On January 9, 2026, the Ifakara Health Institute hosted a delegation of students from a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) programme at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, as part of ongoing efforts to promote academic exchange and expose global health professionals to cutting-edge research in Tanzania.

The delegation comprised 30 students, including active and retired professionals from diverse fields, and was coordinated by the Swiss Embassy in collaboration with the University of Zurich. 

Institutional welcome and strategic overview

The delegation was officially welcomed by Ifakara’s Director of Science, Dr. Ally Olotu, who provided an overview of the Institute’s mandate and highlighted its leading role in health research, with a particular emphasis on malaria research and control efforts in Tanzania and beyond.

The Head of the Training Department, Dr. Kafuruki Shubis, also engaged with the visitors, outlining the Institute’s training and capacity-strengthening programmes, and how they contribute to building excellence in public health research.

Academic engagement and learning

As part of their academic programme, the students received a lecture on malaria delivered by Dr. Hans Groth, course tutor at the University of Zurich which provided insights into the epidemiology of the disease, ongoing research efforts, and the importance of evidence-based interventions in disease control.

The session offered the delegation an opportunity to engage with Ifakara scientists and deepen their understanding of malaria research within a real-world research setting.

Tour to Ifakara’s cutting edge research facilities

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Ifakara’s state-of-the-art research facilities in Bagamoyo, including the Clinical Trials Facility, laboratory, and the Transmission Zero project lab. Visitors were introduced to ongoing research activities and the infrastructure supporting the Institute’s work in infectious disease research and elimination. 

The tour offered first-hand insight into Ifakara’s integrated research platforms and underscored the Institute’s commitment to advancing innovative, high-impact health research.

Strengthening academic exchange

The visit reinforced Ifakara’s position as a global hub for public health research and training, while strengthening academic exchanges with international institutions. These engagements continue to foster mutual learning, knowledge sharing, and the development of future collaborations in global health research.