KEMRI at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva

A high-level delegation from the Institute attended the just concluded, 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland from 19th to 27th May 2025. The delegation comprised the Chairman of the Scientific Research and Innovations Committee (SRIC) of the KEMRI Board, Mr. Luka Chemwolo; Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok; and Ag. Director for Scientific Programmes, Partnerships, and Grants Management (SPPGM), Dr. Mariciannah Onono.

WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO) and brings together delegations from all 194 WHO Member States to deliberate on critical global health priorities. This year’s Assembly, held under the theme “One World for Health,” underscores a shared global commitment to advancing health equity, strengthening health systems, and tackling emerging health challenges through international collaboration.

The KEMRI delegation formed part of the broader Kenyan representation led by Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Adan Duale and his two Principal Secretaries, Ms. Mary Muthoni and Dr. Ouma Oluga among senior officials from the Ministry of Health and other public health stakeholders. Their presence underscored Kenya’s commitment to playing a proactive role in shaping global health policy and contributing to the development of sustainable, science based solutions to pressing health issues.

While at the WHA78, Prof. Songok represented Kenya at sessions on “Sustainable Financing for Primary Health Care” and “Investing in Health amid Crisis.” He emphasized the country’s efforts to implement the Lusaka Agenda and push for greater domestic resource mobilization. This engagement aligned with the WHA78 Resolution on Strengthening Global Health Financing, which Kenya supported. Further, Kenya, through Prof. Songok, actively engaged in negotiations and side events supporting the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The agreement focuses on equitable access to health technologies, local manufacturing, and pathogen sharing. KEMRI’s readiness and laboratory capabilities were highlighted as part of Kenya’s preparedness infrastructure.

Further, Prof. Songok participated in a high-level event on “Leptospirosis in the One Health Framework,” co-hosted by Kenya and international partners. He underscored the need for integrated surveillance systems and collaborative research, especially in high-burden tropical regions.

It was a rare honour for the country and the Institute when Dr. Onono was picked to deliver the WHO Africa Region Statement on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) on behalf of 47 Member States during Committee A proceedings which she did beautifully. The statement reaffirmed that PHC is the most effective path to UHC and called for urgent action to reverse declining global health funding, strengthen domestic financing, and invest in health workers. It noted that African heads of state have pledged to accelerate progress towards UHC, a commitment born from the understanding that the health and well-being of its people as both a right and a necessity. Finally, the statement endorsed the Lusaka Agenda and supported the resolution on global health financing led by Nigeria.

In addition, Dr. Onono represented Kenya at technical side events focusing on global health priorities, including the Global Collaboration on Strep A Vaccine Development, a panel on Dengue and Arboviruses, and a session on Youth-Focused Primary Health Care Models. Dr. Onono also contributed to dialogues on Social Participation, hosted by Slovenia’s Minister of Health, and a session addressing Violence Against Children.

During these engagements, Dr. Onono highlighted KEMRI’s significant contributions to health research in the region, particularly in generating evidence for improved diagnostics, adolescent health, and outbreak preparedness.

Throughout the event, the KEMRI delegation supported the Ministry of Health in over a dozen high-level sessions and bilateral meetings. These included strategic discussions with the Global Fund and UNICEF, and participation in events centred on digital health 4 KEMRI BULLETIN ISSUE 142 innovations, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and the growing climate-health nexus. The team also took part in coordination meetings led by the World Health Organization’s Africa Regional Office (WHO-AFRO).

These engagements opened avenues for strategic partnerships and enhanced visibility of KEMRI as a science-driven institution committed to UHC, innovation, and global health equity. The Institute’s engagement reinforced Kenya’s position as a regional leader in research and public health diplomacy.