical Research Centre
Dr. Nyagosya S. Range is a Chief Research Scientist and an employee of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar Es Salaam. Dr. Range has worked with NIMR for 29 years as a researcher. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in epidemiology from University of Copenhagen, Denmark and a master degree in Medical Microbiology from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She was head of Monitoring and control department from June 2008 to January 2017. Currently she is the head of laboratory services department since January 2017. Her main research interest is on Tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology, interaction with HIV and clinical trials (mainly nutrition) for TB/HIV co-infections. She has over 14 years’ experience in conducting clinical trials among TB and HIV patients. She is the editor to the Tanzania Journal of Health Research and the NIMR- Muhimbili centre editor. She has been a reviewer of the manuscripts of the international journals for over 15 years and has over 55 scientific publications in international peer review journals. She has participated and presented scientific papers in several international and national conferences. She has been able to secure several research grants from different donors for projects. Dr. Range is a member of several boardies including; tender sub-committee at Muhimbili center, board member of MKIKUTE, National TB Community working group, (TB-Com DOT) and member of the Tanzania Public Health Association (TPHA). She has performed several short and long term consultancies on TB and HIV activities. She worked as a consultant and national coordinator for Patient Centered - Tuberculosis Treatment (PCT) Project (2005 to 2015). She has been participating in supervising and mentoring postgraduates (master and PhD students) and junior staff. Apart from long experience in conducting and coordinating research, Dr. Range has considerable experience in research networking with external partners, in coordinating projects nationally, in organizing and facilitating trainings of health care workers (HCWs) and researchers in TB/HIV and nutritional activities. She has actively been supporting the National TB and Leprosy Control Program (NTLP) in operational research, training, supportive supervision and mentorship to HCWs on TB/HIV activities, in development of manuals and guidelines for NTLP
Dr. Otilia Flavian
Health Policy Analyst, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Otilia Flavian
Health Policy Analyst, NIMR Headquarters
Dr. Otilia Flavian Gowelle is a Health Policy Analyst at National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR). In this position Dr. Gowelle is overseeing the development and coordination of priority and plans in health policy matters, in line with NIMR’s strategic plan. She holds a degree of Doctor of Medicine and Masters of Public Health from the University of Dar es Salaam; She has nineteen years of experience in medical field and leadership and management. Dr. Gowelle has been a Director for Training and Human Resource Development in the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, MoHCDGEC) in Tanzania for 5 years. In this position she has been overseeing the Human Resource Workforce Initiatives for the Health Sector, in production of skilled workforce to curb the human resource dearth for the Ministry, and thus was spearheading the National human resource for health planning using scientifically proven methods such as Workload Indicators for staffing needs (WISN). Dr. Gowelle has been the Principal of Clinical Officers Training Centre Kilosa for over ten years. She has high skills and vast experience in Competence Based Education and Training curricula development and implementation. Dr. Gowelle has been the lead consultant for WHO and NFSD for adaptation of IMCI/ICATT to in-cooperate HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and newborn care in Tanzanian context and thereafter led the Tanzanian team into training of trainers and health workers during the early application of ICATT which was later followed by various national and international Technical Assistance for supporting the WHO-AFRO/IST to roll out during its implementation phase.
Dr. Stella Kilima
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Headquarters.
Dr. Stella Kilima
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Headquarters.
Ms Kilima is a senior research scientist working with the National Institute for Medical Research at the Headquarters in Dar es Salaam since 2007. Her area of research has mainly been health system research, Reproductive and Maternal Health and Tuberculosis.
Ms. Killima has a Master of Arts degree in Medical Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Bachelor of sociology degree from the same University. She is hard working social scientists with a vast experience in health system and policy studies. Ms Kilima is a head of Policy Analysis and Advocacy Department since 2014, she participated in several health research activities and consultancy. Ms. Kilima was a coordinator to the consultancy work on Assessment of Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health (RMNH) quality of service in Njombe region, Tanzania the project was supported by UNICEF USA Funds 2015-2019.
Ms. Kilima also Participated as a facilitator in a number of policy briefs development training and Policy dialogues which involves policy makers, researchers and knowledge brokers. Since 2012 Ms. Kilima is being a member of Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVPNET), which was established by WHO to promote systematic use of research evidence in health policy making
- Email:stella.kilima@nimr.or.tz
Revocatus Kunambi
Pharmacist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Revocatus Kunambi
Pharmacist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Revocatus Poncian Kunambi was born on April 7, 1980 in Ifakara, Morogoro. His father is a teacher, and his mother is a house wife. Revocatus was raised in various parts of Tanzania. He began his studies at Morogoro in 80s before moving to Dar Es Salaam.
He received Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Muhimbili University of health and Allied Sciences and is currently working as a Centre Pharmacist for NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Centre. His personal interest in the pharmaceutical profession is rooted in his desire to be involved in the improvement of others’ health, to be knowledgeable in the various topics pertaining to health care, and to possess the means to explore his fullest potential through a meaningful career. His first inclination to become a pharmacist rose out of his concern for others.
During his ten years experience of working as a pharmacist in the field of Tuberculosis and HIV researches’, Revocatus has been involved in more than 14 different clinical trials at a site level. To have more grip and understanding on what he is doing he decided to pursued Master of Project Management degree from Open University of Tanzania of which he graduated on 2015. Revocatus spent most of his free time serving in one of many down town community pharmacy. When he isn’t glued to a computer screen, he spends time working in the garden, watching Television, and trying very hard not to be the worst dad in the world. He has special interest in farming.
Ruby Mcharo
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Research Centre
Ruby Mcharo
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Research Centre
Brief summary credentials (profession and education)
MD (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences)
MPH-International Health (University of Nottingham)
PhD (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College/London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine)
Brief professional experience (Professional background to current. Include any outstanding achievements).
Dr. Ruby Mcharo is a Research Scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research- Mbeya Medical Research Center (NIMR-MMRC), Tanzania. She is currently undertaking a PhD in public health supported through the DELTAS Africa Initiative grant # DEL-15-011 to THRiVE-2; her research is looking at prevalence of potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual behaviour among 18-24 year old students attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya-Tanzania. Dr. Mcharo has been involved in a number of research studies on HIV, HPV, Cervical Cancer, STIs and Health research ethics. She is also the Secretary and Member of the Southern Highland Zonal IRB (MMREC). She has held a Honorary Assistant Professor appointment at the University of Nottingham, UK where she is also a Visiting Lecturer. Dr. Mcharo is also a Lecturer at the University of Dar es salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (UDSM-MCHAS). She is recognized by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) as a Young East African Health Research Scientist. She was awarded the Mount Kilimanjaro Scientific Award for recognition of outstanding achievements in health research at the NIMR 30th Annual Joint Scientific Conference.
- Email:ruby.mcharo@nimr.or.tz
Simeon Philemon
Social Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Simeon Philemon
Social Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
I am Simeon Philemon Mwanyonga, working at NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Center as Social Scientist cum community engagement officer with a background of being a motor vehicle mechanic and driver for 14 years.
Education: Currently, I study Masters in Public Health through Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS).
2010 – 2013: Bachelor of Art in Sociology and Social Work at Teofilo Kisanji University
2010: Pre-university course at Teofilo Kisanji University
2010: Form VI sat at Iyunga High School Center
2006: Advanced drivers course – National Institute of Transport (NIT)
1998: Motor vehicle mechanics Grade II – VETA
1995 – 1997: Motor vehicle mechanics Grade III – Mbalizi vocational trainning center
1991 – 1994: Secondary education ordinary level at Mbalizi Secondary school
Experience:
2013 to date: I have workedin projects as stipulated below:
From 2017 to date: I am involved in TB Sequel projectdealing with the socioeconomic sub study on collection of socioeconomic information which are part of long term impacts from TB patients including taking GPS coordinates for identification of their residence.
January - June, 2017:Involved in a team dealing with counseling and testing for HIV among Key Population in Mbeya region by using a Mobile Laboratory (MDTC).
March, 2015 to November, 2016: Involved inHoma Project as research assistant,Quality Assurance and Quality Control personnel.
July, 2013 to 2015: TB Reach phase 3 project:Quality Assurance and Quality Control personnel and supervisor. The objective of this intervention was to scale up TB case detection among prison inmates and new admission using Gene X-pert MTB/Rif® in 5 central prisons located in Tanzania.
In the past I have been involved in other projects such as the EMINI(Evaluation and Monitoring the Impact of New Intervention) survey where I started working in the research field as field assistant, interviewer and driver.
Wilbert Mbuya
Laboratory Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Wilbert Mbuya
Laboratory Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Wilbert Mbuya is a laboratory-based research scientist that focuses on immunology. Mr. Mbuya has a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences and technology and holds a master’s degree in infection biology.
He has worked for NIMR MMRC for a number of years focusing particularly in the field of HIV and cervical cancer, employing techniques such as flow cytometry, interferon gamma release assays and immunohistochemistry.
He is a member of the Swedish Institute Network for future global leaders.
- Email:wilbert.mbuya@nimr.or.tz
Lwitiho Sudi
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Lwitiho Sudi
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Lwitiho Edwin Sudi is a Research scientist at NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre (NIMR-MMRC) www.nimr-mmrc.org since 2011. He has been the Investigator on the febrile illness studies, HIV and the related studies at NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre and therefore he has been involved on the implementationand coordination of the studies at the site.
He is the Molecular biologist and holder of a Master science in life science specialized in Health and Biomedical sciences from Nelson Mandela African Institution of science and Technology in Arusha, Tanzania. Lwitiho has more than 11 years of experience in malaria research, HIV, TB and emerging viral researches with highly increasingly interest on diagnostic and operational studies, Immunology of infectious disease, Bioinformatics and Zoonotic studies. As Laboratory research scientist and field coordinator with higher training on GCLP and other expertise on the implementation of ICH GCP, Lwitiho currently is working with TB studies and other emerging viral diseases. He has also been trained on Health research ethics at Advanced level and managed to publish on Malaria, HIV and emerging viral infectious diseases
- Email:lwitiho.sudi@nimr.or.tz
Dr. Elimina Siyame
Reserch Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Dr. Elimina Siyame
Reserch Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Dr. Elimina Siyame is a research scientist working with National Institute for Medical Research- Mbeya Medical Research Center(NIMR-MMRC) since 2016.
She attained her bachelor degree in Doctor of Medicine(MD) in 2014 at Muhimbili university of healthy and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). Professionally she is registered by the Medical council of Tanganyika.
For the past three years she has been working under the Department of TB and Emerging Diseases and was involved in various operational research and clinical trials . Currently she works as a Principal investigator(PI) for Healthy Volunteers Spirometry-Ancillary Study and Clinical Research coordinator (CRC) for POR trial ,NAC and TB Sequel studies at NIMR- MMRC, Mbeya
Agatha Urio
Research Clinician and Counselor, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Agatha Urio
Research Clinician and Counselor, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
A Tanzanian, born on 1974 in Dar-es-Salaam.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND:
PRIMARY SCHOOL- KISEIN PRIMARY SCHOOL 1981-1987 MOSHI KILIMANJARO
SECONDARY SCHOOL -WERUWERU SECONDARY SCHOOL 1988-1991 MOSHI KILIMANJARO (O LEVEL)
COLLEGE - A CERTIFICATE OF CLINICAL MEDICINE 1995-1998 SONGEA CLINICAL OFFICERS TRAINING CENTRE RUVUMA REGION.
DIPLOMA IN CLINICAL MEDICINE 1998-2000 MKOMAINDO CLINICAL OFFICERS TRAINING
CENTRE MTWARA REGION. CERTIFICATE IN HIV/AIDS VOLUNTARILY COUNSELLING AND TESTING 2010
PROFFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Working as a clinician at TKS Magomeni Medical Clinic centre Dar-es-Salaam 2001-2003 on attending several patients then shifted to Queen of Universe Hospital Puma Mission Singida Region where I gained a lot of experiences by working also with flying doctors (INTERPLAS) from Germany 2003-2006.
2007 to date have been working at Nimr Mbeya Medical Research Centre as a research clinician there I worked in different clinical trials , clinical researches, Cohort studies &clinical surveys, that is EMINI SURVEY 2008-2011,I also participate in the study RV288 a virological assessment study for HIV positive patients in Mbeya , Katavi and Ruvuma hospital ctcs 2011-2013.
2013-2016 participated I the study ALISA cohort study a single centered antiretroviral treatment observational cohort study as an investigator. At the same time working in TAMOVAC II a vaccine trial.
From 2012 to date working as a research clinician and counselor in HVTN studies that is HVTN 111 (RV431), HVTN 703(RV 462), Ebola study (RV 456), HVTN 120(RV 496) and PREPVAC study.
From March 2019 to date am participating in RHINO study a description of immunological changes through Nematode infections leading to an increased susceptibility toward HIV. In this study am participating as a clinical research coordinator (CRC) in which it makes me to improve and gain leadership experience.
In between I have attended various protocol trainings inside the country and outside the country conducted in Johanesburg, and Capetown Republic of South Africa where I increased my career and more experience in research studies.
Apart from the above trainings I have participated in GCP and CITI online courses, Patient safety trainings in Resource Limited Settings and Basic Life Support practices. As a research clinician by profession all in all I am committed hand to hand my daily duties following job descriptions.
- Email:agatha.urio@nimr.or.tz
Bahati Myombe
Pharmacist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Bahati Myombe
Pharmacist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
I was born at malolo village and went to MALOLO primary school from 1997 to 2003
Joined ITENDE secondarySchool from 2004 to 2007, completed my ordinary level,
2008 joined advanced level at PUGU secondary school to 2010.
Then 2010 I joined the university at Catholic university of Health and allied sciences for pursuing the bachelor of pharmacy as one of the best career I love and 2014 graduated as pharmacist with provisional registration from the pharmacy council of Tanzania and then went for one year intern ship at mwananyamala region referal hospital and after internship thus registered as a full pharmacist with reg.no.0101270
Profession experience:
I started my first job at St.glory pharmaceutical company and college where I worked for one year as the supervisor and community pharmacist in which I gained more experience on good dispensing, patient care, procurement modality, drug-drug interaction and accurete handling of the madicine and medical supplies, I also involved in the antimicrobial consuption surveillance at national level and regional level where Dodoma region was taken as a pilot.
then in 2017 I joined the NIMR- Mbeya medical research center as the research pharmacist in which I have gained new knowledge especially on HIV vaccine and tuberculosis(TB) and iam much involved on several study like HVTN 703,HVTN 398,HVTN 120 for HIV and other study like NC008 and NAC for tuberculosis and emmerging diseases.
I involved on writing the proposal for the seed grant which is done at NIMR-MMRC but I didn’t win the grant with my title “drug prescribing pattern and antimicrobial utilization at hospitals in songwe”and Iam axcited to write more and win the grant next time.
Daniel Mapamba
Research Scientist II, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Daniel Mapamba
Research Scientist II, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Education:
Holder of Masters in Science, Infection Biology attained at Luebeck University based in Germany 2015-2017, Previous education background; Bachelor degree in Biotechnology and Laboratory science at Sokoine University of Agriculture Morogoro – Tanzania 2006-2009, Advanced certificate of secondary education Kwiro high school (with science subjects 2001-2003) Ulanga Morogoro Tanzania, Ordinary level of Secondary education (Rungwe Secondary school 1997-2000), Initially went for Primary level of Education at Busona 1990-1996 Rungwe Mbeya Tanzania,
Currently;
Working at the capacity of Research Scientist II based in Tuberculosis disease on both Classical diagnostics and as well as drug trial studies, which have experienced for more than eight years, whereby several studies being conducted which led to the attainment of confidence and used to the procedures involved therein finally professionalism build on TB researches
Professional experience
Have knowledge, experience working on TB diagnostic research and as well as highly regulated clinical trials conducted at NIMR-MMRC based on the optimization of classical decontamination, Microscopy, Genexpert, Accuprobe, culture methods and as well as nucleic acid detection by both Real time and conventional PCR methods like Molecular Bacterial Load Assay(MBLA) and GenoType strip technology based PCR, Proficient in requirements of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) needed for most of recognized research setting conducting studies which evaluate diagnostics and new treatments in a clinical setting, use of good theoretical and practical knowledge and computer skills. Taking into account into motivation and wishes to grow as a professional,
Future perspective
During this year will be focusing more on advanced techniques on new TB diagnosis especially to the co infected individuals, thinking on new samples to use for diagnosis which could alternatively be less invasive and easy to collect, the project will be ventured through my PhD studies 2019-2023.
Jane Ambindwile
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Jane Ambindwile
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country, in which roasted parts of sentences fly into your mouth. Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost orthographic life
One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Elizabeth Ntapara
Research Assistant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Elizabeth Ntapara
Research Assistant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Elizabeth Ntapara is a medical doctor working as a research assistant at the National Institute for Medical Research – Mbeya from January 2018 todate. She works under the HIV and Reproductive Health department engaging in Vaccine trials and Cohort studies.
Prior to her current position she worked as an Intern Doctor with Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital from November 2016 to November 2017. As an intern she attended clients in departments of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, Casualty, CTC (HIV/AIDS CARE AND Treatment) and participated in operational research for both clinical and public health services.
As a research assistant with NIMR, she has worked on different studies that are ongoing such as HVTN 120, HVTN 703, Ebola study and PrEPVacc registration Cohort. Her roles vary from preparing and submitting Study Protocols to Ethical committees, recruiting subjects to the trial using flyers, advertisements, letters, working with physicians, pharmacists, lab staff, the sponsor, potential and enrolled subjects. She also works closely with potential subjects/participants, explaining the trial simply and answering their questions and concerns as well as checking in with them regularly to monitor compliance with the study guidelines, collecting, managing and maintaining all study related paperwork and correspondence while adhering to guidelines and GCP to ensure study procedures are carried out in accordance to applicable international standards and also according to the laws of the country. She holds Bsc in Doctor of Medicine from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC) class of 2011 to 2016.
Faith Mlagalila
Clinical Research Coordinator, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Faith Mlagalila
Clinical Research Coordinator, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
PRIMARY SCHOOL-AZIMIO PRIMARY SCHOOL 1994-2000
OLEVEL SCHOOL-ST FRANCIS GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL 2001-2004
ALEVEL SCHOOL-MARIAN GIRLS SECONDARY SCHOOL 2005-2007
UNIVERSITY-MUHIMBILI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCE 2007-2012
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND I started working at MOUNT MERU REGIONAL HOSPITAL 2013 -2014 for my medical internship where by I gained a lot of medical experience at five different department as follows Medical Derpatment, Pediatric Department, Obestrectic and Gynaecology Department, Psychiatric Department and Surgical Department .I also managed to attend different medical conferences which also help me in my carrier.
In 2015-2016 I worked at NIMR-MMRC as scientist .This was the beginning of my research carrier I gained some potential knowledge regarding research and this was of great help. While working here I managed to write an abstract on Virological failure among patients who are receiving secondline ART drugs this was presented at NIMR –National scientific conference in 2016 .I was also a clinical research coordinator for ALISA study this helped me to gain some leadership skills likewise more knowledge on research activities.
In 2016 -2017 I worked at AAR Hospital as medical doctor were by I was attending patients as per my carrier. I also participated in providing health education to different Institutions. In 2017- Up to date I joined again NIMR-MMRC. Currently I am working as the Clinical Research Coordinator for HVTN 120, But also participate into other HVTN ,PrepVacc and EBOLA studies as research scientist.
I have attended various protocol trainings inside Tanzania and outside Tanzania ( HVTN 703 AMP STUDY TRAINING in Johanseburg South ).On top of that I have attend online GCP training and patient safety training.
As research scientist my daily duties are abide to my Job description. I have participated on GMC seed grant under the proposal titled “Assessment of Knowledge and awereness on VISP and HIV vaccine among Health care workers in Mbeya District Tanzania” where by I am project coordinator manager
Gibson Kagaruki
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Tukuyu Medical Research
Gibson Kagaruki
Senior Research Scientist, NIMR Tukuyu Medical Research
Gibson B. Kagaruki is a Senior Research Scientist of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), based at Tukuyu Center with BSc in Applied Statistics, MSc in Health Informatics and currently pursuing PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics-specializing in modelling of cardio-metabolic risk factors.He has worked with NIMR for 13years in different research projects both quantitative and qualitative in nature. His interest is on conducting researches for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes, heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases and chronic communicable diseases (TB and HIV). Examples of the studies conducted include i) STEPS survey of NCD risk factors in Tanzania ii) Assessment of Magnitude and Risk factors of NCDs in HIV/AIDS Clients Attending CTC: Impact and Challenges on Prevention and Patients Management in Tanzania, iii) Assessment of magnitude of HIV risk factors, challenges and strategies to improve HIV/AIDS service delivery and utilization among mobile and high risk groups in Tanzania, iv) Assessment of HIV testing and counselling needs and barriers among secondary school students in rural and urban settings of Tanzania, v) Burden, spectrum and etiology of type 2 diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: A mult-center study of the prevalence of environmental and genetic determinants of type 2 diabetes in sub Saharan Africa, vi) Tanzania Non- Communicable Diseases and Injuries Poverty Commission - Baseline Situation Analysis Report-Lancet Commission, vii) The right to health and access to universal health coverage for older people in Tanzania, viii)Assessment of Socio-Cultural and Environmental Context of Food Consumption, Dietary Patterns and Dietary Adequacy in Zanzibar towards Developing Food Composition Tables and Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Zanzibarviii) Prevention Package and model for predicting cardio-metabolic risk factors among street foods consumers in Dar es Salaam; just to mention few.He has been alsoproviding consultancy services to both local and international organizations. Kagaruki also has participated in writing 17 technical reports and has published 22 papers in the peer review journals.
Dr. Godfather Kimaro
Principle Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Medical Research Centre
Dr. Godfather Kimaro
Principle Research Scientist, NIMR Muhimbili Medical Research Centre
Dr. Kimaro is a Tanzanian clinic researcher employed by National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania. He has background in medicine as he holds a Degree of Medicine (MD) and Masters in international Health. He has been involved in a number of projects related to HIV, TB, mother and child, and non-communicable diseases in Tanzania. Dr Kimaro is now finalising his PhD (part-time) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). As part of his PhD, Dr Kimaro is studying ways in which antiretroviral therapy in Africa should be organised for HIV-infected people who present with advanced disease. This includes evaluating novel approaches to screening for tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis, the two major killers of HIV-infected people, and the costs associated with delivering different aspects of HIV care. Currently he is the country (Tanzania) Principal investigator of the multicounty implementation research grant funded by EDCTP aiming at translating research into policy and practice through scaling-up Evidence-Based Multiple focus Integrated Intensified TB Screening in the East Africa region. Dr Kimaro has also participated in a number of impactful consultancies from different organisations including UN agencies, Non-governmental organizations and universities.
Godlisten Materu
Research Scientist, NIMR Tukuyu Medical Research Centre
Godlisten Materu
Research Scientist, NIMR Tukuyu Medical Research Centre
EDUCATION BACKGROUND
BSc. In Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MBB) from University of Dar es Salaam in 2009, MSc. in One health molecular biology (OHMB) from Sokoine University of agriculture 2015 and awarded a prize for best student academic performance. Master of Public Health (MPH) fromTsinghua University, Beijing -China (2017/2018)
WORKING EXPERIENCE &LEADERSHIP
Research Scientist working with the National Institute for Medical Research stationed at Tukuyu Medical research Centre since July, 2010. My research experience is on Infectious disease (HIV/AIDS), Tuberculosis, Non communicable disease (NCDs) and Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) for 9 years. Currently am a Head Tukuyu Medical Research Centre and working on TB Molecular laboratory section in NIMR-MMRC Mbeya centre
PUBLICATIONS
I have eight publications in peer review journals as co-authored and my research interest is on molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases
Godlove Chaula
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Godlove Chaula
Research Scientist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Godlove Thomas Chaula was born in 1977 in Njombe region, Makete District. He completed Primary Education, at Kizwite Primary School in 1993, he joined Mazwi Secondary School in 1994 and completed his Secondary Education in 1997.Godlove Chaula joined Dar es salaam Institute of Technology in 1998 and in 2001 he receive a full technician certificate in Laboratory Technology, he worked as a secondary teacher in science subjects for two years, then in 2003 he joined Muhimbili University Collage of Health Sciences which was under University of Dar es salaam for further studies, in 2006 was awarded a diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
In 1st September 2006 Godlove was employed at National institute for Medical Research Mbeya Medical Research Centre as Laboratory technologist later aSenior Health Laboratory Technologist III up to 2011. In 2011 he joined Sokoine University College of agriculture and he received a Bachelor of Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences in 2014.Currently Godlove Chaula is a research scientist, he worked in this institution for 13 years.
Godlove Chaula had a chance to participate in different project likeEMINI Project, E-NOSEProject, Tr-DNA Project, IMMUNO RESPONSE Project, ADAT IN CHILDREN, REMOX Project,
HOMA project, TB- Sequel project, POL trial and Simplici TB (NC008).
Godlove Chaula attended several local and international training and conferences in and out of Tanzania, he developed his own Laboratory experimental works and presented in different local and international conferences, he was able to develop and write some research proposals and participated in some journal publications. In May 2017 Godlove Chaula was a best junior research scientist at National institute for Medical Research Mbeya Medical Research Centre.
Mark Urassa
Senior Research Scientist, Demography, Mwanza Medical Research Centre
Mark Urassa
Senior Research Scientist, Demography, Mwanza Medical Research Centre
I have been leading HIV/AIDS and related services in the past 24 years in Mwanza. During the period I have been able to set-up two key research activities in the Kisesa longitudinal HIV study i.e. Demographic surveillance (for population monitoring) and HIV surveillance (for HIV monitoring).
I have also implemented number of HIV monitoring activities among Antenatal women in Mwanza as well as assessing the impact of role out of ARVs in rural communities of Mwana Region, Tanzania. In response to the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic I have facilitated establishment of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) and Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) in the cohort area.
As for mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS, I have facilitated establishment of microeconomic groups in research/cohort area which is doing very well with over 40 groups established so far. My research has also fostered very good working relationship with local, districts and Regional authorities. My research work has been implemented through funding from number of international organizations: European Union, EDCTP, WHO, UNICEF, Wellcome Trust, Global Fund, Bill & Melinda Gates foundation and through Manitoba University, Canada. I have also worked in partnership with London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK, University of California, North Carolina, Cornell and Georgetown (all in the USA) and Manitoba University, Canada.
Over the years, through my research work, I have been able to link my research with number of international research networks: ALPHA (network to support Analysis of longitudinal HIV Data in Africa), INDEPTH (network of sites collecting health and demographic data in developing countries), ANDLA (network of site with data on Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and IeDEA (International epidemiological Database to Evaluate AIDS). These Networks have been of great benefit to the Project as they facilitate capacity building among Project personnel, enable publications of papers using local data and combined data sets from sites in the Eastern, Central and South African Regions.
My scientific work is also well published in peer review journals with over Eighty publications so far. Over the 26 years of conducting research, I have jointly attracted research grants worth $8 Million
FINANCE
CPA. Daniel Ngari
Chief Accountant, NIMR Headquarters
CPA. Daniel Ngari
Chief Accountant, NIMR Headquarters
A: Credentials Summary (Professional and Education)
• Admitted by NBAA as an Associate Certified Public Accountant with Reg. No. ACPA 2737
• CPA (T) – of the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA), Tanzania
• Master of Business Administration (MBA – Finance) of the University of Dar es Salaam
• Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Computing (PGD in Scientific Computing) of the University of Dar es Salaam
• Advanced Diploma in Certified Accountancy (ADCA) of Institute of Development Management – Mzumbe
• National Service Certificate – Mafinga JKT
• Advanced Certificate of Secondary School Pugu Secondary School – (EGM Combination)
B: Brief professional experience (Professional background to current. include any outstanding achievements)
• Chief Accountant; – National Institute for Medical Research - NIMR (Sept 2018 to date)
• Bursar/ Director of Finance (Bursar), University of Dar es Salaam (Oct 2012 – June 2018)
• Accountant In-charge; - Budgetary Control Section; UDSM (Dec 2004 – Sept 2012)
• Church Treasury; - UDSM CCT Chaplaincy (Nov. 2006 – Oct 2012)
• Accountant In-charge; - Payroll Section; UDSM (Nov 1994 - Nov 2002)
• Part-time Project Accountant; - Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET) - UDSM (April 1999 - Dec. 2011)
• Programme Accountant Coordinator; - UDSM–Sida/SAREC Cooperation Programme (Jan. 1999 – Dec. 2012)
• Competent in working with Navision Accounting Package and VoteBook Financial Management Information System (VoteBook Manager) Accounting Software
- Email:dngari@nimr.or.tz
Benedict Kayombo
Financial Analyst, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Benedict Kayombo
Financial Analyst, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Benedict M. Kayombo was an Auditor in the Assurance and Advisory Business Services division of Ernst &Young in Tanzania since October 2007, before joining Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) early April 2010. He has helped audit work in audit testing and documenting audits tests and systems of internal controls for a number audit engagements for clients in various sectors. Benedict has worked with Heifer International Tanzania (HITz) from 2012 t0 2016 serving as a Project accountant in Dar and Mbeya offices. Thereafter, in 2016 November, he joined Plan International Tanzania as a Finance and Administration Coordinator at Rukwa Program Unit where he served for two years until November 2018. He joined NIMR MMRC team in Mbeya in 01 December 2018 where is still working to date
Benedict has a reasonable experience on Project Financial Management. He has handled and therefore conversant with project from a number of donors ranging from USAID, EU, BMGF, NORAD, CIDA, CDC, Harvard School Of Public Health. In addition to that he has been involved in auditing of NGO (mainly) and few others sectors like banks, Hotels, Oil and Gas sector, Wildlife Conservation entities, Regional airlines, Insurance Companies, UN Agencies, Benedict has worked in NGO of different walks of life ranging from medical research, community empowerment, child protection, refugees protection, to development NGOs. Benedict is married to Grace Lameck and is a dad to two children: Benita born in March 2012 (7Yrs) and Ben Jr. born in Feb 2017 (2Yrs).
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
MBA, UNICAF University, Lilongwe Malawi Campus, Ongoing with Studies ACCA, ACCA UK, Ongoing with the course/studies BCOM, (Accounting), University of Dar Es Salaam, 2007
Joseph Mkanyia
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Joseph Mkanyia
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Joseph Mkanyia is an Assistant Accountant working with National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) Mbeya Centre from November 2012 serving as a Assistant Accountant where is still working to date. He is also a project accountant mostly dealing with projects funded by Germans, European and Develeping Countries Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP) and Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) working for more than 6 years.
Joseph was an Accountant at Mtwara Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MTUWASA), Tanzania since May 2011, before joining Mtwara Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MTUWASA) early July 2010,he was volunteering at Regional Administartive Secretariat (RAS)-Lindi. He has helped to perfrom various activities like cash management, assisting in budgeting processes, payroll preparaton and internal and external audit activities.
He poses efficient interpersonal and communication skills characterized by a strong drive for responsibility in task completion and persistence in pursuit of goals. He performs the role of preparing books of accounts, cash handling management, monthly payroll, social security funds and financial reports for auditing purposes.
He is experienced in Budgeting preparation as per donor requirements, invoicing with Tally, Navision and Quickbooks accounting packages. Joseph is married to Suzana Mwalumuli and is a dad to one child: Jensen was born in September 2016 (3Yrs).
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS Certified Public Accountant (CPA), CPA review classes, Ongoing with Studies Advanced Diploma in Accounting (ADA), Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, 2010
Salome Christian
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Salome Christian
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Salome Christian was an Assistant accountant at Antelope Tours and Travel since 2010, before joining NIMR - Mbeya Medical Research Centre in January, 2011. She has helped accounts team in whole process of cash collection, payment voucher preparation, handling petty cash and floats, do all banking related transaction, accounting for staff fuel, internet, telephone bills, staff meals allowance and office supplies, payroll preparation, invoice preparation and cash and bank payment.
Salome is currently working at NIMR MMRC as Assistant accountant since 2011. She has experience on handling number projects from different donors such as EDCTP, DZIF, TB Alliance, DFG, BMBF and HVTN. She is also involved in preparation of various report both donors report and organization report such as bank reconciliation, quarterly report of income and expenditure for whole organization, payroll preparation, budget preparation and follow up, accounting and apportionment of project overhead and assisting in annual and periodic report of both donor and organization as a whole. She has experience in accounting packages such as Navision and quickbooks.
Salome is married to Stephen P Ngowi and she is a mother of two children: Jacqueline Stephen Ngowi (5 years) and Merida Stephen Ngowi (3 years). EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS CPA, CPA (T), Ongoing with the course/studies
PGDFM, Institute of Finance Management (IFM Dar es Salaam), 2010
ADA, Institute of Finance Management (IFM Dar es Salaam), 2009
Imani Mituwani
Centre Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Imani Mituwani
Centre Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Mr. Imani is a Centre Accountant at NIMR Mbeya, Associate Certified Public Accountant in Public Practice (National Board of Accountant & Auditors-NBAA), Certified Tax Consultant (Tanzania Revenue Authority-TRA), Advanced Diploma in Accountancy (St. Augustine University of Tanzania-SAUT) and Diploma in Business Administration (College of Business Education-CBE).
Imani has been worked as a civil servant from January 2010 when he started as an accountant assistant at Morogoro Municipal at the begin of his account career and then as assistant accountant at National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) from July 2010 to December 2014.
His auditing profession at NIMR began in 2015 immediately after attaining his CPA and this ended up three years later after being promoted to be Centre accountant at NIMR Mbeya Centre in June 11, 2018 the position he holds to date. He engages himself privately in audit, training (Mentoring young accountants) and consultancy services through his own venture called Shrewd (TZ) Associates.
He has been dealing with number of engagements in Consulting, Taxation and auditing assignment being auction; Microfinance, Catering and trading just to mention few that have considerably improved his experience in management specifically risk identification, mitigation and ensure systems of internal controls are in place for these risks.
His exposure to a variety of clients and industries has enabled him to obtain a preliminary understanding of accounting, Taxation and auditing practices, in addition to his developed skills in controls identification and implementation he has been exposed at NIMR set-ups. Frequently he attends seminars under the NBAA’s continue professional development making him a good and up to date cog. In May this year he has applied for Masters of Science in Project Management at Eastern Southern Management Institute (ESAMI), He is also a committed husband of Genofeva and father of two children Ivona and Ian.
- Email:iman.mitawani@nimr.or.tz
Hadija Abeid
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Research Centre
Hadija Abeid
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Research Centre
Hadija Abeid, is an assistant accountant, working with NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre. She is holding an advanced diploma in accountancy, from Tanzania institute of accountancy - TIA in 2011. As an assitant accountant she works on various field including
• Examining bank statements and reconciling them with general ledger entries
• Examining expenses submitted by employees
• Keeping an eye on incoming payments from accounts receivable and outgoing payments from accounts payable
• Preparing payment vouchers
• Analysing data collected in order to determine the state of financial health
• Analysing data to understand where the institute is generating and losing revenue
• Generating financial reports that display the Institute profits, equity and cash flow
Hadija Abeid also worked with Singida Municipal council and Bugando medical centre as assistant accountant before joining NIMR-MMRC . Where she worked on various areas as follows
• Prepares asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information.
• Documents financial transactions by entering account information.
• Recommends financial actions by analyzing accounting options.
• Summarizes current financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports.
• Substantiates financial transactions by auditing documents.
• Cash and cheque payment management
• Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information
Hadija abeid Professional experience gave her a solid understanding of accounting in it’s broad categories and her future endeavor is continual learning and widening knowledge in the field of accountacy.
- Email:hadija.abeid@nimr.or.tz
Diana Namlanda
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Diana Namlanda
Assistant Accountant, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Diana David is a graduate accountant who oversees financial grants funded by USMHRP, EDCTP and BMBF at NIMR Mbeya. She plays a role in analysis, preparation financial statements, and grant-related reports and schedules to support financial reports to the institution. Also support budget preparation, maintain project payroll, financial reports, bank reconciliation, and maintain fixed assets and inventory of the institute
.
Diana worked as internship at Walter Reed Program at Mbeya before joining NIMR -MMRC 2009. In the past 9 years of experience she has managed to accomplish not only limited to management of donor funded projects, maintenance of books accounts, maintaining of respective project payroll, keeping records on both inventory and program fixed assets and other expenses through accounting system
Diana has also attended short courses and training which strengthen her carrier these includes financial and project management on EU funded projects, and several in country accountancy training/workshops under NBAA
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
John Maboko
Computer Programmer, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
John Maboko
Computer Programmer, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
John Maboko is a computer programmer within the ICT Department at the National Institute for Medical Research – Mbeya. His areas of expertise include UX/Interface Design, Web development, Database design, Linux systems management and IT Desk support.
Prior to his position, John first worked as an IT intern with NIMR for about a year. As an intern, John boosted the IT team with his skills by revamping the site’s website that was present, he also helped introduce Mail security strategies and procedures. Before joining NIMR, John worked as an IT Intern at LafargeHolcim – Mbeya Cement company where he sharpened his IT support and technical maintenance skills. John also works as a freelance web developer, providing technical assistance and consultancy.
As a Computer programmer with NIMR, John has worked on several projects including the development of NIMR HQ’s website, an Index for East Africa Clinical sites and the Research Ethics Information Management System, also known as REIMS.
John holds a BSc. Information Technology and Business Information Systems from Middlesex University (London) and an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering from Aptech.
- Email:john.maboko@nimr.or.tz
Paul Kasanga
ICT Specialist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Paul Kasanga
ICT Specialist, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Paul John Kasanga, is an ICT Specialist at NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Center, Tanzania. Holding Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and IT fromUniversity of Dares Salaam, 2013;among other obligations, he oversees IT Infrastructures, Systems,Networkadministrations, IT security, and IT projects Whileinvestigating the contributionsofIT fieldto universal access in Health Researches, support the developments and create more efficient and convenient Health research technology management platforms
Among other vital contributions to NIMR in 2016-2017, he managed to restructure and upgrade the NIMR MMRC’s data center infrastructures which is the heart of IT services for MMRC, also he participated in development of internal research ethics management system launched, 2017, which later in 2018-2019 was adopted by NIMR Tanzania to develop her Research and Ethics Information Management systems.He has ITIL v3 certification in IT services management, 2018.
Prior to joining NIMR, Eng. Paul, worked as a senior systems and network engineer, with CITS, Tanzania where, he led the installation of new data center for FINCA Tanzania, in 2016. He also managed to execute backups, IT auditing and remote systemsreplication projects for Tanzania Bureau of Standards, TBS in 2015.
When, CITS was contracted by ABBOT Funds, in 2014-2015 through LabNet Projects, He worked as network engineer based at Muhimbili National Hospital; wherehe successfully supervised the network and system architectures for23 reginal hospital laboratories, also developed network security platforms for the entire infrastructure based on CISCO technologies.
Among many other projects, he also managed to deploy, remote desktop alert management systems, for Tanzania Cigarette Company TCC, thatmanage 320 workstationsin the company premises,2014
From July 2015, Eng. Paul joinedWorld Vision a non-profit organization, as a volunteer, working to promote environment disaster relief researching on green computer technology.
- Email:paul.kasanga@nimr.or.tz
Peter Agrea
Head, ICT Department, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Peter Agrea
Head, ICT Department, NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre
Mr. Peter Agrea was born in In Rungwe Mbeya Tanzania on 16 November 1986. He graduated from Kilosa secondary school in 2007 with a Cirtificate of Ordinary Secondry education, and then He joined Mambwe secondary school where he graduated with a Cirtificate of Advanced education Level with PCM combination in 2010. In 2013 He graduated from University of Dar es salaam with the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
After receiving his education, Mr Agrea in January 2014 Joined NIMR-Mbeya as an Intern in Data Management for six Months, then in August 2014 NIMR-Mbeya extended his contract to work as a Data Manager in Data Management Department.
In September 2016, Mr Agrea was realocated to ICT department and he started to work as Acting Head of ICT department until February 2017 where He confermed to be Head of ICT Department.
Mr Agrea has the following knowledge and skill that help him to perform his duties; Database System design using Microsoft Access, Visual basics 6.0, Vb.net, Visual studio and web based system using Laravel and MYSQL, Developing Research Database system using Open Clinica, Data analysis and Management using STATA, Development and Management of ACASI sysem using Questionare Design Studio (QDS), System administration using Linux and Windows OS, Computer network installation, and configuration, Computer Maintanance, website development, Backup systems installation, Installation and Management of Active directory and group policies and Leadership skills.
Mr Agrea has the following notable Achievement; Involved in the development of Research Ethics information Management System (REIMS), Development of Payroll system which used at NIMR-MMRC, Development of Salary slip portal for staffs, Label printing systems, which used to print barcode labels for the projects, Development of Protocol tracking systems for MMREC and Development of Projects, drugs expire and staffs cirtificates expire tracking system (ARTS).
- Email:peter.agrea@nimr.or.tz