This week, twenty-five students enrolling in a master’s program on public health research jointly run by the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) and the Ifakara Health Institute, presented their research concept notes, marking a key milestone in their academic journey. 

These students are enrolled in the Arusha-based NM-AIST Master of Science in Public Health Research (MScPHR) program and they are studying at the Ifakara Health Institute’s Training and Capacity Building Center in Bagamoyo, Tanzania.

Held from June 30 to July 4 at IHI’s Ifakara branch, the presentations provided a platform for the students to share and refine their proposed research ideas before a panel of expert scientists. The feedback received will help shape their concepts into strong, structured proposals that will serve as the foundation for their thesis work in the program’s second year.

Topics addressing real-world health challenges
The students' concept notes reflected a wide range of pressing public health concerns in Tanzania and beyond. Topics included malaria control strategies, gene drive technology for vector control, and the use of digital health innovations to support proactive care by frontline health workers. 

Other concepts focused on raising awareness around food labeling, tackling prostate cancer screening, and investigating vitamin A deficiency in cooking oil. These diverse and timely research areas demonstrate the students’ interest in addressing real-world challenges through evidence-based inquiry.

Hands-on learning through field, facility tours
As part of the program, students also participated in immersive tours of key research facilities at IHI's Ifakara branch. They visited the state-of-art laboratory, the VectorSphere, and nearby study sites including Lupiro and Mosquito City to gain practical insights into ongoing entomological and field-based research. 

In addition, they toured the Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara (CDCI), the Heart and Lung clinic and One Stop Clinic, witnessing firsthand how research and clinical services intersect in addressing public health challenges within the Ifakara community.

Words of encouragement from IHI leaders
“This is a pivotal moment for our students,” said Faraji Abilahi, Lab Manager and Community Engagement Officer at the Ifakara branch, who delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Branch Manager. “They are moving from theory to practice, and the constructive feedback they receive this week will be crucial in shaping the quality of their final research projects.”

Dr. Kafuruki Shubis, Head of the Ifakara Training Centre, commended the students for their dedication and expressed confidence in their potential to conduct impactful research. He was joined by fellow facilitators Dr. Dickson Lwetoijera and Dr. Grace Mwanangoka – both deputy heads of the Ifakara Training Centre.
Giving closing remarks, Dr. Lwetoijera encouraged the students to take full advantage of the feedback received during the review sessions. He emphasized that the critiques were an important part aimed at “strengthening their work”. 

“This journey is not just about academic achievement,” he said. “Use the comments you’ve received as a tool to refine your ideas. Let this experience motivate you to grow not just as students, but as researchers committed to finding solutions to the health challenges facing our communities.”

About the MScPHR Program
Now in its eighth cohort, the MScPHR program is a two-year, fully accredited graduate program jointly delivered by IHI and the NM-AIST. It is hosted at IHI’s Training Center in Bagamoyo and operates under a bilateral agreement between the two institutions. The program is part of IHI’s broader mission to build local research capacity and strengthen health systems in Tanzania and beyond.

The program combines a year of coursework with a year of research. It is designed to equip young graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to tackle pressing public health challenges through evidence-based research.

Since its launch in 2017 with an inaugural class of 13 students, the MScPHR program has continued to grow, attracting students passionate about improving public health. With continued support and mentorship from IHI researchers and academic staff, the program remains committed to nurturing the next generation of public health researchers who are equipped to make meaningful contributions within communities.

>> More photos from the event here.