The PMI Shinda (Defeat) Malaria project, which is implemented in Tanzania by the Ifakara Health Institute and partners, was officially introduced in Tabora yesterday.

The launching ceremony, led by Tabora Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), John Rogath Mboya, unfolded in Tabora Municipality and saw the participation of several key government figures. 

They included Deputy Permanent Secretary Ramadhan Mkolanje, Regional Medical Officer Dr. Honorathe Rutatinisibwa, Dr. Catherine Joachim from the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Samwel Lazaro, the Acting Program Manager from the NMCP.

Before the main event, the project team paid a courtesy call on Tabora Regional Commissioner, Paul Matiko Chacha, who expressed his anticipation and full support for the program's rollout in the region.

Dr. Dunstan Bishanga, Chief of Party for the project, was also on hand. He outlined the project's goals and its aspirations for Tabora. Dr. Bishanga highlighted the initiative's mission: to collaborate closely with Tabora's officials and community to provide comprehensive healthcare support, with a special focus on mitigating the impact of malaria.

Echoing these sentiments during his speech, Dr. Bishanga reiterated the project's objectives and its commitment to Tabora's community. He also elaborated on Shinda Malaria's mission, underscoring its dedication to work alongside local leaders and the wider Tabora community to provide healthcare aid, especially in combating malaria's effects in the region.

In response, Tabora RAS and other key stakeholders expressed their excitement about the project's launch in Tabora. They stressed the importance of unified efforts among local government bodies to ensure the smooth execution of the project. Their joint mission aligns with the Tanzanian government's ambitious goal of eradicating malaria by 2030.

The timing of the project's introduction in Tabora in April 2024 is significant, coinciding with the World Malaria Day, celebrated globally on April 25th.

About Shinda Malaria

The PMI Shinda (Defeat) Malaria project is a five-year program (August 2022 – August 2027) implemented by Ifakara Health Institute, which supports the Government of Tanzania (GOT) in reducing the malaria burden and in moving toward the long-term goal of malaria elimination. The Activity is made possible by the support of the American people through the US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).