Senior Researcher | Muhimbili National Hospital | Tanzania
Dr. Sima Ernest Rugarabamu is an accomplished microbiologist and public health researcher with over a decade of experience in advancing diagnostic methodologies, outbreak preparedness, and infectious disease research. With a strong academic foundation in dentistry, microbiology, and immunology, complemented by a Ph.D. in microbiology, Dr. Rugarabamu has successfully bridged clinical practice, laboratory science, and public health policy. Her expertise spans microbiology, virology, diagnostics, and emergency response, with significant contributions to research, mentorship, and laboratory leadership across Tanzania. She has been instrumental in strengthening disease surveillance, enhancing laboratory capabilities, and driving impactful research that informs both national and international health policies.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Rugarabamu’s educational journey reflects her deep commitment to health sciences and research excellence. She earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), where she built her foundation in clinical care and biomedical sciences. She further specialized by completing a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology at MUHAS, during which she demonstrated outstanding academic performance and was awarded recognition for her excellence in microbiology. Her academic trajectory culminated in the successful completion of her Ph.D. in microbiology at Sokoine University of Agriculture. Through her doctoral research, she expanded the scientific understanding of microbial diseases and their implications for public health, establishing herself as a leader in infectious disease research and diagnostics.
Professional Experience
Dr. Rugarabamu’s career spans multiple prestigious institutions where she has excelled in leadership, diagnostics, and research. At the Muhimbili National Hospital – Upanga, she serves as a Senior Researcher, where she leads the Institutional Review Board Secretariat, develops standard operating procedures, and provides technical consultation in clinical research. Her work has been pivotal in establishing a Clinical Trial Unit and mentoring early-career researchers in clinical research methodologies.
Research Focus
Dr. Rugarabamu’s research is rooted in infectious diseases, particularly viral hemorrhagic fevers, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and emerging zoonotic infections. Her studies have combined field epidemiology, laboratory analysis, and policy development to strengthen disease preparedness and response. She has investigated the molecular and serological dynamics of yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya viruses, contributing significantly to regional understanding of arboviruses and their transmission dynamics. Her work on antimicrobial resistance, co-infections, and diagnostic methodologies has also expanded the knowledge base for clinical management and public health interventions. A distinctive feature of her research is its practical application, with outputs that inform public health policy, improve diagnostic systems, and enhance outbreak preparedness both nationally and regionally.
Awards & Honors
Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Rugarabamu has been recognized for her outstanding contributions and excellence. Early in her career, she was honored as the best final-year student in Microbiology and Immunology at MUHAS, demonstrating her early aptitude for scientific research and dedication to learning. She was also awarded the Sahara Company Limited Best Science Student Award, reflecting her consistent academic achievements. Beyond awards, her leadership roles in national and international organizations, including service as a representative on Tanzania’s Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan review committee and membership in WHO’s emergency preparedness networks, highlight her influence and recognition within the global health community.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19: A quick online cross-sectional survey among Tanzanian residents
Year: 2020
Citation: 154
Title: Dengue virus infection and associated risk factors in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Year: 2021
Citation: 87
Title: Forty-two years of responding to Ebola virus outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review
Year: 2020
Citation: 83
Title: Nasal Carriage of Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Health Care Workers in Tertiary and Regional Hospitals in Dar es Salam, Tanzania
Year: 2018
Citation: 43
Title: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of chikungunya, dengue, and Zika in eight districts in Tanzania
Year: 2021
Citation: 38
Title: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19: A quick online cross-sectional survey among Tanzanian residents
Year: 2020
Citation: 33
Title: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected zoonotic viral hemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania
Year: 2021
Citation: 29
Title: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus contamination and distribution in patient’s care environment at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam-Tanzania
Year: 2018
Citation: 25
Title: Circulation of dengue serotype 1 viruses during the 2019 outbreak in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Year: 2021
Citation: 23
Title: Aedes aegypti abundance, larval indices and risk for dengue virus transmission in Kinondoni district, Tanzania
Year: 2022
Citation: 20
Title: Viral haemorrhagic fevers and malaria co-infections among febrile patients seeking health care in Tanzania
Year: 2022
Citation: 18
Title: Co-circulation of Dengue Virus Serotypes 1 and 3 during the 2019 epidemic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Year: 2019
Citation: 8
Title: Estimating risk of introduction of Ebola Virus Disease from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania: a qualitative Assessment
Year: 2022
Citation: 7
Title: Forty-two years of responding to Ebola virus outbreaks in Sub-Saharan Africa: a review
Year: 2020
Citation: 6
Title: Community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fevers in five geo-ecological zones in Tanzania
Year: 2023
Citation: 5
Title: Metronidazole resistance in anaerobes isolated from patient with oral and maxillofacial infections attending Muhimbili national hospital, Dar-Es-Salaam
Year: 2017
Citation: 4
Title: Seroprevalence and molecular analysis of yellow fever virus in mosquitoes at Namanga and Mutukula borders in Tanzania
Year: 2025
Citation: 3
Title: The one-health approach to infectious disease outbreaks control
Year: 2021
Citation: 2
Title: Viral haemorrhagic fevers in Tanzania: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors
Year: 2022
Citation: 1
Title: The clinico‐microbiological pattern of orofacial space infections in patients attending a tertiary hospital in Tanzania
Year: 2020
Citation: 1
Conclusion
Dr. Sima Ernest Rugarabamu exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, research leadership, and practical contributions to public health. Her work has consistently advanced diagnostic sciences, enhanced outbreak preparedness, and contributed to international understanding of emerging infectious diseases. With a proven record of scholarly publications, successful mentorship, and leadership in laboratory and research initiatives, she continues to shape the future of microbiology and public health in Tanzania and beyond. Her unwavering commitment to improving diagnostic capacity, building research infrastructure, and informing policy makes her an outstanding candidate for recognition through this award.