CONFERENCE PROCEEDING: The 32nd Annual Joint Scientific Conference of the National Institute for Medical Research 14 – 16th May 2024

Abstract

Background: The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Tanzania has been organizing Annual Joint Scientific Conferences (AJSCs) since 1982 to disseminate research evidence to stakeholders for policy and practice change. The 32nd AJSC took place from May 14-16, 2024, at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Dar es Salaam.Objectives: To facilitate the sharing of research results, showcase the latest health technologies, foster networking, and explore new research priority areas.Approach: A call for abstract submission for the 32nd AJSC was issued, reflecting the main theme "Advancing Research and Development for Improving Health Services" and the seven sub-themes: (i) Communicable diseases, including emerging and re-emerging diseases; (ii) non-communicable diseases (NCDs); (iii) Health systems strengthening, innovation and technological advancement; (iv) Reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH); (v) multi-sectoral and community engagement in disease prevention and control; (vi) Climate change and social determinants of health and (vii) Nutrition and Health. Also, stakeholders were invited to exhibitions and voted for the prominent scientists in the scientific awards. Results: A total of 276 abstracts on different thematic areas were received, and 270 were accepted for oral and poster presentations (241 for oral in parallel sessions and posters, and 29 were presented in different symposiums). The titles of the Symposia included (i)The Future of NCD Care: Unleashing Innovative Partnerships and Technologies; (ii)Towards Programmatic Diagnosis and Care for Post Tuberculosis Lung Disease; (iii) Malaria; (iv) HIV Epidemic Control by 2030: The role of Evidence-Based Practices in monitoring progress and (v) Prevention and Control of NCDs: current status and progress towards agenda 2030. The conference drew more than 300 participants from Tanzania and beyond, from disciplines such as healthcare professionals, researchers, decision-makers and policymakers, students, journalists, public health professionals, and environment specialists. The keynote address focused on the contribution of research in informing policy and practice for improving the health of Tanzanians, which was accompanied by seven key plenary presentations: (i) Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases; (ii) Epidemic Preparedness and Response: the 7-1-7 target for outbreak detection, notification, and response; (iii) Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Tanzania; (iv) Status of the delivery and Utilization of Health Services in Tanzania; (v) ‘Advancing health through technology and innovation; (vi) Interventions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes; (vii) Knowledge generation and use; Summary findings from the Tanzania HIV Indicator Survey.Eight awards were presented to individuals who contributed outstandingly to improving health service delivery among Tanzanians. The opening, keynote, and plenary presentations were live streams, and 15 exhibitions were held by stakeholders from within and outside NIMR. Discussions and deliberations on key recommendations were also made and submitted to the Ministry of Health.