25 June 2024, during Ifakara Health Institute's 63rd Board of Trustees meeting, members elected Dr. Abraham Mnzava as the new Chairperson, succeeding Prof. Charles Mgone whose term ended in March 2024.

Dr. Mnzava who will serve as chair for the next 3 years is a renowned malaria expert specializing in policy, prevention, and control. He serves as the Senior Malaria Coordinator for the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) and is the Director of the ALMA Tanzania Office.

He supports national and regional regulatory systems to enhance the introduction of new tools for malaria control. He works with the African Union, its organs and Regional Economic Communities to advance the agenda for the local production of pharmaceuticals and vector control commodities in Africa. 

Prior to joining ALMA, he was the coordinator of the Entomology and Vector Control Unit in the World Health Organisation Global Malaria Programme. In this role, he had been responsible for leading and coordinating global policy-making processes and supporting the implementation of malaria vector control interventions. 

He holds a Bachelor and a Master of Science Degree in Biology from the University of Dar es Salaam, a Master of Science in Medical Entomology and Parasitology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and a PhD from the University of Basel, Switzerland.

Bidding farewell to outgoing member from Swiss embassy

On a sad note, members bid farewell to Ms. Viviane Hasselmann, Head of Health Domain at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania. Ms. Hasselmann has served as a member of the BOT for a three-year term, starting on June 8, 2021.

During her final meeting, she received a token of appreciation from Dr. Honorati Masanja, Ifakara’s Chief Executive Director. Dr. Masanja thanked Ms. Hasselmann for her dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the board, wishing her all the best in her future endeavors.

Ms. Hasselmann noted that this was her first experience serving on a board. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation to fellow members for their support and trust, requesting that her successor receive the same warmth and hospitality she had enjoyed over the years.

About the Board of Trustees

The main duties of the board are to appoint the Director, approve the annual budgets, operational plans, and annual reports of activities, approve the financing strategy of the Institute, and to adopt and approve audited accounts. Additionally, the BOT ensures that the Management Committee (MC) formulates regulations for efficient and effective management of the funds and provides direction to the MC. The BOT has three subcommittees: Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC), Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), and Finance and Operations/Admin Committee (FOAC).