Last week, the Ifakara Health Institute hosted a delegation of Swiss Members of Parliament for a week-long study visit to Tanzania, offering a first-hand insight at how global health investments are translated into real impact across communities and health systems.

The visit, held from 6–11 April 2026, brought together partners from Ifakara Health Institute, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and the Swiss Embassy with stops in Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Ifakara and Bagamoyo.

From research to real-world impact

The programme combined high-level discussions with field visits, allowing the delegation to explore both policy and practice. 

In Morogoro and Ifakara, the MPs explored how research and innovation are strengthening healthcare delivery. Site visits to the Ifakara branch—including laboratories and the Vector Sphere—highlighted ongoing efforts in disease control, diagnostics and capacity building. At St. Francis Referral Hospital, the delegation saw how research is directly translated into patient care at one of the country’s key referral facilities.

Strengthening partnerships across sectors

Engagements in Dar es Salaam underscored the importance of multi-sector collaboration. Meetings with stakeholders from the Global Fund, GIZ and private sector partners such as Novartis focused on health financing, universal health coverage and sustainable partnerships.

Advancing innovation in malaria research

The visit also included a stop at the Ifakara Bagamoyo laboratories, where the delegation observed cutting-edge malaria research, including vaccine development and vector control innovations—areas where Swiss-Tanzanian collaboration has been particularly strong.

A platform for future collaboration

Throughout the visit, the delegation was accompanied by Ifakara’s Director, Honorati Masanja, and Director of Science, Ally Olotu. Dr. Masanja emphasized that the study trip was not only a learning opportunity for policymakers, but also a platform to strengthen long-standing partnerships between Switzerland and Tanzania.

By engaging directly with programmes on the ground, the MPs gained a deeper understanding of how sustained investments in research, health systems and community-based care can drive better health outcomes