By Eddah Waithaka
On Tuesday, February 11, the 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference officially opened at the Safari Park Hotel. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, opened the event on behalf of Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Debra Mulongo Barasa.
The conference highlighted Kenya’s increasing dedication to research, innovation, and the incorporation of precision medicine into healthcare.
During the conference, discussions focused on how technology and research can drive the future of healthcare in Kenya, particularly in ensuring sustainability and community involvement. Experts shared insights on the transformative potential of precision medicine, digital health solutions, and innovative research methodologies in tackling the country’s health challenges.
KEMRI’s pivotal role in advancing scientific discoveries and providing evidence that shapes national health policies was repeatedly acknowledged, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone in Kenya’s healthcare innovation landscape.
Speaking at the event, PS Muthoni, on behalf of Dr. Barasa, praised the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for its pioneering work in health research and its role in shaping evidence-based policy.
She emphasized the Ministry of Health’s strong support for KEMRI’s efforts, especially in advancing precision medicine that customizes treatments based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
“The establishment of the Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence and the Precision Medicine Society is a major step toward revolutionizing healthcare in Kenya,” PS Muthoni said. “By ensuring that treatments are personalized and effective, we are not only improving patient outcomes but also strengthening our healthcare system in line with the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.”
Prof. Elijah Songok, KEMRI’s Acting Director General, shared similar views, highlighting KEMRI’s leadership in driving transformative health initiatives. He revealed the launch of KEMRI’s Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which focuses on boosting research capacity, fostering innovation, and enhancing disease surveillance and response.
Read More On : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/huawei-kenya-celebrates-women-and-girls-in-stem-at-unitech-talk/
The strategy aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“This Strategic Plan will guide KEMRI in tackling Kenya’s pressing health challenges through six key areas: research for human health, innovation, disease surveillance, research capacity building, financial sustainability, and institutional strengthening,” Prof. Songok noted.
The conference also marked the launch of the Precision Medicine Kenya Task Force – Think Tank, designed to promote thought leadership and collaboration in precision medicine. Beyond research, both PS Muthoni and Prof. Songok stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
They highlighted KEMRI’s advocacy for the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a crucial element in achieving UHC by guaranteeing that all Kenyans receive quality healthcare without financial hardship.
Running until February 14, 2025, the KASH conference will host expert discussions, research presentations, and collaborative engagements, paving the way for innovative solutions to Kenya’s most pressing health challenges.
Read More At : https://africawatchnews.co.ke/
