NIMR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Research Clinician and Counselor
Athanas Mhina is a Research Officer working with the National institute for Medical Research at Tanga Medical Research Centre. Athanas holds a Master of Philosophy (Virology) degree from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), he also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Microbiology & Zoology from the university of Dar es Salaam.
His area of research interest is on Molecular epidemiology of multidrug resistant bacteria, Pathogenomics and Metagenomics of Antibiotic resistance, Mobile genetic elements, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in human, animal and environment (One Health), Risk factors for colonization/ infection of multidrug resistant bacteria, Healthcare associated infections (HCAI´s) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
He has been involved in various research activities in the area of Malaria, Arboviral infections (Rift Valley fever virus, Dengue fever and Chikungunya virus), Neglected Tropical Diseases (Lymphatic Filariasis and Onchocerciasis) and Onchocerciasis associated Epilepsy (OAE).
Apart from routine research activities, he has also been involved in supervising undergraduate students from various Universities within the country during their fieldwork attachment at NIMR Tanga Centre.
He is the Laboratory Quality Officer of the Amani Biomedical Research Laboratory (AMBRELA) spearheading the Accreditation process (Virology unit) with the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS).
He is currently heavily involved in Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) studies in humans, animals and the environment. Specifically looking at the acquisition of multidrug resistant bacteria (carriage) among neonates during hospital stay, bacterial carriage among pregnant mothers due for delivery as well carriage among healthcare workers. His ambition is to contribute to public health interventions towards improving AMR awareness and Infection Prevention and Control of healthcare associated infections (HCAI´s) including hand hygiene and surface decontamination to combat AMR which is a global health concern.
Job Titles:
- PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGER
Daniel Protasy Challe is a Senior Research officer employed by the National Institute for Medical Research at Tanga Medical Research Centre since July, 2010. He has completely dedicated his career interests and dreams in biomedical research in the field of the demography, epidemiology and biostatistics. He has a Bachelor degree of Population and Development Planning from the Institute of Rural Development Planning; Dodoma-Tanzania. He also holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics from Tumaini University Makumira, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College; Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. He is currently, a PhD student at the Open University of Tanzania with research tittle; Spatial-temporal mapping and micro-stratification of malaria risk and associated factors in areas of different transmission intensities in Tanzania. In his carrier, he managed to acquire two grants; Drivers of HIV in motorcyclist riders and also, Dengue and febrile illness studies. He managed to conduct analysis of various medical research studies and publish at least six articles in different peer review journals. Moreover, he managed to attend several scientific conferences, short courses and meetings in which positively enabled him to improve capacity in his carrier. His future plan is to become a Health Researcher who will be able to execute more biomedical researches for the betterment of his own country people.
Job Titles:
- MABIBO MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE / CENTRE MANAGER
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Officer
- Research Scientist
Dr. Daniel Minja is a Principal Research Officer at National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanga Centre, Tanzania. Dr. Minja Holds a PhD in Molecular Epidemiology of Malaria in Pregnancy (MIP) from the University of Copenhagen Denmark, MSc Molecular Biology (IPMB) from Vrije University Brussel, Belgium and BSc Biological Sciences from the University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
Dr. Minja has been working with NIMR since 2001 and has actively been engaged in various researches related to among others; Molecular Epidemiology and Immunology of Infectious and non-communicable diseases. He is currently based at NIMR Korogwe Research Station and he assumes the role of Project leader, Co-Investigator in various Projects, supervising junior NIMR Staff as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students from local and overseas universities receiving their practical training at NIMR.
He has keen interest on Molecular Surveillance of Antimicrobial drug Resistance, Malaria vaccine development and Clinical trials. He has wide knowledge in setting up various assays including parasite culture and inhibition binding assays as well as transcriptional analysis of genes related to pathogenesis and clinical presentation of various disease pathogens, high throughput multiplex assays and other molecular immunology techniques of Infectious Diseases among others.
Dr. Minja participated in diverse studies including the search for alternative therapy for Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy (IPTp) as well as searching for possible causes of human genetic traits exacerbating the susceptibility to non-communicable diseases. He has co-authored over 50 publications in scientific peer reviewed journals.
Dr Minja has worked with various collaborators from Tanzania and overseas including University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of Antwerp, Belgium, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Germany, to mention only a few. He is the recipient of grants from various funding agencies including EDCTP, CDC, VLIR-UOS, DANIDA, DFG, EU-FP7, DCSR etc
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Dr Frank is a research scientist with about 7 years of experience, employed by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). He has a medical degree (MD) and master's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation in Health (MSc) and current he is pursuing his PhD in Epidemiology focusing on the burden of chronic diseases multimorbidity.
Moreover, Dr Frank has been involved in several research projects focusing on both communicable and non-communicable diseases and accumulated skills on Medical writing: abstracts, manuscripts, conference reports, regulatory briefing documents, risk management plans, protocols, study manuals, informed consent forms, training and evaluation materials, CTD modules (nonclinical and clinical), clinical evaluation reports, clinical study reports, investigator brochures, lay summaries and results postings; Training: needs assessment, course development, presentation, investigator meetings, accompanied field visits; Clinical science: medical and scientific guidance, study design, CRF and database design, sampled monitoring plan, medical and safety training and oversight, data review and interpretation; GCP compliance: training and assessment programmes, SOP development, QC consulting; Project management: planning and implementation of all stages of clinical trials from protocol development to clinical study report, selection and management of CROs and other vendors, coordination of sponsor resources;
Furthermore, Dr Frank supervise and mentors' interns at NIMR Muhimbili and MSc students under East African Consortium for Clinical Research.
Job Titles:
- MUHIMBILI MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE / CENTRE MANAGER
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR
- DIRECTOR of RESEARCH INFORMATION and REGULATORY AFFAIRS
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Principal
- Research Officer
- TANGA MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE / CENTRE MANAGER
- TANGA MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE MANAGER
Dr. Mercy Grace Chiduo is a Principal Research Officer and the Centre Manager for Tanga Medical Research Centre. She is a Medical Doctor with a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and a degree in Medicine from the Universidad de Santiago de Cuba, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas de Guantanamo, Cuba. She joined the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) at Tanga Medical Research Centre in 2007. Dr. Chiduo's interest in research is mainly focused in Infectious diseases; HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Malaria and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). She has been involved in different research activities to name a few; Clinical trials in Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) a work which resulted to the installation of the PCR machine for the HIV viral load testing and Early Infant Diagnosis of People living with HIV (PLWHIV) residing within the 8 districts of Tanga region. She also participated in research on STIs among vulnerable populations like Pregnant women and Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) as well as the general population. Dr. Chiduo has been involved in the antimalarials Therapeutic Efficacy Studies (TES) within the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) sentinel sites working together with other stakeholders. She was also involved in other malaria prevention studies; among the population living around rice farms and recruits in Tanzanian's Army Camps and School Children (IPTsc). Dr. Chiduo has been working with the Tanga Regional Referral Hospital (Bombo Hospital) in studies looking on the causes of non-malarial fevers among admitted patients. She was also involved in studies on AMR looking at bacterial reservoirs among pregnant women and their newborns, hospital staff and environment. Dr. Chiduo has co-authored over 30 publications in peer reviewed journals. She has been Coordinating and facilitating different health related courses, Supervising Medical students with research component as part of their training. She was involved in review of the current National Guidelines for Malaria Diagnosis, Treatment and Preventive Therapies. Diagnosis and Treatment guidelines as well as review of scientific articles in various scientific journals nationally and internationally.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- DIRECTOR of RESEARCH COORDINATION and PROMOTION
- MBEYA MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE MANAGER
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Brief summary credentials (profession and education) MD (Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences) MPH-International Health (University of Nottingham) PhD (Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College/London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) Brief professional experience (Professional background to current. Include any outstanding achievements). Dr. Ruby Mcharo is a Research Scientist at the National Institute for Medical Research- Mbeya Medical Research Center (NIMR-MMRC), Tanzania. She is currently undertaking a PhD in public health supported through the DELTAS Africa Initiative grant # DEL-15-011 to THRiVE-2; her research is looking at prevalence of potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual behaviour among 18-24 year old students attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya-Tanzania. Dr. Mcharo has been involved in a number of research studies on HIV, HPV, Cervical Cancer, STIs and Health research ethics. She is also the Secretary and Member of the Southern Highland Zonal IRB (MMREC). She has held a Honorary Assistant Professor appointment at the University of Nottingham, UK where she is also a Visiting Lecturer. Dr. Mcharo is also a Lecturer at the University of Dar es salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (UDSM-MCHAS). She is recognized by the East African Health Research Commission (EAHRC) as a Young East African Health Research Scientist. She was awarded the Mount Kilimanjaro Scientific Award for recognition of outstanding achievements in health research at the NIMR 30th Annual Joint Scientific Conference.
Dr. Samwel Gesase is a Research Officer working with National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre since 2001. He was awarded doctor of Medicine Degree in 1999 at Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS). He completed MSc in Epidemiology at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 2006 and awarded Masters Degree by the University of London. Samwel is registered by the Medical Council Tanganyika as General Practitioner. He has been involved in various Clinical Trials involving both Malaria Vaccines and Antimalarial Drugs at NIMR Korogwe site, Tanga region. With research experience spanning over two decades, Dr. Gesase is a reliable partner in the implementation of Planned Research at Community or Hospital settings as well as research findings dissemination after project completion. He has expertise as facilitator on Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for training research team members, communication with both regulatory and ethics committees on issues related to research. He has also performed the role of country PI/Co-PI in number of clinical trials that are multi-centre study.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- AMANI MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE / CENTRE MANAGER
- AMANI MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE MANAGER
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Research Scientist
- Research Sceintist
Godlove Thomas Chaula was born in 1977 in Njombe region, Makete District. He completed Primary Education, at Kizwite Primary School in 1993, he joined Mazwi Secondary School in 1994 and completed his Secondary Education in 1997.Godlove Chaula joined Dar es salaam Institute of Technology in 1998 and in 2001 he receive a full technician certificate in Laboratory Technology, he worked as a secondary teacher in science subjects for two years, then in 2003 he joined Muhimbili University Collage of Health Sciences which was under University of Dar es salaam for further studies, in 2006 was awarded a diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences. In 1st September 2006 Godlove was employed at National institute for Medical Research Mbeya Medical Research Centre as Laboratory technologist later aSenior Health Laboratory Technologist III up to 2011. In 2011 he joined Sokoine University College of agriculture and he received a Bachelor of Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences in 2014.Currently Godlove Chaula is a research scientist, he worked in this institution for 13 years. Godlove Chaula had a chance to participate in different project likeEMINI Project, E-NOSEProject, Tr-DNA Project, IMMUNO RESPONSE Project, ADAT IN CHILDREN, REMOX Project, HOMA project, TB- Sequel project, POL trial and Simplici TB (NC008). Godlove Chaula attended several local and international training and conferences in and out of Tanzania, he developed his own Laboratory experimental works and presented in different local and international conferences, he was able to develop and write some research proposals and participated in some journal publications. In May 2017 Godlove Chaula was a best junior research scientist at National institute for Medical Research Mbeya Medical Research Centre.
Hadija Abeid, is an assistant accountant, working with NIMR Mbeya Medical Research Centre. She is holding an advanced diploma in accountancy, from Tanzania institute of accountancy - TIA in 2011. As an assitant accountant she works on various field including • Examining bank statements and reconciling them with general ledger entries • Examining expenses submitted by employees • Keeping an eye on incoming payments from accounts receivable and outgoing payments from accounts payable • Preparing payment vouchers • Analysing data collected in order to determine the state of financial health • Analysing data to understand where the institute is generating and losing revenue • Generating financial reports that display the Institute profits, equity and cash flow Hadija Abeid also worked with Singida Municipal council and Bugando medical centre as assistant accountant before joining NIMR-MMRC . Where she worked on various areas as follows • Prepares asset, liability, and capital account entries by compiling and analyzing account information. • Documents financial transactions by entering account information. • Recommends financial actions by analyzing accounting options. • Summarizes current financial status by collecting information; preparing balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and other reports. • Substantiates financial transactions by auditing documents. • Cash and cheque payment management • Reconciles financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information Hadija abeid Professional experience gave her a solid understanding of accounting in it's broad categories and her future endeavor is continual learning and widening knowledge in the field of accountacy.
Job Titles:
- PUBLIC RELATIONS & COMMUNICATION MANAGER
Mr. Mshiu is a research scientist with about 7 years of experience, employed by the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). He holds Master's of Science in Biostatistics from the University of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is working as Medical Statistician with the institute and most of his work are mainly focusing on study design, database development, data management and analysis.
Job Titles:
- Public Health and Project Management Specialist
Kunda John Stephen is an Epidemiologist, public health and project management specialist with over 20 years of experience with both public and private institutions at local and international levels. Worked on epidemiology of infectious diseases, prevention and control mainly using a multi-sectoral or One health approach. Has a stronghold in strategic planning monitoring and evaluation of development projects.
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Officer
- Senior Research Scientist
- Senior Research Scientist at the National Institute for M
Ms. Doris David Mbata is a senior research scientist at the National Institute for M,edical Research (NIMR). She holds a Master's degree in Demography (population studies) and Bachelor of Arts in Education; both from the university of Dar es Salam. She is currently a PhD candidate at the open university of Tanzania; perusing a project on Stakeholders' engagement and strategies for data packaging, translation and utilization; under the project on molecular surveillance of malaria in Tanzania (MSMT).
Doris has over 16 years working as a social scientist. She has extensively worked with qualitative research methodology, and she is also acquainted with quantitative research methodology. She has vast experience working with multidisciplinary teams, and she interacts and works with different experts both national and international. For over 16 years of her research career, she has gained proficiency in conducting research, including the use of technology and software to conduct analysis such as qualitative data analysis using Nvivo software, and quantitative data analysis using STATA and SPSS. She is therefore able to work under a challenging environment and produce great results, this relies on her ability to self-management, flexibility, and always maintaining effective work relationship with other workers.
Doris, she is hardworking, committed and reliable individual who welcomes the opportunity to share growing skills and abilities while learning all she can in accomplishing her goals. She is also optimistic, and this relies on seeing health research results translated and utilized to achieve a better future for the betterment of community at large.
Prof. Said S. Aboud is the Director General of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Infection Biology from Karolinska Institute in Sweden, a Master of Medicine degree (MMed) in Microbiology and Immunology of the University of Dar es Salaam, a Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) in Health Sciences (Immunology) from the University of Bergen in Norway, and a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) from the University of Dar es Salaam. Prof. Aboud has 20 years of experience in HIV research including HIV diagnosis and disease monitoring, HIV drug resistance testing, HIV and nutrition, HIV pathogenesis and genotyping and HIV vaccinology. Prof. Aboud has immense experience in clinical research and management. Prof. Aboud has been involved in 20 clinical trials funded by NIH, EDCTP and BMGF. He has mentored and supervised 31 MMed/MSc dissertations and 5 PhD theses in addition to his vast research experience in malaria, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance and diagnostics. He has previously worked at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in the capacity of Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor - Planning, Finance and Administration, Acting Director of Planning and Investment, Deputy Vice Chancellor - Hospital Services, Director of Research and Publications and Head, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. He has served and continues to serve in numerous administrative positions relating to clinical research, medicines and laboratory regulation in several institutions in Tanzania and abroad. He has published 195 papers as first and co-author in peer reviewed high impact factor journals. He has a huge experience in management of national and international issues in clinical research, medicines and laboratory.
Salome Christian was an Assistant accountant at Antelope Tours and Travel since 2010, before joining NIMR - Mbeya Medical Research Centre in January, 2011. She has helped accounts team in whole process of cash collection, payment voucher preparation, handling petty cash and floats, do all banking related transaction, accounting for staff fuel, internet, telephone bills, staff meals allowance and office supplies, payroll preparation, invoice preparation and cash and bank payment. Salome is currently working at NIMR MMRC as Assistant accountant since 2011. She has experience on handling number projects from different donors such as EDCTP, DZIF, TB Alliance, DFG, BMBF and HVTN. She is also involved in preparation of various report both donors report and organization report such as bank reconciliation, quarterly report of income and expenditure for whole organization, payroll preparation, budget preparation and follow up, accounting and apportionment of project overhead and assisting in annual and periodic report of both donor and organization as a whole. She has experience in accounting packages such as Navision and quickbooks. Salome is married to Stephen P Ngowi and she is a mother of two children: Jacqueline Stephen Ngowi (5 years) and Merida Stephen Ngowi (3 years). EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS CPA, CPA (T), Ongoing with the course/studies PGDFM, Institute of Finance Management (IFM Dar es Salaam), 2010 ADA, Institute of Finance Management (IFM Dar es Salaam), 2009
I am Simeon Philemon Mwanyonga, working at NIMR-Mbeya Medical Research Center as Social Scientist cum community engagement officer with a background of being a motor vehicle mechanic and driver for 14 years. Education: Currently, I study Masters in Public Health through Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). 2010 - 2013: Bachelor of Art in Sociology and Social Work at Teofilo Kisanji University 2010: Pre-university course at Teofilo Kisanji University 2010: Form VI sat at Iyunga High School Center 2006: Advanced drivers course - National Institute of Transport (NIT) 1998: Motor vehicle mechanics Grade II - VETA 1995 - 1997: Motor vehicle mechanics Grade III - Mbalizi vocational trainning center 1991 - 1994: Secondary education ordinary level at Mbalizi Secondary school Experience: 2013 to date: I have workedin projects as stipulated below: From 2017 to date: I am involved in TB Sequel projectdealing with the socioeconomic sub study on collection of socioeconomic information which are part of long term impacts from TB patients including taking GPS coordinates for identification of their residence. January - June, 2017:Involved in a team dealing with counseling and testing for HIV among Key Population in Mbeya region by using a Mobile Laboratory (MDTC). March, 2015 to November, 2016: Involved inHoma Project as research assistant,Quality Assurance and Quality Control personnel. July, 2013 to 2015: TB Reach phase 3 project:Quality Assurance and Quality Control personnel and supervisor. The objective of this intervention was to scale up TB case detection among prison inmates and new admission using Gene X-pert MTB/Rif® in 5 central prisons located in Tanzania. In the past I have been involved in other projects such as the EMINI(Evaluation and Monitoring the Impact of New Intervention) survey where I started working in the research field as field assistant, interviewer and driver.
Wilbert Mbuya is a laboratory-based research scientist that focuses on immunology. Mr. Mbuya has a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences and technology and holds a master's degree in infection biology. He has worked for NIMR MMRC for a number of years focusing particularly in the field of HIV and cervical cancer, employing techniques such as flow cytometry, interferon gamma release assays and immunohistochemistry. He is a member of the Swedish Institute Network for future global leaders.