From early to mid June 2024, Ifakara Health Institute's Ifakara and Dar es Salaam branch participated in an ISO 9001:2015 awareness training session aimed at providing a clear understanding of quality management systems and the implementation of ISO 9001 within the organization

The training was facilitated by Ramadhan Nyambuka, an experienced Quality Management System (QMS) expert and registered ISO 9001 inspector. Through a combination of presentations, discussions, and real-life case studies, Mr. Nyambukah gave an in-depth understanding of the ISO 9001 standard, including its principles, requirements, and benefits.

Participants, both virtual and in-person, were introduced to quality management concepts and their application within an organization. The training further explored the history and evolution of ISO 9001, the scope of the standard, and key quality management principles. These principles guide organizations and their employees in meeting customer needs and expectations, ensuring high levels of satisfaction while aligning with the organization's goal and strategic direction.

Ifakara is ISO 9001: 2015 certified
Since 2018 Ifakara QMS has been certified as ISO 9001: 2015 compliant. The Swiss Accreditation body, SGS SA, has granted Ifakara the ISO 9001: 2015 certificate for providing health and research services. IHI has been issued with Certificate Number TZ18/90348. The certification is effective from May 28, 2018.

ISO 9001: 2015 certificate is granted to organizations with management systems with a proven strong customer focus, good motivation and implication of top management, good process approach and continual improvement. 

About the Ifakara ISO 9001 internal audit team
Ifakara has established and maintains an ISO 9001 internal audit team with 11 members. Chaired by Dr. Kafuriki Shubis - Head of the Training and Capacity Building Department, the committee oversees all QMS matters in the Institute on behalf of the Management.

About ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Organizations use the standard to demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

The adoption of a quality management system is a strategic decision for an organization that can help to improve its overall performance and provide a sound basis for sustainable development initiatives.

The potential benefits to an organization of implementing a quality management system based on these International Standards are: the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements; facilitating opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction; addressing risks and opportunities associated with its context and objectives; and the ability to demonstrate conformity to specified quality management system requirements.