Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – April 17, 2025 – In a remarkable showcase of academic unity and collaboration, Kampala International University in Tanzania (KIUT) hosted the Interdisciplinary Health Science Conference at its Campus’ Main Hall, attracting over 400 students, faculty members, and distinguished guests. The event brought together future healthcare practitioners from diverse disciplines, including pharmacy, medical laboratory sciences, and medicine, all united under a shared commitment to advancing healthcare education.

The conference saw participation from the Tanzania Medical Student Association (TAMSA), the Tanzania Medical Laboratory Student Association (TAMELASA), and the Tanzania Pharmacy Student Association (TAPSA), marking a historic moment of cooperation across these vital fields.

The conference was graced by esteemed figures in the field of public health, including Guest of Honor Professor Esther Ngadaya, a renowned epidemiologist and two-time NIMR Muhimbili Best Scientist. Professor Ngadaya’s keynote address underscored the importance of collaboration in healthcare and emphasized that the future of health systems relies on inclusive leadership.

“I urge you to see collaboration not as a weakness, but as a strength,” said Professor Ngadaya. “You are not just students; you are the future leaders who will bridge the gap between science, society, policy, and practice.”

The event also featured notable leaders from KIUT, including the Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, Ms. Saida Mwakitete, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Joseph F. Kahamba, and the Head of the Pharmacy Department Professor Willbroad Kalala, who all spoke passionately about the potential of interdisciplinary cooperation.

In her opening remarks, Madam Saida Kingi Mwakitete applauded the students for their dedication and ambition, praising their role in organizing the conference. “This event is a testament to the students’ commitment and ability to work together for a greater cause,” she remarked.

Professor Kahamba for his part highlighted the significance of the students’ unity, urging them to embrace key virtues such as responsibility, diligence, punctuality, and technological awareness. “The ability to plan and execute such an event demonstrates the tremendous potential you possess,” he said, before introducing Professor Ngadaya.

Professor Ngadaya’s speech was a call to action for the attendees. She spoke about the transformative power of collaboration and the responsibility healthcare students hold in shaping inclusive, innovative health systems. “Your role as future clinicians, scientists, educators, and advocates will be pivotal in closing the gaps between scientific research, societal needs, and policy implementation,” she concluded, officially declaring the union between TAMSA, TAMELASA, and TAPSA as both strong and active.

The conference wrapped up with an impassioned address from Dr. Frateline Kashaga, a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Social Science in the Faculty of Computing, Management, and Social Science, who emphasized the importance of carrying the spirit of collaboration into the participants’ future careers. “Let this conference be more than just a moment in time; let it be the beginning of lifelong partnerships,” he urged.

The official union of TAMSA, TAMELASA, and TAPSA marked a significant milestone, symbolizing a new era of unity in health education and professional development. The conference was also made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Mednova, Neat Restaurant, and Mega We Care, whose contributions were deeply appreciated by all.

As the event concluded, attendees left inspired and energized, ready to build upon the foundation of collaboration laid at this landmark gathering. The conference has set the stage for future interdisciplinary partnerships and innovation in Tanzania’s healthcare sector.