The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) renewed their five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), that will continue enhancing cutting edge research activities in Kenya. The historic signing was held at a colorful ceremony that was witnessed by His Excellency President William Ruto and key government officials at the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
According to a press release The Acting Director General KEMRI, Prof Elijah Songok signed on behalf of KEMRI and Dr. Kayla Laserson, Director Global Health Centre, CDC on behalf of CDC. The MoU will enhance collaborative activities between KEMRI and CDC on a reciprocal basis.
This collaboration will encompass human health research and program implementation at KEMRI facilities and in Kenyan communities, research and capacity building for public health threats and emergencies. The agreement will also see the dissemination and application of research findings for policy formulation, training of public health professionals, strengthening research leadership and laboratory capabilities, staff exchanges, and sharing of research information and materials in accordance with Kenyan laws, as well as any other mutually beneficial health-related research activities.
‘’KEMRI has been collaborating with CDC for the last four decades and this important occasion at CDC Headquarters, today in Atlanta is a celebration of the extensive health partnership between the US and Kenya and highlights the transformation of our partnership as we look towards addressing the health challenges of the future particularly in Africa’’ Prof Songok hinted.
The event underscores the ways our partnership has strengthened health outcomes in both countries, including through 45 years of CDC partnership with Kenya’s public health and laboratory systems, 21 years of partnership through the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the implementation of the Global Health Security Agenda which contributes to regional and global health security by strengthening Kenya’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to epidemics and health emergencies.
The event will reflect on the successful partnership our two countries have had and highlight sustainable strategies, innovations, and policy commitments that will mark the future of the partnership including ensuring a trained workforce, supporting local and regional manufacturing, implementing new models of sustaining the national HIV response, focusing on cutting-edge research, and innovative investments in digital health strategies
