Nairobi — The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has received a call to enhance its surveillance and emergency response programs for public health emergencies in Eastern Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Harry Kimtai, who spoke during the official inauguration of the fifth Kemri/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Country Training Programme (TCTP), there is a critical need to augment laboratory capacity and readiness for public health emergencies.
The TCTP has brought together 14 participants from 10 African countries, including Kenya, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Tanzania. The training program operates under the theme ‘Strengthening Laboratory Preparedness for Building Resilience against Public Health Emergencies in Eastern Africa.’ It aims to improve the continent’s ability to respond to, prepare for, and prevent epidemics, pandemics, and other significant health crises.
The initiative’s primary focus is equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to address infectious diseases effectively, such as Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Kimtai emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to boosting the nation’s health infrastructure and developing both national and local capacities. This endeavor includes the establishment of efficient, transparent, equitable, and accountable health systems to improve the delivery of essential services.
Further, the Ministry has been active in supporting research and development, in addition to empowering health service providers. As Kimtai pointed out, a healthy population is pivotal in Kenya’s journey towards becoming a middle-income country. “Being a regional hub, Kenya shares borders with nations that are still in the process of developing their health systems. This impacts the efficiency of the national immunization program and requires a united effort to upgrade health infrastructure,” he said.
The TCTP also aims to empower laboratory managers and relevant personnel across Eastern Africa. By fostering partnerships and promoting information sharing, the initiative seeks to create a collaborative network among the participating countries, thereby improving the region’s collective preparedness for health crises. Through its partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the inclusion of multiple African nations, the Kenya Medical Research Institute is taking significant steps to fortify public health readiness across Eastern Africa.