What you didn’t know about Prof Karim Manji: Tanzanian scholar honored with Harvard Award

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi at his home in Unguja, Zanzibar, Prof Manji reflected on his unexpected yet deeply gratifying recognition.

“Winning this award was a profound surprise. I was moved to tears, overwhelmed by the recognition,” he shared.

Since joining Muhas in 1988, Prof Manji’s commitment to improving children's health has been unwavering, despite not anticipating such high-level acknowledgment.

Prof Manji’s scholarly work includes over 250 publications that have significantly impacted both Tanzanian and global health policies.

He recalls his initial breakthrough publication, which earned him a professorship and marked the beginning of his influential career.

His research primarily focuses on neonatal health and nutrition, aiming to enhance the well-being of children under five and infants.

“The award is not only a personal honor but also a testament to the dedication of our nation’s efforts in advancing child health,” Prof. Manji stated.

He emphasized that his work is driven by a genuine desire to serve and improve lives, not by personal accolades.

The recognition from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who congratulated him via X (formerly Twitter), added to his joy. “Receiving congratulations from the President was a delightful surprise and a great honour. It affirms that our work is making a difference,” he said.

Prof Manji, who completed his Master's Degree in Public Health at Harvard in 2002, described how his research career flourished following his studies.

He noted the opportunities that opened up, often balancing multiple studies focused on neonatal health and nutrition.

“My research has always been about improving children's health, a mission I’ve dedicated many years to,” Prof Manji concluded.

His story is a powerful reminder that sincere dedication to one’s field can lead to recognition and impact beyond expectations.

Pioneering research

Prof Karim Manji’s accolade highlights not only his distinguished career but also his unwavering commitment to research integrity.

For Prof Manji, research is far from a routine endeavor; it requires profound dedication and moral fortitude.

Research demands integrity. “Conducting research demands immense courage and integrity. The secret to my success has been maintaining high levels of honesty, which has fostered strong collaborations with many researchers,” he explained.

Prof Manji credited Muhas for playing a pivotal role in his achievements. “Muhas is a reputable institution, and researchers often seek out esteemed institutions like ours for their work,” he said.

Over his 20 years of research and 35 years of service at Muhas, he has not only contributed to the field himself but also trained countless doctors and nurses in research methodologies.

“My role has extended beyond Tanzania. Researchers from various countries have collaborated with me, turning me into an international teacher,” Prof Manji added, reflecting on his global impact.

His dedication is further exemplified by his work on a specialized curriculum for training doctors in neonatal health, supported by the German government.

This curriculum, which he helped pioneer, has been instrumental in producing experts in neonatal diseases.

As he received his second award for contributions to neonatal health, Prof Manji highlighted the importance of developing robust educational frameworks to advance medical knowledge.

“The curriculum we developed has equipped many doctors with expertise in neonatal diseases, contributing significantly to healthcare improvements,” he said.

Shaping health policies

Prof Manji’s award is celebrated not just for his academic achievements but for his profound impact on neonatal care and child health.

With a career spanning over three decades, his work has reshaped health policies both in Tanzania and internationally.

His adherence to the principles courage and honesty has fostered collaborations across borders and elevated the standards of neonatal care.

One of his most notable achievements is his groundbreaking research on preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission.

By focusing on the use of Nevirapine in infants, Prof Manji’s work significantly reduced transmission rates from 15 percent to 0.5 percent, a milestone that has since become an internationally recognized standard, allowing mothers to breastfeed safely.

Reflecting on his early days, Prof Manji recalls his first assignment at Ward B, guided by the late Prof Charles Mgone.

He was tasked with a solemn promise: ensure no child under his care died. “I vowed to use all my skills to save every child’s life,” he says, recalling the commitment that drove his career.

His dedication extended to hands-on practices, including manually helping infants breathe when equipment was scarce. “Thirty years ago, I used my mouth to breathe life into children. These efforts bring me peace today,” he notes, emphasizing the depth of his commitment.

Prof Manji’s contributions have also included developing a specialized curriculum for neonatal care, supported by the German government.

This curriculum has trained numerous experts and expanded the network of neonatal care centers in Tanzania from four in 2008 to over 60 today.

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. Prof Manji highlights the ongoing issue of inadequate prioritization of child health services and the high cost of medical equipment. “Saving children’s lives should outweigh these financial constraints,” he argues.

His research on diarrhea and zinc medication, which was recognized by the WHO in 2019, further underscores his commitment.

Prof Manji’s work has led to policy changes and improved healthcare practices, including more effective treatments and better breastfeeding practices.

As he transitions into retirement, Prof Manji remains passionate about his work, continuing to contribute under a special “Emeritus” contract.

He calls for increased government funding for specialized training and stresses that effective implementation of health policies is crucial for continued progress.

“Good policies are meaningless without proper implementation,” he asserts. “We need funding, support, and a shift in mindset to truly enhance healthcare services.”

Professor Karim Manji’s career stands as a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and innovation in transforming healthcare and improving lives.