In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the Ifakara Health Institute is advancing its mission to enhance local capacity in data science and mathematical modeling through the second phase of its project, "Building Sustainable Modelling Capacity in Tanzania and beyond." This initiative focuses on developing a skilled workforce to collaborate with the National Malaria Programs in Tanzania, Zanzibar and beyond aiming for malaria elimination.

This initiative is led by Dr. Samson Kiware, an expert in computational sciences who serves as the Principal Investigator, supported by several team members from the Mathematical modeling and Data Science team at Ifakara.

The project is expected to run from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2027 - it will collaborate with local and international institutions to train aspiring researchers through informal and formal training (MSc and PhDs). Also, providing technical support to disease programs by leveraging expertise in mathematical modelling, statistics, machine learning, and software development. 

With the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), this initiative is a global collaboration, bringing together local institutions and some of the world's leading institutions, including but not limited to the University of Dar es salaam, University of Dodoma, Dlab, Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology, the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), University of California, Berkeley, and University of Glasgow, UK. More local and international partners are encouraged to be part of this initiative. 

The initiative encourages early career researchers to join the Data Science and Mathematical Modeling team at IHI. This provides a valuable opportunity to work alongside experts, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to impactful health solutions.