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IHI Support - Single Phase


Tanzania’s health sector faces critical challenges, compounded by limited access to reliable, locally generated data for evidence-based decision-making. Amid a shifting donor fiscal landscape impacting institutional resources, this initiative supports the 2023–2028 strategic plan of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), SDC’s strategic partner, by providing a single-phase support out of core contribution while safeguarding capacity and enabling sustainable, high-quality local research.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Tanzania
Health
nothemedefined
Health systems strengthening
Medical services
01.07.2025 - 31.12.2028
 CHF  1’450’000
The project in brief
Background Tanzania faces a significant burden of preventable diseases like malaria and tuberculosis, which impact national development and health equity. Key public institutions such as the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) play important roles in coordinating health research and innovation; however, as government entities, their agendas can be influenced by broader political priorities. In contrast, the IHI — which traces its roots to a Swiss field-laboratory and has received Swiss government and academic support over decades — operates as an independent, nongovernmental research organization, allowing it greater flexibility to conduct locally driven, evidence-based research that informs policy and practice. Ensuring IHI’s ability to sustain such work through core funding is essential to strengthening the national evidence base, particularly in emerging areas such as climate and health, while also reinforcing the strategic linkages between IHI and SDC’s health portfolio for effective policy dialogue.
Objectives To contribute to a healthy and empowered population with access to evidence-based health services and solutions through the excellence of a local research organization
Target groups National and international scientists; Ministry of Health - also through NIMR; Ministry of Education Science and technology (MoEST), also through COSTECH; Members of Parliament; General population
Medium-term outcomes

1. Strengthened institutional and financial sustainability of IHI for long-term research capacity 

2. Increased evidence-based policy and practice through high-impact research on climate and health
Results

Expected results:  

1. Further assessment and development of the for-profit branch of IHI

2. Establishment of strategic partnerships and funding mechanisms to support ongoing research initiatives

3. Young researchers retained, trained and recognized through competitive scientific research programs

4. Translation of research evidence into actionable tools, guidelines, and recommendations for policymakers and practitioners

5. Climate and health research studies conducted, published, and disseminated


Results from previous phases:  

Institutional Governance and Research Capacity

i. Improved credibility and quality of research outputs - from 29 to 100+ peer-reviewed publications per year

ii. Established level I, II, and III clinical trials facilities

iii. Increased policy influence and representation in 22 government advisory and technical working groups 

Financial Accountability and Sustainability

i. Improved quality of financial reporting - progressed from unaudited accounts to consistently unqualified audit reports since 1993

ii. Diversified revenue streams beyond conducting scientific research to include rentals, consultancies, financial markets, and starting a foundation

iii. Broadened the donor base, increasing global and
Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
Foreign academic and research organisation
Private sector
  • Foreign private sector South/East
  • Research Organisation of South East
  • Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)


Coordination with other projects and actors

Projects: Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Health Basket Fund (HBF), Towards Elimination of Malaria in Tanzania (TEMT).

Actors: Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), NIMR
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    1’450’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    754’856 Budget of the organisation CHF    131’700’000 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF   0 Budget inclusive project partner CHF   1’450’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.07.2025 - 31.12.2028   (Current phase)
  • Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation HEALTH
    HEALTH
    HEALTH
    Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation
    Health policy and administrative management
    Health policy and administrative management
    Medical services
    Cross-cutting topics The project supports partner organisation improvements as a priority
    The project also supports partner organisation improvements
    Aid Type Core contribution
    Mandate without fiduciary fund
    Project number

    7F11585

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Last update 05.12.2024