OVER 250 scientists are expected to participate in the 2nd International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and the 4th Tanzania Neuroradiology Conference aimed at advancing understanding of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) field.

The conference dubbed: “Health Insights Through Imaging Innovations”, is scheduled to run from 19th to 20th of September this year in Dar es Salaam and will be preceded by a workshop from 17 to 18.

Dr Lulu Fundikira, Tanzania Radiology Society (TARASO) President, said this at a press conference held at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, underlining the advantageous part of the conference to MRI technicians who will take precautions by adhering to strict protocols to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

“On the government’s support that has increased modern medical equipment in diagnostic and disease detection equipment, including MRI machines and CT scanners, as stakeholders, we also see the need to engage scientists in the upcoming conference to promote communication, research, development and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology,” she said.

According to her, the platform will provide experience-sharing opportunities and uncover key insights on the use of MRI.

Dr Mary Kamuzora, Chairperson of the ISMRM Local Organizing Committee, said the conference will engage ISMRM – African Chapter, TARASO, Tanzania Association of Radiographers (TARA); Association of Medical Engineers and Technicians Tanzania (AMETT), Federation of African Medical Physics Organization (FAMPO), MUHAS and the Ministry of Health through the Medical Radiology and Imaging Professionals Council (MRIPC) and the Department of Diagnostic Services.

“On the evening of the 19th of September 2024, we will have an entertaining moment, a fashion show “The Art of African MRI” for our professionals and other invited delegates that will aim at showcasing a fusion of MRI science and the African culture that will raise funds for young researchers and students in the field to attend such conferences in the future days.”

She further said that the conference is expected to be officiated by the Minister for Health Ummy Mwalimu on 20th September 2024.

ISMRM is a non-profit, scientific association whose purpose is to promote communication, research, development, and applications in the field of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and other related topics. Its multidisciplinary membership of over 8,000 consists of clinicians, physicians, engineers, biochemists and technologists. 

The conference will also be dwelling on sub-themes such as medical imaging devices design and innovations, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in medical design, improving healthcare with medical imaging, advancing understanding of health and disease, multimodal imaging and medical imaging accessibility.