CENTER CLINICAL RESEARCH (CCR)-NAIROBI

Overview

The Centre for clinical research (CCR) was established in 1985 as a clinical trials unit to support development of drugs and vaccines aimed at tackling priority disease conditions in the country. It has grown over time and established linkages with key institutions and partners notably the United States Medical Research Unit (USAMRU) , Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), where KEMRI is a founding member, the University of Washington,  Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) , University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB).The centre scientists have undertaken numerous clinical trials initially these were for the treatment of leishmaniasis (kala azar) in children. During this inception years, CCR was a must visit site for the university of Nairobi Medical students to understand the value of research in drug development and the appropriate treatment of patients

Mission

To improve human health and quality of life through research, capacity building and service delivery

Vision

To be a globally recognized Centre of excellence in human health research.

Functions

  1. Undertake research in communicable and non communicable diseases
  2. provide platform for clinical trials (drug safety and efficacy) in neglected, communicable and non-communicable diseases
  3. Provide a conducive environment for patient/participant, monitoring, support and safety
  4. Test new therapies, tools and vaccines for defined diseases
  5. validate drug therapies or compounds for efficacy and safety
  6. Collaborate with other entities to undertake implementation research so as to contribute to more effective public health and clinical policies and programs.
  7. Link and partner with pharmaceutical industry and others to test drug molecules for out market.
  8. Support MOH disease programs in conducting national surveys which help keep the medical research community well informed.
  9. Monitor disease trends and undertake surveys in specific disease areas
  10. Assist the MOH in reviewing therapies and strategies for disease control.
  11. Keep a register to monitor disease trends and incidences, hence ideally prevent disease epidermics.
  12. Undertake diagnostic and therapeutic services to support patient care.
  13. Initiate and maintain collaborations and parnerships with other scientific entities

Products and services offered

Laboratory diagnostics

The Laboratory exists to provide early diagnostic, screening and disease staging services to study participants and patients.

The laboratory services section at the Centre for Clinical Research is divided into five (5) Units:

(i)         Haematology Unit

(ii)        Biochemistry Unit

(iii)       Parasitology Unit

(iv)       Immunology/Basic Science Unit

(v)        Histopathology/Cytology Unit

Diagnostic imaging services

The Radiology Division exists to provide diagnostic imaging, therapeutic and research support services to study participants and the public.The radiology services section is  divided  three (3) Units(i)   General X-Rays Examination

(ii)  Ultrasound Examinations Including Colour Vascular Doppler

(III) Flouroscopy Examinations including ERCP, HSG, Barium Meals, Arteriography and Venography

Endoscopy services

This Unit exists to undertake research in digestive and liver diseases and also the Head and Neck. It provides solutions for earodigestive conditions and also provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to both study participants and the public.

The Division has three thematic areas of research:

(i)         Hepatology

(ii)        Oncology

(iii)       Digestive diseases

General outpatient services

The Staff Clinic is established to serve the members of staff and the public through provision of screening, preventive, wellness and clinical services including specialized services and ensure sustainability of the Division

It is divided into:

(I) Consultation Services

(ii) Dental Services

(iii)Pharmacy dispensing services

(Iv) Medical Records.

Catering services

Provision of safe nutritious meals to staff and study participants

Laundry services

Undertake Housekeeping and laundry services to study participants &                   KEMRI staff i.e. labs, catering, nursing station, staff clinic & production                  unit.

Medical Centre

The KEMRI staff clinic was established in 1989 to facilitate staff and their dependents access to medical services.

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Infectious and Parasitic Diseases

Division addresses infectious diseases and the neglected diseases particularly diarrheal diseases, Leishmaniasis and other emerging diseases.

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Laboratory Unit

To conduct studies on epidemiology, diagnosis , treatment, prevention and control in Communicable diseases (such as; malaria, HIV, STI,TB, hepatitis, diarrheal diseases)

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Neglected Disease Research

In the division the mandate is to undertake research in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD’s) with special emphasis of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) which is the most serious form of the disease.

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Mental Health Research

 The unit spearheads mental health research including drug and substance use.

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Diagnostic Imaging Research

The Radiology Division exists to provide diagnostic imaging, therapeutic and research support services to study participants and the public.

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Gastrointestinal Disease Research

Undertake research in digestive and liver diseases and provide solutions for digestive conditions and also provide therapeutic services to study participants.

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Pathology & Oncology Research

This Unit incorporates cancer research and laboratory diagnostics to enhance cancer screening and early diagnosis.

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Basic Sciences Research

Addresses control and reduction of the burden of infectious and non-infectious diseases through basic science, immunological and molecular studies.

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Clinical Trials Division

Clinical trials are undertaken at the Nairobi Station and the county stations of Thika, Kisumu, Kericho. The competencies that are established for clinical trials include, Data Management Capacity, Clinical Research Laboratories, Community Advisory Boards, Research Oversight / Governance, Trial Operational Management and Regulatory Support.

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ENT/ Head and Neck Research

This Unit exists to undertake research and clinical trials in upper respiratory and the Ear, Nose and throat diseases and also provide clinical services to study participants.

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Oral Health Research

This Unit focuses on Research and development in oral health and provides oral health services
for patients. It also establishes solutions and interventions for improvement of oral health
conditions.

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Reproductive Health Research

It addresses the understanding of the prevalence, risk factors, associations, interventions and drug trials for reproductive health.

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Metabolic & Cardiovascular Research

This Unit plays a role in advancing the understanding of cardiovascular diseases and also diabetes and metabolic research through undertaking epidemiological, population survey and clinical trials.

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Child & Adolescent Health Research

This Unit co-ordinates prenatal, child and adolescent health research in order to advise on health policy and practice and also to address the epidemiology, risk factors and develop interventions for child and adolescent health.

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Cancer Registry

The Cancer Registry’s main focus is to establish hospital and population-based cancer registries for purposes of carrying out surveillance on cancer nationally to provide the Ministry of Health and all stakeholders with data on incidence, trends, mortality and prevalence of cancer in the country.

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Dr. Veronica Manduku

Deputy Director CCR

Dr. Veronica Manduku  has a background in diagnostic imaging. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery from Pune University, India (1996) and a Masters in Medicine in Diagnostic Imaging from the University of Nairobi (2003). As a director, she coordinates a robust research team with expertise in clinical trials, epidemiology and basic sciences within several research stations including the Nairobi, Kisumu, Kericho and Thika counties. The team typically undertakes research in key infectious diseases like HIV, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, Sickle cell disease and a good number in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like Mental and dental health, cancer, child and adolescent health, reproductive health among others.

Her objectives are in improving quality of cancer care in Kenya through research and enhanced understanding of cancer and other major NCDs.
She is also keen in chest imaging with her past work being in supporting the Malaria vaccine trial and the Pneumonia Etiology survey in radiation safety, standardization of reading and review of images. In 2015, she was the lead imaging expert in the first ever Kenya National Tuberculosis Survey.

She supports MOH through various technical working groups in cancer control program.
She is currently the chair of the Kenya Society for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (KESUMB). A member of African Society of Radiologists (ASR).

In the past she has served as a board member in the Kenya Radiation Protection Board (KRPB) and chair, Kenya Association of Radiologists (KAR).

Contact Info

Kenya Medical Research Institute Headquarters, 

Nairobi. off Mbagathi way,

P.O BOX 20778 – 00200 Nairobi

Tel: 2720781

E-mail: ek.og.irmekobfsctd@rcc

Location