A Brief History of MUHAS

The Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) traces its origins to the Dar es Salaam Medical School, established in 1963. In 1968, the institution became the Faculty of Medicine of the Dar es Salaam University College, then part of the University of East Africa. Following the dissolution of the University of East Africa in 1970, it became the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).

In 1991, the Faculty of Medicine was upgraded to a constituent college of UDSM and became the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) through Parliament Act No. 9 of 1991. In 1996, MUCHS was merged with the Muhimbili Medical Centre (MMC) to strengthen the integration of medical education, research, and healthcare services. Over the years, MUCHS recorded significant achievements, including increased student enrolment and the introduction of several new academic programmes. The Universities Act No. 7 of 2005 repealed the Act that established MUCHS. Subsequently, MUHAS was established in 2007 through its Charter of Incorporation in accordance with the Universities Act No. 7 of 2005, becoming an autonomous public university.

The University’s core mandate is the advancement of knowledge through transformative education, research, innovation, and public service in health and allied sciences. MUHAS continues to play a pivotal role in producing highly skilled health professionals, generating impactful research, and contributing to national and global health development.

Today, MUHAS consists of three campuses. The Muhimbili Campus is located in Upanga, Ilala District, Dar es Salaam; the Mloganzila Campus is situated in Mloganzila, Ubungo District, Dar es Salaam, and covers approximately 3,800 acres; and the Kigoma Campus is located in Ujiji District, Kigoma Region, covering 101 acres and currently undergoing development to support the University’s future expansion. Together, these campuses provide a foundation for the University’s continued growth in health training, research, innovation, and service delivery. In addition, MUHAS operates the Bagamoyo Teaching Unit in Bagamoyo District, Coast Region, established to facilitate field training and community-based learning. The facility covers an area of 46,085.7 square metres and includes residential houses, classrooms, laboratories, hostels, and a canteen.

MUHAS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, dental sciences, nursing, pharmacy, public health, allied health sciences, and other health-related disciplines. These programmes are delivered through the University’s schools, institutes, and directorates. The Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic coordinates the teaching and learning functions of all academic programmes, while the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Library Services provides cross-cutting support in information management, digital learning, and access to knowledge resources.

Institutional Evolution

• 1963–1967: Dar es Salaam Medical School

• 1968–1969: Faculty of Medicine, Dar es Salaam University College of the University of East Africa

• 1970–1990: Faculty of Medicine, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)

• 1976–1990: Faculty of Medicine incorporated within Muhimbili Medical Centre

• 1991–2006: Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS), Constituent College of UDSM

• 2007–Present: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)