The Aga Khan University's Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (AKU-CIME) marked a major milestone in its regional expansion with the official opening of its newest simulation-based education campus in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Following the success of its flagship centres at the Aga Khan University Karachi and Nairobi, this new facility, located within Salama House, is set to transform healthcare training in East Africa by equipping students and professionals with cutting-edge skills through high-fidelity simulation.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr Kenneth Hosea, Director of Higher Education at Tanzania's Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. He was joined by AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Provost Dr Tania Bubela, Associate Deans Dr Eunice Siaity and Dr Paschal Ruggajo, CIME (EA) Regional Director Dr Michael Moneypenny, faculty, students, and guests from across the region.
"This new campus represents a leap forward for healthcare education in Tanzania," said Dr Michael Moneypenny. “As AKU's latest investment in simulation-based learning, the opening of this campus will significantly strengthen our capacity to advance simulation-based healthcare education and have a lasting impact on public health systems in the region. I am also pleased that the campus in Salama House will soon be extended to a site at the Medical College, which will allow us to improve access for more healthcare workers."
Designed to simulate real-world medical environments, the Dar es Salaam campus offers immersive, hands-on training for nursing, medical, and allied health students. The facility features advanced manikins, clinical task trainers, and interactive learning spaces that support safe, experiential learning—an essential component of modern medical education.
“In East Africa, as in Pakistan, AKU has emerged as a leader in the use of simulation to educate and train health care professionals," said Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President AKU. “That is the case because of the University's commitment and investment in the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education over the past decade; because donors have generously supported our vision; and because of the work of key individuals like those here today."
The launch of CIME Dar es Salaam reflects AKU's broader mission to advance quality healthcare education and build resilient health systems across Africa and South Asia. As the demand for skilled healthcare providers grows, the Centre is poised to become a hub for training, research, and collaboration in simulation-based education.
Learn more about CIME East Africa >>
