Karim Manji, a professor in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences(MUHAS) has been recognized with the highest honor bestowed upon a graduate of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Alumni Award of Merit, a prestigious accolade that celebrates exceptional contributions to the field of public health, has been bestowed upon Prof. Manji in recognition of his decades-long commitment to advancing healthcare in Tanzania.
Since 1992, the award has honored dozens of Harvard Chan School’s distinguished alumni for their outstanding contributions to public health, with about 104 awardees so far. While the majority of recipients come from the United States (around 90), the award has also recognized individuals from diverse geographic regions. Outside of the U.S., honorees have included individuals from South Africa, Nigeria, Japan, Hawaii, Taiwan, Beirut, India, Haiti, Vietnam, Germany, the UK, and Canada. Professor Manji’s recognition comes as an inaugural gift to East Africa and Tanzania.
Credit: www.hsph.harvard.edu
Manji joins the alumni whose contributions have encompassed advancements in scientific research, improvements in community health practices, leadership in public health institutions, and mentorship of future public health professionals.
“This award is a humbling recognition of a journey that began with a deep sense of responsibility toward the most vulnerable—our newborns,” said Manji, during an interview with MedicoPRESS, emphasizing the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, staff, and families in achieving this goal.
“I stayed committed to my institution and my nation. It means devotion and this award means that we in Africa, in Tanzania, at MUHAS are capable of the highest achievements . It’s a very honorable and proud moment for us all,’’
Prof. Manji
The award consists of a citation, which is presented at an award ceremony, typically a celebratory dinner held in conjunction with the annual Harvard Chan School Alumni Weekend. Prof Manji, a recipient of this award, has served his entire career at MUHAS and has been a key figure in capacity building for the institution and human resources for health development in Tanzania.
Throughout his career, Prof. Manji has been at the forefront of various research projects. One of his most notable works is the HPTN-046 multicenter study, which significantly influenced global policy on the use of oral Nevirapine among breastfeeding infants of HIV-positive mothers. His research on the role of Lower Dose Zinc in treatment of Childhood Diarrhea has also contributed to the development of new guidelines for the use of Zinc in treating diarrhea.
Furthermore, Prof. Manji has conducted observational studies on neonatal hypothermia, Vitamin D deficiency, and the continuum of care for sick and small newborns. These studies have provided valuable insights into these critical health issues in Tanzania. In recent years, he has also been actively involved in raising awareness and conducting research on Autism in Children and Rare Diseases in Tanzania.
In addition to his research endeavors, Prof. Manji has played a crucial role in improving healthcare infrastructure and capacity in Tanzania. He spearheaded the development of MSc Neonatal fellowship programs, which have increased the number of qualified neonatologists in the country. His efforts have also led to the establishment of neonatal units in most regional hospitals and referral facilities.
