KEMRI Leads AMR Collaborative Efforts in East Africa.

The Institute has this week spearheaded the launch of the R’OHOKET project, a multi-country initiative aimed at tackling the growing threat of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) across East Africa. Held at a hotel in Nairobi last Friday, 27th, September 2024, the event brought together representatives from major health facilities in Kenya to chart a course for this ambitious project, which spans Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), the R’OHOKET project will run for 28 months, using the “One Health” approach to address AMR. This comprehensive strategy integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the issue. KEMRI, a key partner, is collaborating with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Kenya Red Cross to bring this vision to life. This introduction meeting follows the contract signing ceremony between the consortium partners and the French Government for the R’OHOKET project held earlier in the year at the French Ambassador’s official residence on 10th May 2024, followed by official launch on 16th – 17th May 2024 in Nairobi.

Representing KEMRI’s Ag. Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, at the event, Prof. Sammy Njenga emphasized the Institute’s commitment to the project’s objectives. “We express our sincere gratitude to the French Government for their generous financial sponsorship. KEMRI is proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to improve human health and the quality of life in our region. The R’OHOKET project is vital in addressing antimicrobial resistance, and through the One Health approach, we are tackling this challenge holistically,” Prof. Njenga remarked.

The project is designed to enhance microbiology laboratory quality management, an essential element in combating AMR. KEMRI’s Principal Investigator, Dr. Robert Onsare who is leading the implementation of planned activities, laid out the strategic objectives, including promoting local research, fostering regional collaboration across sectors, and strengthening national decision-making processes on AMR. “Our focus is on creating a robust system that ensures responsible antimicrobial use, strengthens healthcare systems, and reduces the threat of resistant infections across East Africa,” Dr. Onsare who is also the Ag. Deputy Director in charge of the One Health Research Programme explained.

The current project is building on the previous successful delivery of the Fleming Fund Country grant, a project implemented by KEMRI that was aimed at strengthening laboratory capacity in AMR detection, reporting and prevention. A key component of the R’OHOKET project is preparing nine major public health facilities across Kenya, such as the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Nakuru Level 6 Hospital, for external quality assessments (EQA). Representing the health facilities at meeting were the overall facility laboratory manager and the Quality Assurance Officer from the Microbiology section from each facility. These efforts will improve microbiology practices and enhance collaboration between human and animal health sectors, crucial for monitoring and controlling the spread of resistant microbes.

The meeting also featured contributions from other key partners. ILRI’s Ms. Ianetta Muttie highlighted the critical role of the animal health sector in addressing AMR, while Dr. Serawit Bruck-Landais from the French Embassy discussed France’s broader global health strategy and its alignment with R’OHOKET’s goals.

Participants shared insights on successes and challenges, noting the increased uptake of microbiology testing and capacity building among laboratory staff as key achievements. However, challenges such as high staff turnover, inadequate automation, and limited data management capabilities were identified as areas needing urgent attention. The discussions also emphasized the importance of community-level awareness, recognizing that public engagement and education are essential to the long-term success of AMR interventions.

The R’OHOKET project’s next steps include scaling up sampling and testing procedures, strengthening quality management in microbiology labs, and enhancing the collaboration between human and animal health sectors. As the project progresses, KEMRI and its partners remain committed to using the One Health approach to safeguard the future of health in the region.

This landmark initiative reflects KEMRI’s ongoing leadership in addressing critical public health challenges, reaffirming its role as a central player in the region’s efforts to combat AMR.