Today in Dar es Salaam, the Ifakara Health Institute coordinated the official handover of 133 microscopes provided to research institutions and colleges in Tanzania by the American people, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). 

Anne Murphy, the Health Director at USAID Tanzania, emphasized during the ceremony that the donated microscopes, valued at $488,000 (equivalent to over 1 billion Tanzanian shillings), will significantly enhance the laboratory testing capacity in Tanzania.

Dr. Honorati Masanja, Ifakara’s Chief Executive Director, gratefully received the microscopes on behalf of the beneficiary institutions, marking Ifakara's active participation in advancing malaria diagnosis and control efforts. Ifakara is an implementing partner to both PMI and the government of Tanzania in various therapeutic efficacy studies.

The microscopes are earmarked to strengthen the capabilities of malaria laboratory technologists in Tanzania, enabling them to diagnose malaria parasites more effectively. Through the Ministry of Health, the state-of-the-art equipment will be given to research institutions and colleges in six regions: Mbeya, Morogoro, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Mara, and Singida.

 “The 133 microscopes and other laboratory items donated today will enable the National Malaria Control Program to significantly strengthen its laboratory testing capacity,” said USAID/Tanzania Health Office Director Anne Murphy. “The laboratory will now help ensure appropriate treatment, which in turn will save lives and prevent complications.” 

According to the press release issued by the US Embassy in Dar es Salaam: “The United States commends the government of Tanzania and the Ministry of Health's tireless efforts that led to the dramatic decline of malaria prevalence in Tanzania from over 14 percent in 2015 to just 8 percent in 2022. The U.S. Government is proud to have played a part in this remarkable achievement.”