On 5th December 2023, Ifakara Health Institute attended the first Research Symposium held at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) Dar es Salaam, organized by PharmAccess and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). 

The aim of the gathering was to foster robust collaboration among diverse healthcare stakeholders in Tanzania, particularly in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

The central theme of the symposium was: How can research drive policy for innovations in health financing and delivery in Tanzania? Activities included a plenary session and presentations on research methodology and research findings. 

Ifakara scientist Dr Peter Binyaruka was among panelists in a plenary session titled: Leveraging partnerships and innovations to drive research for policy towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC), on behalf of Ifakara Director Dr. Honorati Masanja, who due to unavoidable circumstances was not able to attend. 

Other panelists in the session were Dr. Salim Slim from the Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Dr. George Praygod from the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), and Prof. Bruno Sunguya Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). 

Mr Kassim Tani from IHI also did a presentation based on his research at the symposium. His presentation title was: Seeking and receiving chronic non-communicable diseases care in Tanzania.