On the 28 of February 2025, the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) program, implemented by the Ifakara Health Institute and its partners in Tanzania, joined the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in commemorating the legacy of Dr. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the first MUHAS Chancellor and the Second President of Tanzania.

The NEST360 program works closely with the Muhimbilli University of Health and Allied Sciences, among other partners including the Ministry of Health, Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology, Ifakara Health Institute, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Hatch Technologies, and Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies.

This prestigious event included the laying of the foundation stone for the College of Medicine at the Mloganzila Campus, the launch of the MUHAS Endowment Fund to support future initiatives, and the introduction of the Annual Ali Hassan Mwinyi Symposia. A special regalia return ceremony was held in honor of the late Chancellor, alongside healthcare and educational exhibitions showcasing innovations. NEST360 invited participants to its booth to highlight cutting-edge technology aimed at saving newborn lives.

A brief history of MUHAS

MUHAS originated as the Dar es Salaam Medical School in 1963, later evolving into the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Dar es Salaam. In 1991, it became the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) and merged with Muhimbili Hospital in 1996 to form the Muhimbili Medical Centre. In 2007, MUHAS was officially established through the Universities Act No. 7 of 2005. MUHAS is located in Ilala Municipality, with additional facilities like the Bagamoyo Teaching Unit. The university offers a variety of biomedical, clinical, and allied health sciences programs across five schools and one academic institute.

MUHAS is Tanzania's oldest and largest health sciences university, ranked 1st in Tanzania, 3rd in Sub-Saharan Africa, 5th in Africa and among the top 500 universities worldwide, per the Times Higher Education Magazine in 2023.