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KEMRI Announces Major Medical Advances and Public Health Initiatives

KEMRI Board Chair Dr. Abdullahi Ali and Prof. Songok ready for the press briefing.

The Institute (KEMRI) held a media briefing this week at its Mtwapa Research Facility where it announced critical developments in its ongoing research and public health initiatives. The event, led by KEMRI Board of Directors, Dr. Abdullahi Ali and the Ag. Director General Prof. Elijah Songok, addressed significant strides in the fight against tuberculosis and Marburg Virus Disease, as well as KEMRI’s role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The well attended event was attended by Board Directors, Dr. Rebecca Kiptui, Dr. Damaris Maweu, Mr. Luka Chemwolo, Ms. Faith Mwongerah, Ms. Vivian Chebii and Mr. Christopher Marwa.

The four research areas announced include:

i. The Phase 3 Clinical Trial for New Tuberculosis Vaccine
The groundbreaking Phase 3 clinical trial for the M72/AS01E tuberculosis (TB) vaccine could become the first new TB vaccine in over 100 years is successful. The trial, conducted across nine locations in Kenya, including Nairobi and Mtwapa is evaluating the efficacy of the vaccine in preventing pulmonary TB, the most common and deadly form of the disease.

Through this clinical study, Kenya joins South Africa as the second country to participate in this global trial, involving over 20,000 participants from multiple countries. “If successful, this vaccine could save millions of lives worldwide. KEMRI’s involvement underscores Kenya’s vital role in global TB research,” informed Prof. Songok.

Dr. Videlis Nduba is the National Principal Investigator for the study in Kenya, while Dr. Carolyne Ndila, SubInvestigator and Trial Site Manager at the KEMRI Mtwapa Research Site. Dr. Ndila and a Principal Investigator, Dr. Wilson Muranya attended the press briefing and both emphasized the collaborative nature of this study saying “Our involvement in this trial underscores our commitment to global health research. We’re not just participants; we’re active contributors to a solution that could save millions of lives worldwide.”

ii. KEMRI Assists Rwanda in Tackling Marburg
Virus Disease (MVD) Outbreak KEMRI also announced its support in combating the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Rwanda, which has claimed eight lives. Working with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and regional partners, KEMRI told the media that it was ramping up surveillance and sample testing to prevent the virus from crossing into Kenya. The Institute is also collaborating with WHO to enhance East Africa’s readiness and response to the highly virulent disease, which has no known treatment.

iii. Key Contributions to Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
The third announcement involved the Institute’s contributions towards UHC. The leadership reaffirmed KEMRI’s commitment to advancing UHC highlighting its research that has influenced national health policies. Studies conducted across 12 counties have identified gaps in resource allocation, prompting policy changes, including stipends for Community Health Workers and integration of community savings groups into health financing strategies. Through its diagnostic services and health systems research, KEMRI is actively contributing to healthcare access and policy improvements aligned with the country’s UHC goals.

iv. KEMRI’s Role in Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) Transition
With the recent introduction of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), replacing NHIF, KEMRI announced its role in supporting the transition. The institute intimated that it will provide critical research, data analysis, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the new SHIF system effectively addresses Kenya’s healthcare needs. KEMRI will in addition, work closely with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to mobilize public registration and ensure uninterrupted access to comprehensive healthcare services.

Prof. Songok emphasized KEMRI’s ongoing commitment to public health, saying, “Our research and partnerships continue to drive transformative healthcare solutions for Kenyans and the global community.”

The media briefing was attended by over 30 journalists from across different print, electronic and online media platforms and has been well covered.

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