THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE

Their core work

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a Tanzanian research centre focused on infectious disease research, drug development, and health systems strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. Their H2020 work spans vaccine development (Ebola), anti-parasitic drug pipelines for neglected tropical diseases, and implementation research on peer-supported mental health services. They serve as a critical African clinical research partner, providing field-trial capacity and local health system expertise that European consortia need for globally relevant health interventions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IHI's early H2020 involvement (2017–2018) centered on emergency infectious disease response — specifically Ebola vaccine development and immunology — alongside health systems research on peer support in mental health. By 2019, their focus shifted decisively toward neglected tropical diseases and preclinical/Phase 1 drug development for parasitic nematode infections. This progression suggests a move from reactive outbreak research toward sustained, pipeline-driven drug development for endemic diseases affecting their region.

IHI is building capacity as a preclinical-to-Phase 1 trial site for neglected tropical disease drugs, making them increasingly valuable for product development partnerships targeting diseases of poverty.

How they like to work

IHI participates exclusively as a consortium partner — never as coordinator — which is typical for African research institutions in EU-funded programmes where coordination overhead and administrative requirements favor European leads. With 28 unique partners across 10 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia. This pattern indicates they are a sought-after field research partner who brings irreplaceable local clinical capacity to international teams.

IHI has built a network of 28 partners across 10 countries through only 3 projects, indicating involvement in large international health consortia. Their partnerships likely span European universities, pharmaceutical companies, and other African research sites typical of global health drug development projects.

What sets them apart

IHI is one of East Africa's leading health research institutes, offering something most European partners cannot: direct access to populations affected by neglected tropical diseases and the infrastructure to run clinical trials in endemic settings. For any consortium developing vaccines, diagnostics, or drugs for diseases prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, IHI provides the essential field-trial bridge between European lab research and real-world impact. Their EUR 898K contribution to the HELP project — their largest — signals growing trust in their drug development capabilities.

Highlights from their portfolio

• HELP
  Largest funding (EUR 898K), building a pan-nematode drug development platform with three drug candidates heading toward Phase 1 — a long-term, high-impact commitment.
• PEVIA
  Thermostable pan-Ebola vaccine development addressing a critical global health security challenge, with IHI contributing immunology and field research capacity.