KEMRI–HJF to Strengthen Strategic Research & Vaccine Development Partnerships

By Stella Njung’e

The Ag. Director General of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Prof. Elijah Songok held strategic discussions with the Vice President of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF), Dr. Sandhya Vasan the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, reinforcing ongoing collaboration between the two institutions.

The engagement focused on strengthening joint efforts in health research, innovation and capacity development, areas considered critical in addressing emerging and persistent public health challenges across the region.

During the meeting, the Prof. Songok highlighted that KEMRI is in the process of attaining a charter to support high-level training of PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers. A key priority area under the initiative will be vaccine research and development, aimed at building local expertise and strengthening regional preparedness for future outbreaks. “Africa must invest deliberately in advanced scientific training if we are to produce our own solutions. Our proposed charter will enable us to train PhD and postdoctoral researchers locally, with vaccine development as a strategic priority,” Prof. Songok said. “We look forward to partners such as HJF supporting this initiative to strengthen regional health security.”

KEMRI and HJF have previously collaborated on research and training initiatives aimed at improving disease surveillance, clinical research capacity and evidence-based health interventions. The latest discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepen cooperation and enhance knowledge exchange in support of stronger health systems. 

Dr. Vasan  welcomed  the  continued  engagement, noting the value of long-term institutional partnerships. “Our collaboration with KEMRI demonstrates the impact of sustained partnerships in advancing research capacity and public health outcomes. We are keen to explore opportunities that support workforce development and innovation across the region,” she said.

 The Institute noted that sustained partnerships remain key to advancing Africa’s research ecosystem and ensuring locally generated evidence informs policy, preparedness and response to public health threats.