Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Kilifi is to soon launch a corona virus vaccine after having been given a go ahead by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Ministry of Health.
Director General for the Institute, Professor Kombe Yeri said the final preparation for the launch of the vaccine has been underway and will soon be known to the public.
He said for the trials to commence, they have to ensure that the vaccine is safe for humans and that a total of 40 volunteers will be required for the starting trial and later the number be increased to 300.
Speaking when he received Parliamentary Health Committee led by Chairperson Sabina Chege Thursday at the institute, Professor Kombe said he is optimistic that the vaccine will be a success.
On the other hand, Ms. Chege said the government has been eager to support KEMRI in its trials for it to succeed on its mission.
She said KEMRI has been doing tremendous work in the medical field and deserved support by the government even though it has support from donors.
The committee also paid a visit to the County referral hospital to assess how funds disbursed by the national government have been utilized to fight Covid-19 pandemic and whether equipment given by the national government have been put into use.
She said for the committee to know what is happening on the ground, they have to visit the counties to inspect the health facilities adding that the committee will be visiting other counties in the coast region, among them, Mombasa and Kwale.
By Harrison Yeri
