AKU’s new Master’s Programme: A game-changer for primary healthcare in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. In a landmark move poised to reshape Tanzania’s primary healthcare delivery, the Aga Khan University (AKU) has launched the country’s first Master’s programme for nurses.

This development reinforces the institution’s commitment to improving healthcare through skilled, compassionate, and community-centered professionals.

The launch on May 29, 2025, also marked the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME) — a significant step in bridging the country’s persistent gap between theory and practice in health education.

This development comes at a time when Tanzania is aggressively expanding its healthcare infrastructure.

However, a shortage of qualified professionals — especially in rural settings — threatens to undercut those investments.

The introduction of AKU’s Advanced Practice in Nursing (APN) programme is, therefore, a timely intervention.

“This is more than just a Master’s programme — it’s a movement to shift how nurses are viewed, valued, and empowered in our health system,” said AKU’s Associate Vice Provost, Prof Eunice Pallangyo.

The inaugural APN class already has 15 enrolled nursing practitioners and leaders, with another cohort of 15 expected soon.

Among them is the current Director of Nursing Services at Muhimbili National Hospital, as well as several regional and district nursing heads, underscoring the calibre of professionals seeking advanced training.

“We’ve produced many of the top nursing leaders in Tanzania. From the former national director of nursing services to heads of key health facilities — they are all part of our legacy,” Prof Pallangyo said.

AKU’s vision, according to her, is in direct alignment with national priorities to strengthen primary healthcare — the first line of defense for millions of Tanzanians, especially those in underserved regions.

The APN programme is built to deliver both clinical excellence and leadership acumen, preparing nurses to take on expanded roles in community clinics, regional hospitals, and national health institutions.

Complementing this, the CIME was hailed by AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin as Tanzania’s first-ever practical innovation centre for medical education.

The facility combines technology, simulation, and inter-professional education, all tailored to mirror the complexity of real-world patient care.

“Eight million people die annually in low-income countries from preventable causes. Of those, 16 percent are linked to gaps in leadership and collaboration among healthcare workers. CIME and the APN programme directly address this,” said Dr Shahabuddin.

During the inauguration, the Assistant Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Kenneth Hosea said: “This is exactly what President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed — skills-based education that responds to real needs.”

He praised AKU for aligning with the Education and Training Policy 2014 (revised in 2023), which emphasises public-private partnerships (PPPs) and curriculum reforms to match the labour market.

He said the ministry was ready to work hand in hand with institutions like AKU to address gaps in the healthcare workforce.

“We have built over 1,800 new health facilities under the fifth and sixth phase governments. But many of them are underutilised due to a lack of skilled personnel,” he said.

“In some rural centres, equipment sits idle because no one is trained to use it. This programme is key to solving that,” added Dr Hosea.

He also emphasised the government’s intent to internationalise Tanzanian education, giving students broader exposure and practical opportunities abroad.

“Aga Khan is not just a hospital — it’s a premium training ground. As someone who also receives treatment from there, I can vouch for its excellence,” he said.

“We urge AKU to scale the quantity of students while retaining the high quality it is known for,” he added.

Health experts also weighed in on the broader impact

“Empowering nurses through advanced education is crucial,” said a senior healthcare consultant based in Mwanza, Dr Miriam Mponda.

“Nurses are the backbone of our health system. With proper skills and authority, they can lead clinics, manage chronic diseases, and decongest hospitals,” she said.

Dr Mponda also highlighted that this kind of programme challenges societal perceptions about nursing — often viewed as subordinate to other medical professions.

“It elevates nursing to where it belongs — a profession of leadership, clinical decision-making, and deep community impact,” she said.

As AKU continues to position itself as a pioneer in health education, the fusion of innovation and compassion is expected to leave a lasting imprint on Tanzania’s healthcare landscape.

With the APN programme and CIME facility, the university is not only training for the present, but building a resilient, skilled, and compassionate workforce for the future, a future where healthcare reaches every corner of Tanzania, led by professionals who are well-equipped and deeply connected to the communities they serve.