MUHIMBILI University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) and the government of Sweden have signed a new grant agreement worth 12bn/- to strengthen innovation, research and training for students pursuing PhD and master's degrees.

Prof Appolinary Kamuhabwa, MUHAS vice chancellor, made the announcement in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the signing ceremony which was witnessed by deans of faculties and Swedish embassy representatives.

He explained that the six-year agreement (2024-2030) is a continuation of the collaboration that began in the early 1980s between MUHAS and the Swedish International Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

Prof Kamuhabwa added that under the agreement, MUHAS will collaborate with two universities in Sweden. To date, 37 PhD holders and 16 master's degree holders have benefited from the collaboration.

He highlighted that the partnership has enabled MUHAS to contribute significantly to the development of the national health sector, including changes in health policies, guidelines, and health systems. So far, 19 policies have been revised as part of the collaboration.

"The collaboration has facilitated numerous research projects, particularly in tuberculosis and malaria and MUHAS has since expanded its focus to non-communicable diseases," he said.

"I would like to assure our partners that the support will be used for its intended purpose," he added.

Ambassador of Sweden to Tanzania Charlotta Ozak Marcias stated that the collaboration has played a pivotal role in addressing health challenges in the country, including revision of health policies and guidelines.

She noted that the success of the collaboration is evident in the research achievements in malaria and tuberculosis, pointing out that Tanzania and Sweden have been collaborating in research for 48 years.

"The collaboration focuses on strengthening the role and capacity of MUHAS to address critical health challenges of national importance such as human resources for health, health policies and guidelines as well as the evolving disease landscape," she said.

"The impact of Swedish support has been felt both at the institutional and national levels. For example, the establishment of the central biorepository will significantly enhance clinical studies," she added.

The previous phase of Swedish support from 2015 to 2023 contributed to increase in the number of scientists. During the period, 32 PhD students (86 percent of those registered) and 11 master's students (69 percent of those registered) graduated.

Dr Harrison Mwakyembe, MUHAS Board Chairman, expressed gratitude to Sweden for its continued collaboration and support, noting that Sweden's support has been instrumental in helping MUHAS develop innovative solutions in the health sector.