The Directorate of Research, Partnership, and Community Services at SFUCHAS is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the Ifakara Innovation Hub (IIH) in nurturing the innovative potential of our medical and allied health sciences students at SFUCHAS. Through this partnership, students will benefit from IIH’s dedicated mentorship and support, enabling them to develop practical, impactful innovative solutions in healthcare.
We are currently in the final stages of formalizing this collaboration through MoU. We believe this strategic partnership will play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare by equipping the next generation of professionals with the skills and mindset to drive innovation. The impact of IIH’s engagement will undoubtedly be seen in the growth and development of our future healthcare leaders.
The Directorate of Research, Partnership, and Community Services at SFUCHAS, had the distinct honor of serving as Secretariate member of the General Organizing Committee and General Overseers across several subcommittees for the 4th SFUCHAS Annual Scientific Conference, held on the 23rd (pre-conference) and 25–26th of June 2025 at Homeland Hall, Ifakara. With the theme: “Strengthening Resilient and Equitable Healthcare Systems for Better Health Outcomes,” This year’s conference served as a national platform for driving forward innovation, research, and policy dialogue in healthcare. We proudly welcomed over 300 participants, including professors, researchers, students, health professionals, policymakers, and innovators from across Tanzania and beyond Key achievement include;
1. Pre-Conference Community Outreach reached 247 Kilombero community members through eye screenings, general consultations, and blood donations. Tremendous thanks to SolidarMed, TTCIH, IHI, SFRRH Ifakara Town Council team for making this outreach a success.
2. Over 53 peer-reviewed abstracts presented (including 4 international).
3. Launch of the Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe Primary Healthcare Award Aspecial award to celebrate inspiring young researchers, innovators, and implementers in primary healthcare. Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe (DG- ECSA-Health Community) was well represented by Anodi Kaihula, General Manager THS Thanks to the creative work of our student-led teams and TAMSA SFUCHAS, we amplified awareness and participation far beyond the venue. Furthermore, we were honored by the presence of:
i. Prof. Daniel Mushi, Deputy Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Education, Science & Technology
ii. Dr. Mugisha Nkorongo, President – Medical Association of Tanzania
iii. Adv. Dunstan Kyobya, District Commissioner – Kilombero.
Our sincere gratitude to the SFUCHAS Management, led by Prof. Albino Kalolo, and to Prof. Nicholas Kavana, for their unwavering leadership and support. A heartfelt thank you to our main co-hosting institutions, SolidarMed, TTCIH, IHI, the SFUCHAS staff and students, and all the Ifakara Cluster Institutions for your commitment and generous contributions that made this conference truly impactful. Special appreciation to our sponsors:
i. Gold Sponsors: INQABA, Girl Effect
ii. Silver Sponsors: Homeland Hall, CUHAS, KVTC
iii. Custom Sponsors: NNF, Afya Hour Podcast, MEGA WE CARE, RBA Initiative, and many others. We look forward to continuing this important journey with all of you as we prepare for the 5th SFUCHAS Annual Scientific Conference.
Was a pleasure connecting with our colleagues from Haydom Lutheran Hospital management, researchers, and friends—following the 4th Annual SFUCHAS Scientific Conference. During this post-conference engagement, we explored promising opportunities for collaboration in research, training, and community service.
As part of their visit, the team had the opportunity to tour several institutions within the Ifakara Cluster. In addition to SFUCHAS, they visited IHI, SFRRH, TTCIH, SolidarMed, and GSCH. These visits provided valuable insights into the work being done across the cluster and highlighted existing partnerships in the health sector.
We trust the experience was both enriching and inspiring. On behalf of the Office of the Acting Director of Research, Partnership, and Community Services, we warmly welcome all who are interested to visit Ifakara and discover more about our collaborative environment and impactful initiatives.
Special gratitude from Ally Mwambela-SFUCHAS MD student @ MUHAS Win and Learn Academic event, research category winner.