Ongoing collaborative public health and medical research activities were the focus of important discussions between MHRP and the President of Tanzania on June 18, 2009 in Dar es Salaam.
A delegation from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), led by COL Nelson Michael, Director MHRP, met with the President of Tanzania H.E Jakaya Kikwete to discuss HIV, pandemic influenza and malaria surveillance and diagnostics.
COL Michael said, “The visit highlighted how the U.S. Department of Defense has partnered with Tanzanians and their government to continue progress toward achieving a sustainable, independent health system that addresses the nation's public health challenges.”
The WRAIR visit to Tanzania was a follow-up to President Kiwkete's visit to WRAIR in Washington in May, which also included a visit to the White House with President Obama and a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
While in Tanzania, the WRAIR delegation visited projects funded by the American people through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the President's Malaria Initiative. Currently, WRAIR supports civilian HIV prevention, care and treatment services in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma, and Tanzania People's Defense Forces facilities.
Since 1999, WRAIR has been conducting research studies in Mbeya as part of an international effort to develop a globally effective preventive HIV vaccine.