On March 24, 2025, the second phase of the project on Malaria Molecular Surveillance in Tanzania (MSMT2) was launched in the Kagera Region. The launching of MSMT2 occurred concurrently with a feedback meeting to share the findings of the studies which were undertaken by the first phase of the project (MSMT1) from 2021 to 2024. 

The event was graced by the Acting Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) for Kagera, Mr. Michael Ligola, who was the Guest of Honor. At the meeting, the Ministry of Health’s National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) was represented by Mr. Daniel Mbwambo. 

Also in attendance was Stella Kajange, the Malaria and Vector Control Coordinator from the President’s Office - Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). Ms. Kajange represented the Director of Health and Social Services at PO-RALG. The meeting was organized by Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and hosted by RAS – Kagera region, and brought together representatives from key government and private institutions, including, the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR).

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the MSMT2 project is implemented by Ifakara in collaboration with NIMR, the Ministry of Health through NMCP, and PO-RALG. The project is led by Prof. Deusdedith Ishengoma, the project’s Principal Investigator who also led the first phase (MSMT1). 

The MSMT2 project aims to support NMCP through extensive national surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance and Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2/3 (pfhrp2/3) gene deletions which affect the performance of rapid diagnostic tests used for diagnosis of malaria.

The MSMT2 team expresses gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and valuable insights shared during the feedback session. Their contributions will play a crucial role in shaping the success of this phase and strengthening malaria surveillance efforts in Tanzania.