HIV Research Division

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in collaboration with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) established the HIV Research Division (HIVR) in 2001 to spearhead HIV prevention and treatment research within the Nyanza Region in Kenya, an area with the greatest burden of HIV/AIDS in the country.

The HIVR Division is housed at KEMRI’s Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) in Kisumu County.

Mission

To perform high impact HIV prevention, treatment and health systems research with domestic and global relevance.

Vision

To be a leading Centre for HIV research aimed towards eliminating HIV infection.

Mandates/Functions

In line with KEMRI’s mission of improving human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation and service delivery; the HIVR Division conducts research related to epidemiology, prevention, management and treatment of HIV and associated conditions. This includes (but not limited to) HIV and other sexually transmitted infections; Tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections; non-communicable diseases affecting HIV-infected individuals; nutritional, genetic and metabolic conditions of importance in HIV treatment or prevention; structural, mental and behavioral factors affecting HIV pathogenesis, treatment and prevention; and other conditions affecting HIV-infected or at risk individuals.

It also conducts research on health systems and incorporates economic evaluation research, such as Point-of-Care (POC) and use of other novel testing devices, as well as promising practices designed to improve linkage to and engagement in patient and population-based care

UNITS

The HIV division has a clinical research unit and a laboratory unit.

The Laboratory Unit

The KEMRI-CGHR HIV-R laboratory located in Kisumu has been in existence since the year 2000. HIV-R laboratory started its operations at the Kisian site under management of the malaria laboratory. The laboratory was established to support EPI programs, HIV biomedical intervention trials, incidence, transmission and prevention studies.  Among the first studies that were supported successfully include: (a) Baseline cross sectional study in Asembo, (b) Kisumu breast-feeding study (KIBS) – A phase II open label clinical trial of maternal Zidovudine / lamivudine and Nevirapine for maximal reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission in resource limited settings among breastfeeding solutions) (c) Baseline cross sectional study in Gem (d) A prospective cohort study to estimate incidence of HIV Sero-conversion and to identify determinants of successful recruitment and retention in preparation for an HIV prevention trial among young adults in Kisumu, western Kenya. This was in preparation of a HIV vaccine trial.

In the year 2002, the following laboratory techniques were introduced and performed; flow cytometry, HIV ELISA, HIV PCR, hematology, sample processing and storage.

In the year 2003, more laboratory techniques were performed, including HIV DNA PCR and HIV plasma viral load testing, PBMC processing and DBS separation and storage, CT/NG PCR using both urine and swab, HSV2 ELISA, RPR and TPHA serology for syphilis diagnosis and Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosis using in-pouch technique.

In the year 2004, staff were trained on DBS viral load testing, HIV BED assay, HIV ELISA and computerized system for tracking stored samples. This year also saw the development of quality management system and document management system and has established a robust quality assurance platform that provides oversight of laboratory service delivery. In the year 2007, HIV-R laboratory started preparations for ISO accreditation and was the first laboratory in Kenya to receive ISO 15189:2007 in March 2008. Additionally, since 2008, the laboratory has been supporting the Ministry of Health HIV programmatic activities that include HIV Viral Load (VL), Early infant diagnosis (EID) and serology testing.

In 2018 and 2019, the laboratory was listed by WHO as prequalification Evaluating lab that supports IVD validation for HIV antibodies/antigen, HCV antibodies, Syphilis antibodies, HBsAg, CD3/CD4/CD8 enumeration and HIV NAT (Qualitative and Quantitative). The laboratory is also a WHO regional laboratory for HIV Drug Resistance and has successfully supported several HIV DR surveillance studies in the country and region. The HIV Research laboratory has maintained quality standards earning it recognition as a site for DAIDS and NIH funded clinical trials and has supported several HIV and SARSCOV-2 vaccine clinical trials. The future of the laboratory is focused on innovative technologies and strategies aimed at facilitating quality prevention, care and treatment programs.

The laboratory’s mission is to sustain and improve HIV-related medical research excellence and expansion, through investment in provision of quality and innovative service to clients. In pursuing this mission, the laboratory delivers value to: clients through services that enhance and support professional effectiveness; staff through a motivating environment that encourages and rewards innovation of thought and action; stakeholders through increased returns on their investment in the laboratory whilst providing our clients, associates and collaborating partners with a professional, pleasant and fulfilling experience throughout their relationship with the laboratory.

The laboratory has a broad scope that is shared through a laboratory handbook. More details about the laboratory scope, handbook and accreditation can be found under the  HIV Division resources tab.

TEAM

Division Head

Dr. Victor Mudhune

Division Staff Members

  1. Boaz Oyaro
  2. Evans Odipo Odhiambo
  3. Francis K.M. Angira
  4. Dr. Grace Mboya
  5. Ken Ondeng’e
  6. Philister Adhiambo Madiega
  7. Richard Ndivo
  8. Dr. Samuel Ouma
  9. Dr. Valarie Opollo

The laboratory staff

  1. Dr Valarie Opollo
  2. Emily Anyango
  3. Janet Adhiambo
  4. Benta Akoth
  5. Richard Odipo
  6. Fredrick Oloo
  7. Victor Sewe
  8. Grace Akinyi
  9. Rebecca Achieng
  10. Nelson Mokaya