Our History
KNOW OUR ORIGIN
The story of the Tandabui Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (TIHEST) is one of vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving healthcare in Tanzania. It all began with Tandabui Health Access Tanzania (THAT), a non-profit organization founded with a singular mission: to bring sustainable healthcare services to marginalized and vulnerable populations. In the early days, THAT focused on addressing the critical need for HIV/AIDS care in remote areas, where access to life-saving treatments was often a distant dream.
Driven by the belief that every life matters, THAT launched several ambitious projects. One of their most notable initiatives was the establishment of a system at Mwananchi Hospital in Mwanza City. This innovative approach involved collecting samples from various health centers for Viral Load testing and using motorcycles to ensure the safe and timely delivery of test results and Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The efficiency and reach of this logistics network, which resembled a spider’s web, inspired the name “Tandabui,” meaning “cobweb.” This project brought hope and health to countless individuals living with HIV/AIDS, significantly improving access to essential diagnostic services and treatments.
But THAT’s impact didn’t stop there. The organization actively engaged in various community health projects, earning support from international and local organizations such as DFID, the Global Fund, USAID through CRS and RFE, the Better-way Foundation, EGPAF, and the French Embassy. These collaborations were instrumental in expanding access to high-quality health services across Tanzania, further cementing THAT’s reputation as a force for good in the country.
As THAT’s projects flourished, a new challenge became apparent: the shortage of qualified healthcare workers. In 2012, recognizing that the future of healthcare depended on education, THAT took a bold step forward by founding the Tandabui Institute of Health Sciences and Technology (TIHEST). The institute was established with a clear vision—to train and empower a new generation of healthcare professionals who could continue the work of improving health outcomes throughout Tanzania.
TIHEST quickly grew into a center of excellence in health and social sciences education, attracting students from all over the country. However, as the institute expanded, changes in Tanzania’s tax laws necessitated a shift in its management structure. On July 1, 2017, the board of trustees of THAT transferred ownership of TIHEST to Kingdom’s Business Company Limited (KBCL), an independent commercial entity. This transition was carefully managed to ensure the institute’s continued success and to comply with the new tax regulations.
Today, TIHEST stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. With over a decade of experience in mid-level medical and social sciences education, the institute has produced over 6,000 healthcare professionals who now serve across Tanzania and internationally. The institute is renowned for its high-quality education, innovative teaching methods, and the integration of technology in both instruction and research.In 2021, faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, TIHEST once again demonstrated its adaptability and forward-thinking approach by launching Tandabui Online. This strategic initiative ensured that education could continue uninterrupted, offering students flexible, accessible, and technology-driven learning opportunities. Tandabui Online has since expanded TIHEST’s reach, enabling the institute to educate and empower even more students, regardless of their location.