The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has been urged to bolster its surveillance and emergency response programmes in a bid to enhance its ability to detect and respond swiftly to emerging health threats.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the fifth Kemri/Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Country Training Programme (TCTP) in Nairobi, the Principal Secretary (PS) for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, underscored the importance of boosting laboratory capacity and preparedness in the fight against public health emergencies in Eastern Africa.
The TCTP has convened 14 participants from 10 African nations, including Kenya, Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Djibouti, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and Tanzania.
The training initiative, operating under the theme ‘Strengthening Laboratory Preparedness for Building Resilience against Public Health Emergencies in Eastern Africa,’ aspires to elevate the continent’s responsiveness to, preparedness for, and prevention of epidemics, pandemics, and other critical health crises.
The training programme aims to increase the continent’s capacity to respond to, prepare for, and prevent epidemics, pandemics, and other public health crises.
“Its primary focus is to equip healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge required to address infectious diseases like Ebola, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria effectively,” said PS.
Mr. Kimtai stressed the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the country’s health infrastructure and building national and local capacities. This includes establishing efficient, transparent, equitable, and accountable health systems to enhance essential service delivery. Moreover, the Ministry has actively supported research and development efforts while empowering health service providers.
The PS emphasised the vital role that a healthy population plays in Kenya’s journey towards becoming a middle-income country.
“Being a regional hub, Kenya shares borders with nations that are still developing their health systems. This impacts the efficiency of the national immunisation programme and necessitates a concerted effort to improve health infrastructure,” he noted.
The TCTP also seeks to empower laboratory managers and related personnel across Eastern Africa, recognising their pivotal role in preparedness and response to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
“By fostering partnerships and promoting information sharing, this initiative aims to create a collaborative network among participating countries, further enhancing the region’s collective preparedness for health crises.”
The Kenya Medical Research Institute, through its collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the participation of African countries, is taking significant steps to strengthen public health readiness in Eastern Africa.
By Hamdi M. Buthul
