From April 10 to 12, 2025, the Data Science and Mathematical Modelling Team, along with the Heart and Lung Clinic and CARECHAIN-NCD team from the Ifakara Health Institute, participated in the annual CardioTan Conference held in Zanzibar.

The event was hosted by the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in collaboration with Heart Team Africa, bringing together regional and global experts to address critical issues in cardiovascular health and explore interdisciplinary solutions.

Representing IHI were Dr. Samson Kiware, John Gaddiel, Neema Kailembo, Dr. Evance Mahundi, and Dr. Christamonica Chitimbwa, who delivered compelling presentations that highlighted the institute’s innovative work at the intersection of data science, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular care.

Insights on funding strategies

Dr. Samson Kiware took center stage with a presentation titled “Navigating the Funding Landscape: Strategies for Success”, in which he shared IHI’s experience in attracting and managing funding from major international donors.

He emphasized the critical importance of collaboration among local organizations and called for increased domestic investment in health research. “With ongoing cuts from some international donors, such as the US government, it is crucial that local stakeholders—including governments—step up to support research through dedicated funding mechanisms,” he urged.

Addressing the dual disease burden

Complementing Dr. Kiware’s address, John Gaddiel delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Addressing the Dual Burden: Navigating the Intersection of Infectious and Cardiovascular Diseases.”

He highlighted the growing overlap between communicable and non-communicable diseases, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies to tackle this dual burden effectively. His insights offered a roadmap for cross-sectoral interventions aimed at improving population health outcomes.

Dr. Kiware and the team also shared that they are developing a critical mass of data scientists and mathematical modellers equipped with machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. These tools are being applied to enhance diagnostics and develop early warning systems for both infectious and non-communicable diseases, supporting faster and more effective disease detection and response.

Redefining rural cardiac care

In a powerful showcase of locally driven innovation, Ifakara and St. Francis Regional Hospital researchers presented two groundbreaking studies led by the Heart and Lung Clinic under the CARECHAIN-NCD and IMC-SFRH projects.

Dr. Christamonica Chitimbwa presented a study on the use of portable ultrasound devices to detect heart and lung diseases in rural areas. Her research highlighted how this low-cost, handheld technology can play a vital role in diagnosing critical conditions in communities with limited access to advanced healthcare facilities.

Dr. Evance Mahundi shared findings from a study that focused on women recovering from heart failure after childbirth. The research provided new understanding of how some women affected by peripartum cardiomyopathy—a serious heart condition that can occur during or after pregnancy—can regain heart function with proper care and follow-up, even in rural settings.

Prestigious Award for Tanzanian Researcher

Dr. Mahundi’s abstract was recognized with the Best Abstract in Cardiology award—marking a historic milestone for the Heart and Lung Clinic, IHI, and St. Francis Referral Hospital. With only 60 out of 150 submitted abstracts selected for presentation, this honor reflects the high quality and impact of locally driven research.

The award-winning study on peripartum cardiomyopathy provides valuable data that may influence future clinical practice, particularly for maternal heart health in under-resourced settings.

“This win is a testament to our commitment to bridging gaps in rural healthcare through locally led research,” said Fr. Winfrid Gingo, Director of Clinical Services and surgical specialist at St. Francis Regional Hospital.

Charting the Future of Cardiac Care in Africa

Beyond scientific presentations, CardioTan 2025 served as a platform to promote cross-sector collaboration—uniting public health, technology, and tourism in the fight against cardiovascular disease. The conference echoed JKCI’s call for partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries to tackle the continent’s cardiac challenges more holistically.

The participation and recognition of Ifakara and its partners at CardioTan 2025 underscore the emerging leadership of Tanzanian institutions in shaping Africa’s future in health innovation. With a strong foundation in data science, grassroots research, and collaborative action, IHI continues to drive impactful change—where it’s needed most.