Tanzania's Education Minister, Professor Adolf Mkenda, has called for increased investment in scientific research and pharmaceutical development to tackle domestic health issues.

During a visit to the Ifakara Health Institute, he emphasized the need for self-reliance in medicine production, highlighting Tanzania's potential resources and expertise.The minister stressed that underutilized assets like human capital and natural resources require funding for modern labs and infrastructure.He framed this as a public health priority, not a commercial venture, advocating for locally developed medicines to meet national needs.

Key areas include securing intellectual property rights, collaboration between ministries and institutions, and addressing equipment shortages through long-term procurement plans.International partnerships, like Tanzania's recent ties with Russia, are seen as opportunities for training in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Mkenda warned against brain drain by ensuring researchers have resources to apply their skills, positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for medical innovation.