CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASES
We focus on understanding both burden and causes of chronic respiratory diseases and poor lung function in populations. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) include both restrictive and obstructive lung conditions. This includes; asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis and post-TB lung disease (PTLD).
Our goal is to contribute to the prevention of chronic respiratory diseases and reduction of mortality worldwide as well as to increased research capacity in respiratory epidemiology in our setting.
Factors related to CRDs include:
The role of antenatal and early life factors in childhood asthma and lung function.
Our studies highlight preterm birth, birth weight and infant weight as important antecedent factors associated with the development of asthma and lung function abnormalities in Kenya.
Association of respiratory symptoms and environmental exposures.
We have established that indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution are associated with increased asthma like symptoms (long wheeze symptoms). We conduct studies within households located in informal settlements and affluent areas for comparison
Spirometry
Individuals with CRD are mainly assessed using respiratory questionnaires, spirometry (lung function test) and chest radiography. These requires clinicians and lung function test technicians, usually trained clinical officers in spirometry
There is evidence of sub-optimal diagnosis of asthma and COPD in Kenya because of limited use of spiromtery. Based at the KEMRI Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, we target to form a Centre of Excellence for Spirometry to build capacity and encouarge the use of spirometry. This builds on the evidence from the good quality of spirometry demonstrated from studies so far conducted.
Air Pollution, Climate and Health Impact Assessments
The significant health impacts from air pollution and climate change across sub-Saharan Africa, underscore the need for better air quality monitoring. Based at the KEMRI Centre for Respiratory Diseases Research, together with our partners we have established The Clean Air Centre of Excellence. This center will build capacity by training research scientists in air quality measurement and serve as a regional academic and research hub. Building on the successful efforts already undertaken, the center will facilitate both classroom and field-based training in air pollution monitoring, an important resource in health impact assessment and climate change monitoring.
Project Title |
Project Description |
| Burden of obstructive lung disease (BOLD)
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We join several regions in the world to quantify the prevalence of obstructive lung disease in Kenya and to identify its risk factors |
| Post TB Lung Disease (PTLD) Study
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Building capacity of health care workers to assess for post TB lung disease (PTLD) among TB patients during their treatment and after treatment. Together with the National TB Program (MOH) we have developed training guidelines. We are studying predictors of PTLD
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| Phase 3 Clinical Trial on COPD | We are participating in a multicenter study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of astegolimab (a monoclonal antibody) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aims to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of astegolimab in participants with COPD) on an optimized standard of care.
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| Clean Air Africa |
The project aims to achieve the following:
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| From Fuel to Pot | An Interdisciplinary Partnership to Address the Role of Solid Fuel Use in Food Preparation in the Household in Kenya and Malawi.
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PUBLICATIONS/ BRIEFS/KEY REPORTS.
- Binegdie AB, Meme H, El Sony A, Haile T, Osman R, Miheso B, Zurba L, Lesosky M, Balmes J, Burney PJ, Mortimer K, Devereux G. Chronic respiratory disease in adult outpatients in three African countries: a cross-sectional study. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2022 Jan 1;26(1):18-25. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.21.0362. PMID: 34969424; PMCID: PMC8734192.
- Meme H, Amukoye E, Bowyer C, Chakaya J, Dobson R, Fuld J, Gray CM, Kiplimo R, Lesosky M, Mortimer K, Ndombi A, Obasi A, Orina F, Quint JK, Semple S, West SE, Zurba L, Devereux G. Preterm birth, birth weight, infant weight gain and their associations with childhood asthma and spirometry: a cross-sectional observational study in Nairobi, Kenya. BMJ Open Respir Res. 2023 Sep;10(1):e001895. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001895. PMID: 37735103; PMCID: PMC10514609.
- Meme H, Amukoye E, Bowyer C, Chakaya J, Das D, Dobson R, Dragosits U, Fuld J, Gray C, Hahn M, Kiplimo R, Lesosky M, Loh MM, McKendree J, Mortimer K, Ndombi A, Netter L, Obasi A, Orina F, Pearson C, Price H, Quint JK, Semple S, Twigg M, Waelde C, Walnycki A, Warwick M, Wendler J, West SE, Wilson M, Zurba L, Devereux G. Asthma symptoms, spirometry and air pollution exposure in schoolchildren in an informal settlement and an affluent area of Nairobi, Kenya. Thorax. 2023 Nov;78(11):1118-1125. doi: 10.1136/thorax-2023-220057. Epub 2023 Jun 6. PMID: 37280096; PMCID: PMC10715514.
- Tupumue Film: Tupumue: Non-communicable lung disease in Kenya: from burden and early life determinants to participatory inter-disciplinary solutions The Tupumue research study compared the lung health of children attending schools in Mukuru (a large informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya) and the more affluent residential area of Buruburu. More than 2000 children participated. Watch the video to find out more about how the research was carried out and what the key findings are. (Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_HnliIEhFI )
- Orina, F., Amuyoke, E., Bowyer, C., Chakaya, J., Das, D., Devereux, G., Dobson, R., Dragosits, U., Gray, C., Kiplimo, R., Lesosky, M., Loh, M., Meme, H., Mortimer, K., Ndombi, A., Pearson, C., Price, H., Twigg, M., West, S., & Semple, S. (2024). Household carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in a large African city: an unquantified public health burden? Environmental Pollution 351.
Our Team
- Dr Hellen Meme
- Dr Evans Amukoye
- Fred Orina
- Barbara Miheso
- Sophie Matu
- Dr Jane Ong’ang’o
- Dr Videlis Nduba
