About Us

The Centre operates under the legal framework provided by the TDRC Act of parliament of 1982.  There is a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Health which is the policy making body for the institution.  The management team, which is responsible for the day to day running of the Centre, is headed by the Director who is assisted by a Deputy Director and Board Secretary. There are 3 Scientific Departments and an Administrative Support Unit consisting of Accounts, Transport, Stores, Security and Personnel.

In the period 1975 to 1981, the research activities of the Centre were tailored to the United Nations Development Plan (UNDP)/World Bank/WHO Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).  The major thrust of research was in the epidemiology of 3 TDR diseases namely; Malaria, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) and Schistosomiasis.  Since the Centre became a national institution, the research agenda has expanded to include HIV/AIDS, other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Tuberculosis and micronutrient deficiency disorders.  Types of studies carried out range from clinical trials of new antimalarial drugs, epidemiology, and social science to intervention research.  Major achievements over the years have been in the area of antimalarial drug development in terms of conducting Phase II and III trials.

The TDRC is committed to significantly contribute to science and research aimed at improving the health status of the people of Zambia and the Region and where appropriate, the international community.  The burden of disease and the health profile of African countries form the basis of research activities at the Centre. In order to effectively adapt to the changing environment, TDRC management has developed a strategic plan for the institution. Currently all the research activities are conducted in line with the strategic plan for the different research areas.