The CISM Celebrates 30 Years of Research Serving Health in Africa

Thirty years after its establishment, the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) is celebrating three decades of scientific research in the service of health in Mozambique and across the African continent. The commemorative event, held on 15 July in Maputo, brought together national and international authorities, researchers and collaborators to reflect on the journey of a centre that has become one of Africa's leading biomedical research institutions.

Founded in 1996 through a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health of Mozambique and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), CISM has contributed to generating scientific evidence to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and pneumonia, while also driving major advances in maternal and child health. AECID's sustained support has been instrumental in establishing the centre as a leading institution whose work has helped shape health policies both within and beyond Mozambique, positioning it as a key player in global health research.

A strategic partnership with ISGlobal

CISM's history has been closely intertwined with that of ISGlobal since its inception. Over the past three decades, the two institutions have built a strategic partnership based on strengthening scientific capacity, developing research infrastructure and jointly generating knowledge to address the health priorities of Mozambique and the African continent. Reflecting this long-term commitment, ISGlobal is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manhiça Foundation, helping to advance the centre's mission and strategic development.

"CISM has demonstrated that research excellence can and should be led from Africa. Having accompanied its growth over the past thirty years has been a privilege and a testament to the value of scientific partnerships built on a shared vision and long-term commitment," said Quique Bassat, Director General and Scientific Director of ISGlobal.

An anniversary looking to the future

The ceremony brought together some of the key figures in this shared history. The programme included speeches by Pedro Alonso, founder of CISM and ISGlobal; Francisco Saúte, Director General of CISM; Pedro Aide, Head of CISM's Malaria Research Area; and Quique Bassat, who reflected on three decades of scientific cooperation between the two institutions. Representatives from Africa CDC, CAPRISA, AECID and the Mozambican authorities, including the President of the Republic, also took part.

Thirty years after its establishment, CISM remains a leading health research institution in Africa and an example of how long-term scientific collaboration can strengthen local capacity, consolidate research institutions and generate knowledge that improves population health.

•  Read the series of posts published to mark CISM's 25th anniversary