On 17th April, 2025, Ifakara Health Institute participated in the 2025 Uhuru Torch events held at Michenga and Kidatu areas in Morogoro Region where the Institute got the opportunity to showcase its work, free screening and community empowerment for health.

Held under the national theme “Step Forward to Participate in the 2025 General Elections, in Peace and Tranquility,” the event attracted local leaders, health professionals, and community members. It was officiated by Ismail Isa Usi, the official leader of the 2025 Uhuru Torch race.

Ifakara was represented at these events by a team of scientists and other staff. They included Faraji Abilahi, Francia Allen Tumbo, Rehani Saidi, Fanuel Faustine, Bryson Kasuga, Juma Kupewa, Rodney Melvin Julius, Issa Mshani, Nicolas Mhimbira, and Gerald Tamayamali.

Showcasing malaria control at Michenga
At Michenga, Ifakara led an engaging exhibition focused on malaria prevention and control. The event coincided with the official launch of a new labor ward at the local dispensary, during which the chief guest Usi applauded Ifakara for its long-standing efforts in the fight against malaria.

Ifakara also demonstrated the use of mosquito bed nets and larvicide application tools while educating the public on effective mosquito control. Dr. Issa Mshani, an Ifakara research scientist, presented the latest research on malaria prevalence in Kilombero, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in prevention efforts.

Promoting NCD awareness at Kidatu
Later on, at Kidatu, during the Uhuru Torch eve event there, Ifakara expanded its outreach activities with more free screenings and public education sessions. The team showcased innovative tools such as mosquito traps, diagnostic equipment, and laboratory instruments used in disease detection and research.

The educational sessions covered key health issues, including hypertension, stroke prevention, nutrition, hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent disease. The public was actively engaged in discussions about healthy living and sanitation practices.

Impactful free screenings
At the heart of Ifakara’s outreach at Kidatu were free health screenings offered to the public. These included malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar assessments, echocardiography (heart scans), and lung function tests.

The screenings helped identify individuals at risk for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart complications. By facilitating early detection, Ifakara encouraged participants to seek medical care and embrace healthier lifestyles.

A collaborative effort for health
Faraji Abilahi, Ifakara’s Research and Community Engagement Coordinator, commented: “This was a great opportunity to showcase our scientific work to the community. It strengthened awareness on non-communicable diseases, promoted malaria control, and served as a platform for research dissemination.”

Over the years, Ifakara has participated in Uhuru Torch Race events in Ifakara, Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam reflecting its alignment with national health priorities and commitment to improving the health and well-being of Tanzanians through research, innovation, and community engagement.

About the Uhuru Torch
The Uhuru Torch (Mwenge wa Uhuru) is a national symbol of unity, peace, and development in Tanzania. First lit atop Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961, by Brigadier Alexander Nyirenda, the torch symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and freedom. His symbolic act marked the birth of a new nation dedicated to unity and progress.

Each year, the torch is carried across regions in the country to highlight key development projects, encourage civic engagement, and promote national values. The 2025 edition emphasized peaceful elections and community participation—values aligned with Ifakara’s mission to improve health and well-being through research, innovation, and outreach.