A Tanzanian researcher, Issa Mshanji (29), has won the 2023 American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Young Researcher Award in Chicago, USA.

Mshanji is a researcher from Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), where he is currently studying for his PhD in London, UK.

His research focuses on the development of new treatments for malaria.

He is the second Tanzanian to win the award, since it was awarded to Professor Fredros Okumu 15 years ago, who is also the IHI Principal Researcher and Professor at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.

The ASTMH Young Researcher Award is given to outstanding young researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of tropical medicine and hygiene.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, IHI said that the award is a testament to Mshanji's commitment to research and his dedication to improving the lives of people affected by malaria.

Mshanji said that the award is a sign of excellence in the field of tropical research and that it requires commitment, patience, and basic research.

He also said that the award is good news for all young researchers in Tanzania and that it is time to celebrate.

The ASTMH Young Researcher Award is presented as part of the annual competition held on the opening day of the ASTMH conference.

The purpose of the award is to inspire and support young scientists in their career paths in different areas within tropical disease research.