KEMRI renews 5-year collaboration deal with CDC in Atlanta

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has renewed its five-year collaboration agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding was held in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, between KEMRI Acting Director General Prof. Elijah Songok and CDC’s Global Health Centre Director Dr. Kayla Laserson in the presence of President William Ruto.

KEMRI, in a statement to newsrooms, said the mutual agreement will see continued cutting-edge medical research activities in Kenya to address public health threats.

It noted that the deal will ensure the dissemination and application of research findings, training of public health professionals, and sharing of research information among other benefits. 

“The MoU will enhance collaborative activities between KEMRI and CDC on a reciprocal basis. This collaboration will encompass human health research and program implementation at KEMRI facilities and in Kenyan communities, research and capacity building for public health threats and emergencies,” noted the State agency.

“The agreement will also see the dissemination and application of research findings for policy formulation, training of public health professionals, strengthening research leadership and laboratory capabilities, staff exchanges, and sharing of research information and materials in accordance with Kenyan laws, as well as any other mutually beneficial health-related research activities.”

Prof. Songok lauded the Kenyan collaboration with CDC for the last four decades saying it will be instrumental in addressing the health challenges of the future particularly in Africa.

“The event underscores the ways our partnership has strengthened health outcomes in both countries, including through 45 years of CDC partnership with Kenya’s public health and laboratory systems, 21 years of partnership through the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda which contributes to regional and global health security by strengthening Kenya’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemics and health emergencies,” he said.

The KEMRI boss further underscored that the partnership would go a long way in ensuring a trained workforce, supporting local and regional manufacturing, implementing new models of sustaining the national HIV response, focusing on cutting-edge research, and innovative investments in digital health strategies.