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KCMUCo Unveils Tanzania's First DNA Bank, Paving the Way for Genomic Research

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 11:35 GMT by The Citizen

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Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College to Launch DNA Bank to Boost Health Research and Innovation

In a bold move that underscores Tanzania’s commitment to advancing biomedical research, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo) announced plans to establish a state‑of‑the‑art DNA bank. The initiative, unveiled at a ceremony in Moshi, aims to create a centralized repository of genetic material that will serve researchers, clinicians, and students across the country. By providing a platform for cutting‑edge genomic studies, the bank is poised to accelerate discoveries in disease diagnostics, treatment strategies, and personalized medicine.

Why a DNA Bank?

Genomic research has become a cornerstone of modern healthcare. In the past decade, the discovery of genetic markers linked to a variety of diseases—from malaria and tuberculosis (TB) to inherited disorders—has enabled more precise diagnostics and targeted therapies. Yet, most African countries, including Tanzania, lack local infrastructures to collect, store, and analyze DNA samples. As a result, researchers often rely on costly collaborations with overseas institutions, which can delay findings and inflate research budgets.

“Creating a DNA bank in Tanzania is a game changer,” said Dr. William N. S. Mwanza, Vice‑Chancellor of KCMUCo. “It will reduce our dependency on external labs, foster local capacity, and empower Tanzanian scientists to tackle health challenges that disproportionately affect our population.” The bank will support studies on infectious diseases, cancer genetics, and rare congenital disorders, with a special emphasis on conditions that are endemic to the region.

The Road to Launch

The idea for the DNA bank was conceived after a series of consultations with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MOHCDGEC), and the Tanzania Biomedical Research Initiative (TBRI). According to Dr. Mwanza, the college secured a grant of TZS 5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and a matching contribution from a partner university in the United States, the University of Michigan. Additional funding will come from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, which supports capacity‑building projects in low‑ and middle‑income countries.

The bank’s infrastructure will be housed within the college’s new Bioinformatics and Genomics Centre, which opened earlier this year. The facility includes a temperature‑controlled storage unit, a next‑generation sequencing (NGS) platform, and a bioinformatics data analysis suite. “The centre is designed to be a one‑stop shop for genomic research,” explained Dr. Mary N. O. Ndulu, Head of the Centre. “From sample collection to sequencing, data analysis, and ultimately, clinical application, everything happens on campus.”

What the DNA Bank Will Do

1. Build a National Repository

The bank will curate a diverse collection of DNA samples representing the country’s ethnic and geographic diversity. Samples will be anonymized, stored at –80 °C, and catalogued in a secure digital database. Researchers can request access for approved studies, ensuring that the bank serves a wide spectrum of scientific inquiries.

2. Support Infectious Disease Research

Malaria, TB, and HIV remain leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Tanzania. Genomic insights can uncover drug resistance patterns, identify novel vaccine targets, and improve diagnostic algorithms. KCMUCo plans to collaborate with the Center for Malaria Research (CMR) to sequence the genomes of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Moshi and surrounding districts.

3. Drive Personalized Medicine

With an ever‑increasing need for precision therapies, the DNA bank will enable pharmacogenomic studies that determine how Tanzanians metabolize drugs such as antiretrovirals, anti‑inflammatory agents, and chemotherapeutics. “We want clinicians to be able to tailor treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic profile,” said Dr. Ndulu.

4. Educate and Train

The bank will also serve as a living laboratory for KCMUCo’s undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes. Students will gain hands‑on experience in sample handling, sequencing, and bioinformatics, thereby cultivating a new generation of Tanzanian genomic scientists.

Partnerships and Broader Impact

The launch of the DNA bank is part of a larger national strategy to embed genomics into Tanzania’s health system. KCMUCo is working closely with the Tanzania Biomedical Research Initiative (TBRI) and the Ministry of Health’s Biomedical Research Unit to ensure that research outputs translate into policy and clinical practice. The bank will also interface with regional reference laboratories under the East African Community (EAC) framework, positioning Tanzania as a genomic hub in East Africa.

“Partnerships are crucial,” noted Dr. Mwanza. “We are not just building a bank; we are building a network of expertise that will benefit our patients, our communities, and our continent.” The college has already signed memoranda of understanding with the University of Michigan, the University of Nairobi, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

Challenges Ahead

While the DNA bank promises immense benefits, it faces several hurdles. Ensuring ethical consent, protecting participant privacy, and navigating the complex legal frameworks for genetic data are paramount. The college has established an Ethics Advisory Board, in consultation with MOHCDGEC’s Biomedical Ethics Committee, to oversee these issues.

Financial sustainability is another concern. The initial grant covers construction and equipment, but ongoing operational costs—such as maintenance of freezers, reagents, and staff salaries—will require continuous funding. The college plans to generate revenue by offering sequencing services to external researchers and partnering with pharmaceutical companies for contract research.

The Road Forward

The official launch ceremony on 18 September 2024 was attended by high‑profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Health and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation. Dr. Mwanza concluded his speech with a vision: “We are building a foundation for the next generation of scientists who will write the stories of our health challenges and their solutions.”

As KCMUCo moves from planning to implementation, the DNA bank stands as a testament to Tanzania’s growing scientific ambition. By creating a robust, locally managed genomic resource, the country takes a decisive step toward reducing health inequities, fostering innovation, and positioning itself at the forefront of global biomedical research.