Funding Trends and Gender Disparities in Tanzanian Biomedical Research: Insights From Global Health Funding Databases

Background Research funding is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. Understanding patterns and trends in research funding, including potential gender disparities, can provide valuable insights for policymakers, funding agencies, and researchers. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of research funding in Tanzania, identify major contributors, uncover trends over the past years, and examine gender disparities among principal investigators (PIs). Methods Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding database and World RePORT were utilized. Data cleaning and preprocessing ensured consistency and accuracy, with funding amounts converted to common currency (USD) for analysis. Statistical and trend analyses were performed to identify key patterns, focusing on funding distribution by research organization, funding organization, fiscal year, type of record, and PI gender. Results A total of $218,409,329 were distributed across 438 projects led by 324 unique PIs. Male PIs accounted for 228 (70.4%), females for 91 (28.1%), and five (1.5%) were of unspecified gender. Collaborative projects comprised 374 entries ($158,121,528.60), and direct funding accounted for 64 projects ($60,287,799.96). The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership contributed the most ($165,598,586; 75.8%), followed by the Wellcome Trust ($12,282,858; 5.6%) and the European Commission ($12,017,629; 5.5%). Funding rose steadily, peaking in 2020 and 2022 at over US $40 million. The National Institute for Medical Research received the highest total cost (US$95,453,357; 43.7%). Male PIs led more projects and received $49,038,802, compared to $22,475,127 for female PIs. In 2023, however, female PIs received more funding ($5,517,171) than male PIs ($4,354,089), reversing previous trends. Conclusions Research funding in Tanzania remains concentrated among a few institutions and is dominated by one major donor. Although overall funding has increased, significant gender disparities persist. The 2023 shift toward greater female PI funding is promising but requires sustained policy attention. These insights can inform equitable research and investment strategies for Tanzania.