KEMRI and Chinese University forge Strategic Partnership on Eye Health.

The Institute (KEMRI) is set to deepen health research collaboration with China following a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Chinese-based Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre (ZOC) of Sun Yat-sen University on Thursday,17th, July 2025 at KEMRI Headquarters.

The Chinese delegation led by the President of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Prof. Lin Haotian, and the CEO, Mama Lucy Kibaki County Referral Hospital, Dr. Martin Wekesa paid a courtesy call on DG, KEMRI Prof. Elijah Songok to discuss collaboration between the three institutions.

The meeting marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at establishing a Regional Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology to enhance eye health services, training, and research in Kenya and the region.

It is instructive that this is the first time that the three senior Institutional leadership have meet to explore what may be transformative collaboration focused on enhancing eye care services, specialized training, and collaborative research in ophthalmology and visual sciences.

At the heart of the discussions was the development of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership. The MoU will set out a framework for the establishment of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology, which will focus on capacity building, training of local and regional eye health professionals, and fostering cutting-edge research in eye care.

“This collaboration signals a new chapter in Kenya-China health cooperation, one that places innovation, equity, and access at the centre of our efforts to combat avoidable blindness,” said Prof. Songok.

On his part, Prof. Haotian remarked, “Given the reputational strengths of our respective institutions, this visit promises the beginning of a great partnership journey between China and Kenya with regard to eye research.”

The initiative is aligned with Kenya’s national health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Vision 2030, and contributes to regional goals of reducing the burden of preventable visual impairment. It also reinforces South-South cooperation in global health, creating a shared platform for mutual learning and sustainable development.

Key next steps include co-developing a detailed implementation roadmap, identifying sustainable financing options, and aligning the project with Ministry of Health strategic frameworks.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Embassy of China in Kenya, the Nairobi County Government, and senior KEMRI officials including Prof. Sammy Njenga representing Director, Research and Development, Dr. Rose Bosire, representing the Director of Partnerships and Grants Management, and the Acting Director for Research Capacity Building, Dr. Martin Bundi.

This prospective partnership marks a strategic leap toward elevating ophthalmic care in Kenya, with the potential to serve as a regional model for eye health innovation and collaboration.