The New paradigm of local research and innovations by local health professionals

ABSTRACT

Background: Health research in Tanzania can be traced to colonial time with their interest of fighting endemic and epidemic infections. Post-independence, in 1979, the National Institute for Medical Research was given legal mandate of undertaking, promoting, controlling, and coordinating health research of national interests in Tanzania. The ongoing International and National commitment to ending COVID-19, pandemics, attaining Universal Health Converge and Resilient and Sustainable systems for Health by 2030 calls for fundamental reforms and a new Health Research paradigm. Objective(s) The paper assesses the response of national health policies and strategies towards strengthening local health research agenda for UHC and RSSH by 2030. Method(s) Review of relevant documents to include National Vision, National Health Policies, Health Sector Strategic Plan;NIMR Health Research Priorities and Plans, Comprehensive Council Health Plans Guidelines Edition 1-IV and other closely related publications. The roles and prospects of local Professionals in Health Research and Innovations for the attainment of UHC and RSSH are reviewed and summarized. Result(s) NIMR has been responsible for National Health Research to date except for a short spell of a Health Systems Research Unit [HSRU] in the Ministry of Health [MoH] under NHP of 2003. There has not been a National Health Sector Research agenda [NHRA] under MoH to this date. This situation has undermined relevance, accountability, and effectiveness of research initiative at NIMR, MOH, other involved institutions, District councils and local communities. Conclusion and recommendations: Lack of NHSRA will hinder timely attainment of UHC and RSSH. It is recommended that the MoH should organize an NHSRA and re-establish HSRU and other necessary research structures at all levels led by Local Health Professionals, the Role of NIMR should be re-defined to effectively support NHSRS. NHRA should be costed and fully supported by MOH and Development Partners.