Researchers, policymakers, and public health stakeholders convened in Dar es Salaam on January 8–9, 2026, for the 4th ViALLIN Stakeholder Engagement meeting, organized by the Ifakara Health Institute’s Vector Control Product Testing Unit. The meeting provided a platform to review Tanzania’s insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution and to discuss key findings from the ViALLIN Study.

The Visual Analysis of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (ViALLIN) project seeks to strengthen ITN procurement decisions by shifting the focus from cost alone to value for money. By using routine ITN durability monitoring data, the project supports evidence-based policymaking to improve malaria control outcomes.

Opening the meeting, Ifakara’s Chief Executive Director, Dr. Honorati Masanja, underscored the importance of strong national and international collaboration in the fight against malaria. He reaffirmed Ifakara’s commitment to building partnerships that translate research evidence and innovation into impactful public health interventions.

Dr. Charles Dismas Mwalimu, Head of the Vector Control Unit at the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) under the Ministry of Health, presented an overview of ITN distribution efforts from 2024 to 2026. 

This was followed by a joint project update from the ViALLIN study team, led by Principal Investigator Emmanuel Mbuba, who outlined the study’s implementation progress to date. Complementing this update, Ifakara scientist Fadhila Kihwele focused on the project’s stakeholder engagement component, highlighting the comprehensive strategy used to ensure transparency and collaboration throughout the study in the various study sites. 

The workshop concluded with detailed discussions on data interpretation and cost analysis, reinforcing collaboration among stakeholders and supporting evidence-based decision-making to guide future ITN distribution and implementation strategies.