Research &
Publications
Tanzania lacks local data on many HPB conditions. THPBA members are working to fill that gap through clinical studies, outcome audits, and collaborative research so that treatment decisions are informed by evidence from our own population.
Research Focus Areas
Our research focuses on HPB conditions commonly seen in Tanzania, where hepatitis B-driven liver cancer, gallstone disease, and late-presenting biliary and pancreatic pathology remain significant clinical problems.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Tanzania
HCC is one of the most common cancers in Tanzania, driven primarily by chronic hepatitis B. We are studying presentation patterns, stage at diagnosis, and surgical outcomes at Tanzanian hospitals to identify where earlier intervention could improve survival.
Pancreatic Surgery Outcomes
Pancreatic surgery in Tanzania is growing but data on local outcomes is limited. We are collecting and analysing perioperative morbidity and survival data from Tanzanian centres performing pancreaticoduodenectomy, with the goal of identifying factors that can reduce mortality.
Biliary Disease Patterns
Gallstone disease is increasingly common in Tanzania, and bile duct injuries after cholecystectomy remain a significant problem as laparoscopic surgery expands. We are documenting the incidence, management, and outcomes of biliary disease and iatrogenic injuries at our member hospitals.
Surgical Education Research
We are interested in understanding how training approaches -- such as our weekly tumor board and conference workshops -- affect clinical competence and patient outcomes. This work will help us design better training programmes as we grow.
Recent Publications
Selected publications by THPBA members. We are a young association and our publication record is growing.
A report from the Second Tanzania Liver Cancer Conference (TLCC) 2025 – leading the fight against liver cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa
Mwanga AH, Justiniano J, Mbuguje EM, Musa B, Mwanakulya D, Swallow A, et al.
Leading the fight against liver cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: developing the first multidisciplinary liver tumour board in Tanzania
Mwanga AH, Mbuguje EM, Justiniano J, Musa B, Kivuyo N, Kitua DW, Uiso E, Swallow A, Kimambo E, Naif A, Mwanakulya DB, Pazi S, Ngaiza A, Wibonela S, Shaygi B, Gaskill CE.
Report from the first Tanzania Liver Cancer Conference: a call for action to unite in the fight against liver cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa, 17–18 March 2023, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Mwanga A, Mbuguje E, Alswang J, et al.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathological profile and challenges of management in a resource-limited setting
Jaka H, Mshana SE, Rambau PF, Masalu N, Chalya PL, Kalluvya SE.
Research Grants & Funding
As a young association, we are building our capacity to support HPB research in Tanzania. We aim to provide seed grants, facilitate access to international funding opportunities, and help members develop competitive grant applications.
THPBA Seed Grants (Planned)
We plan to offer competitive seed grants for members conducting original HPB research. Priority will be given to early-career investigators and projects addressing disease burden in Tanzania. Details to be announced.
International Partnership Grants
Through our IHPBA affiliation, we are exploring collaborative funding opportunities with international academic institutions to support multi-centre research.
Travel & Presentation Awards
We aim to support THPBA members in presenting original research at IHPBA World Congress, E-AHPBA meetings, and other surgical conferences. (Planned)
International Collaborations
We are building relationships with institutions that can help us strengthen HPB research in Tanzania through shared expertise and collaborative studies.
IHPBA
International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
As an IHPBA-affiliated national chapter, we have access to global registries and research networks. This affiliation connects our members with experienced HPB researchers internationally.
University Partnerships
MUHAS and other academic partners
We are developing research relationships with universities in Tanzania and abroad. Our members at MUHAS are active in HPB research, and we are working to formalise collaborative agreements with additional institutions.
Regional Surgical Networks
COSECSA, E-AHPBA, East African HPB Consortium
We are exploring multi-centre research collaborations with surgical networks in East and Southern Africa to pool patient data and generate evidence relevant to our clinical settings.
Have a Research Idea?
We Want to Hear It.
THPBA welcomes research proposals from members at all career stages. Whether you are a consultant surgeon or a registrar with a clinical question, we can connect you with colleagues working on similar problems and help you get started.