KEMRI and Ohio State University Launch 3rd Cycle of One Health ResearchProgramme.

On September 25, 2024, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) hosted the high key launch of the 3rd Cycle of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) D43 One Health East Africa Research Training (OHEART) Program. The event, held at KEMRI headquarters in Nairobi, marked the official commencement of the third phase of this groundbreaking program, which is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2029.

The OHEART program is a collaborative effort developed under the KEMRI-Ohio State University (OSU) Global One Health Initiative (GOHi) and is funded by the Fogarty Global Health Training Program grant from the NIH. It brings together GOHi, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI).

Its overarching goal is to strengthen research capacity across Kenya and Ethiopia, focusing on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), foodborne, waterborne, and vectorborne diseases through a One Health approach. The program empowers local researchers while promoting culturally relevant and sustainable health interventions.

The project leadership comprises of Multiple Principal Investigators (MPIs), namely Prof. Sam Kariuki (KEMRI & DNDi), Prof. Gebreyes Wondwossen and Prof. Shu-Hua Wang, both from Ohio State University. The grant award is to KEMRI as the prime award and The Ohio State University (OSU), Columbus, Ohio, USA as the subaward.

Implementation of the project activities in KEMRI is led by Prof. Sam Kariuki, immediate Ag. Director General of KEMRI, KEMRI and current Eastern Africa Director, Drugs for neglected diseases initiative (DNDi) and Dr. Robert Onsare, the Ag. Deputy Director, One Health Approach Research Program, KEMRI and a Principal Research Scientist based at the Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR).

Prof. Sammy Njenga delivered the opening remarks on behalf of KEMRI’s Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok stating: “This programme represents an important collaboration between KEMRI and Ohio State University’s Global One Health Initiative,” he said and added, “I warmly welcome all of you to this important launch, and I look forward to the positive impact this programme will have in addressing the critical health challenges in our region.” Later on the delegation paid a courtesy call on Prof. Songok in his office and briefed on the progress made so.

The OHEART program, which first began in 2010, has had a profound impact in building research capacity across the region. This 3rd cycle aims to continue that success, ensuring that researchers are equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle the intertwined health issues of humans, animals, and the environment.

Dr. Robert Onsare, representing Prof. Sam Kariuki, the lead MPI for the project provided a comprehensive overview of the OHEART program’s history. The program was first launched in 2010 and has undergone two successful cycles (2010–2015 and 2016–2023), leading to its renewal for a third phase. Dr. Onsare noted that the program’s vision is to develop skilled professionals and build institutional capacities that can tackle health challenges in East Africa through a One Health approach. The objectives of the program are threefold: to strengthen research capacity, promote research collaborations across institutions, and nurture an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Sam Kariuki, also welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in overcoming global health challenges. “Your presence today reflects a shared commitment to the One Health approach,” said Prof. Kariuki, a former Ag. Director General of KEMRI. “Together, we can address the complex health challenges we face globally and improve health outcomes for all.”

Key topics for this cycle include integrated health approaches, zoonotic disease surveillance, climate change and health, antimicrobial resistance, and community engagement. In addition, discussions were held on enhancing collaboration among participating institutions, identifying fellows for the program, and managing postaward grants.

Also present at the meeting were representatives from the program collaborating institutions, including Dr. Martin Bundi representing the KEMRI Graduate School (KSG), Prof. Isabella Oyier of the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Program (KWTP), Dr. Binyam Tilahun of the University of Gondar (UoG) in Ethiopia, Dr. Joseph Nguta, representing Dr. Joshua Onono of the University of Nairobi (UoN), Dr. Daniel Masinga of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Dr. Alemseged Abdissa of the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) and Dr. Bett of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). They all made brief presentations highlighting strengths of their respective institutions and affirmed their respective institutional readiness for program implementation that will involve student placement and rotations.

As the event concluded, Prof. Kariuki encouraged continued collaboration: “Together, we can create innovative solutions that improve health outcomes for our communities. Let’s maintain the connections made here today and work toward a healthier future.”

During a lunch break, despite his busy schedule, the Ag. DG Prof. Elijah Songok kindly agreed to host the project visiting delegation and participants led by Prof. Sam Kariuki and Prof. Gebreyes Wondwossen for a brief courtesy visit in his office. During the brief meeting held in the main boardroom, Prof. Songok once more welcomed the project team and visitors to KEMRI. He commended the team, expressing his appreciation on behalf of KEMRI for the opportune to lead the project as the prime award, emphasizing that other donor partners should emulate NIH in having KEMRI take leadership in such projects. Prof. Songok emphasized that KEMRI had what it takes, including requisite lab capacity, state of the art equipment and well trained and experienced personnel to implement the project and similar projects.

With the programme now officially launched, KEMRI, Ohio State University, and their partners are set to drive impactful research and foster stronger ties between the scientific community and local populations.