London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Fundamental medical research is as essential as the air we breathe, but it is sometimes difficult to understand in terms of the benefits it brings to society. When this research is taken to the field and tested, its importance becomes immediately evident as we see the effects it has on the lives of thousands of people.

The School has a long tradition of carrying out research where it can make a big contribution to the lives of the local population while advancing medical knowledge.

It is present in many countries worldwide, with staff working on a number of research projects involving local public health, prevention and treatment of diseases, supporting and fostering local initiatives. The Malaria Centre (part of the LSHTM) alone works in 25 countries. Its presence is particularly strong on the African continent, with Tanzania being the country hosting the largest number of staff and projects linked with the School.

Here, among lecturers, research fellows, administrators and research assistants, the LSHTM counts on a 24 strong group, mainly based at the Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC) and the Ifakara Health Institute (Dar Es Salaam) but also in other rural areas around the country. The alumni network extends even more widely, with more than 190 members in Tanzania, a total of over 700 in East Africa and more than 1600 on the entire continent.

Working in close collaboration with the local population, staff in Tanzania are currently involved in around 40 ongoing research projects designed around the particular conditions and needs of the country, including the promotion of HIV services and retroviral therapy; the monitoring of HIV and other STD epidemics; new technologies to provide on-site sanitation; the screening of new malaria vaccines; prevention measures and the building of capacity through fostering a new generation of health professionals with knowledge of the local scenarios.

To celebrate the numerous activities in connection with this country, LSHTM sent reporters to Tanzania to speak to researchers who are dedicating their energies and time to making a difference to the wellbeing of the local population.

Podcasts (visit our Soundcloud channel -  https://soundcloud.com/lshtm)

• New Insecticides Promise To Beat Mosquito Resistance In Africa
• Malaria: Can Insecticide-Treated Bed Sheets Prevent Mosquito Bites?
• Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test Guides Anti-Malaria Drugs Targeting.
• African Research Brings Hopes Of Eliminating Malaria.
• First Anti-Parasite Vaccine: Malaria Research Nears Completion In Tanzania.
• Avoiding Childhood Deaths: The View From Africa’s Highest Mountain.
• Community Health Volunteers In Tanzania: Key To New-born Survival?
• Ready-To-Use Food Supplement Could Help Treat Sickle Cell Disease.