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| Professor Karim Manji. Photo: File |
By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam – Professor Karim Manji, a distinguished expert in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), has been awarded the prestigious Alumni Award of Merit from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of the institution.
The award, which recognizes individuals for their extraordinary contributions to public health, celebrates Prof. Manji’s decades-long dedication to improving healthcare in Tanzania. Since its inception in 1992, only 104 individuals have received this award, with the majority being from the United States. Prof. Manji becomes only the third African to be honored, following earlier recipients from South Africa and Nigeria, and the first from East Africa.
"This award is a humbling recognition of a journey that began with a deep sense of responsibility toward the most vulnerable—our newborns," Prof. Manji said in an interview with a health publication in Tanzania.
One of his most groundbreaking contributions is his work on the HPTN-046 multicenter study, which had a profound impact on global health policy by influencing the adoption of oral Nevirapine for breastfeeding infants born to HIV-positive mothers. This pivotal research contributed to shaping international strategies in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Prof. Manji's commitment to providing innovative solutions to pressing health issues extends beyond HIV research. His work continues to address significant health challenges in Tanzania, including neonatal hypothermia, vitamin D deficiency, and the care of small and sick newborns. He has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives that have transformed neonatal healthcare across the country.
Among his notable accomplishments is the establishment of the MSc Neonatal Fellowship Program at MUHAS, which has significantly increased the number of trained neonatologists in Tanzania. His efforts have led to the development of neonatal units in regional hospitals and referral facilities, improving survival rates and care for newborns nationwide.
Reflecting on his career and the honor bestowed upon him, Prof. Manji stated, "I stayed committed to my institution and my nation. It means devotion, and this award means that we in Africa, in Tanzania, at MUHAS are capable of the highest achievements. It’s a very honorable and proud moment for us all."
His work has also contributed to advancements in pediatric healthcare, notably through his research on the role of low-dose Zinc in the treatment of childhood diarrhea. This research influenced the development of new global guidelines for the use of Zinc in managing diarrheal diseases, which remain a leading cause of mortality in children under five years old in developing countries.
Prof. Manji’s dedication to improving child health and neonatal care in Tanzania has earned him widespread recognition, both locally and internationally. His groundbreaking research and advocacy for better healthcare systems have set new standards for pediatric care and continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
This award serves as a testament to Prof. Manji’s unwavering commitment to public health, and his work continues to make a profound difference in the lives of Tanzanians. His contributions represent a beacon of hope and progress for healthcare across the continent.
As Prof. Manji remains committed to advancing healthcare in Tanzania, his legacy of research, mentorship, and clinical innovation will undoubtedly leave an enduring impact on the nation's healthcare system.