NHRTI originated from the Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC), established in 1975 under a public health mandate and expanded by Act 13 of 2024.
The Act was signed in late 2024 to continue the former centre, expand responsibilities nationwide, and strengthen training and implementation systems for public health research.
- Continuation of established public-health research and diagnostics capacity in Zambia.
- Expanded legal mandate to coordinate research, training and national health data systems.
- Enhanced role in policy support and programme delivery.
- Institutional partnerships with ministries, universities, and international collaborators.