Prof. Sam Kariuki Elected to the Prestigious U.S. National Academy of Medicine

By Lisper Mokaya

The Institute proudly celebrates one of its distinguished scientists, Prof. Sam Kariuki following his election as an International Member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM) which is  one of the world’s highest honours in health and medical science.

Prof. Kariuki, who serves as the Africa Continental Lead and Office Director at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and is also a Senior Principal Research Scientist in KEMRI. He was recognized by NAM “for being an internationally renowned leader in enteric infectious diseases who has contributed fundamental insight into the prevalence and spread of multidrug-resistant food- and waterborne infections, while spearheading vaccine programmes to mitigate their impact in low-resource and high-population-density communities across sub-Saharan Africa.”

The National Academy of Medicine, based in the United States, announced the election of 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting, honouring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and dedication to advancing medical science, healthcare, and public health globally.

Prof. Kariuki’s election underscores his outstanding contribution to global health research and his leadership in combating antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases, particularly in Africa. His work has shaped health policy, informed vaccine development, and strengthened disease surveillance and laboratory capacity across the region.

In a congratulatory message, the KEMRI Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, commended Prof. Kariuki’s achievement as a milestone for Kenya’s growing prominence in global health research. “We are immensely proud of Prof. Kariuki’s recognition by the National Academy of Medicine,” said Prof. Songok. “His election is not only a personal honour but also a testament to KEMRI’s leadership and excellence in health research and innovation. This recognition reinforces the vital role of Kenyan scientists in shaping global health solutions.”

Prof. Kariuki’s distinguished career spans over three decades of groundbreaking research in microbiology and infectious diseases. Beyond his scientific achievements, he is celebrated for his dedication to mentorship and capacity building, nurturing a new generation of African scientists advancing global health security.