Under section 4 of the Act, NHRTI functions include:
- Conducting and coordinating health research in support of improved quality of life.
- Collaborating with institutions locally and internationally on research, training and innovation.
- Running training programmes accredited under national education and qualification frameworks.
- Developing and evaluating technologies and strategies for disease prevention and treatment.
- Managing health research facilities assigned to the Institute by the Minister.
- Informing health policy and technical implementation through evidence from studies.
- Providing facilities for national, regional and international research and training.
- Maintaining a national health research data repository and protecting research data.