THE GOVERNMENT has emphasized the importance of strengthening the use of science, research, and technological innovation in the health sector to ensure research findings are translated into products and services capable of solving health challenges facing citizens.
Furthermore, it has urged researchers, universities, healthcare institutions, and the private sector to enhance collaboration in advancing research on medicines and medical equipment, including those derived from medicinal plants and traditional medical knowledge.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the official opening of the "Advancing Science in Medical Field" symposium, Deputy Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, stated that progress in the health sector requires investment in research and innovation to boost the country’s capacity to produce pharmaceuticals and medical supplies locally.
She noted that research conducted in universities and various institutions should not remain confined to academic publications and scientific debates alone, but should instead be developed into practical products, technologies, and services that directly benefit the public.
"The government recognizes the importance of strengthening the national framework and action plan to foster research, discovery, and partnerships in the production of essential medicines and medical supplies needed in the country," she said.
She stressed that priority areas should include the documentation and preservation of traditional medicine knowledge, advancing research outcomes into commercializable products, and reinforcing ties between universities, research institutions, and industry.
For his part, the Vice-Chancellor of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Professor Appolinary Kamuhabwa, disclosed that the university has allocated 200 out of its 400 acres for the cultivation of medicinal plants used in manufacturing natural remedies.
"MUHAS aims to collaborate with various stakeholders to advance natural medicines that have shown potential in helping patients, taking them into advanced stages of research, including clinical trials.
"The university has already submitted proposals regarding several natural remedies that show promise, so they can undergo further expert evaluation, refinement, and validation before broader deployment," said Prof. Kamuhabwa.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Zanzibar Health Research Institute, Dr. Mayassa Salumu Ally, revealed that a survey conducted in Zanzibar identified over 300 plant species used in traditional medical practices.
She stated that research conducted approximately four years ago in collaboration with the University of Berlin revealed that nearly 96 percent of Zanzibaris rely on traditional medicine in their daily lives.
On his part, the Chairman of the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Council of Tanzania, Professor Joseph Otieno, remarked that the growing recognition of traditional medicine by the government, scientists, hospitals, and key stakeholders marks a major milestone in strengthening the sector nationwide.
He noted that acknowledging traditional medicine's potential contribution to public health brings hope for the sector's development and expands opportunities for collaboration between traditional medicine practitioners and scientific experts.
"This collaboration is vital to ensuring that existing knowledge on traditional medicine is given space to be researched and developed for the benefit of society," said Prof. Otieno.