The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the US Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC)  have renewed their MoU to continue partnering and enhance collaborative activities in cutting-edge research on a reciprocal basis

The signing was done by KEMRI acting Director General  Professor Elijah Songok and CDC Global Health Director, Dr. Kayla Laseron in the presence of President William Ruto during his state visit to the USA which started on Monday.

"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, 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." reads a statement from KEMRI.

Another importnat MoU signed during the event was between the Ministry of Health and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in developing a Sustainability Roadmap for Kenya’s HIV Programme and the joint proclamation for the operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute.

The agreements that will accelerate the Kenyan government’s efforts to achieve Universal Healthcare include the joint proclamation for the operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute.

During the visit to the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, President Ruto  hailed the US government as a key ally in Kenya’s healthcare advancement.

“The United States of America has been Kenya’s true ally in healthcare from infrastructure, pioneering research to the tackling of infectious diseases. We intend to escalate this journey of partnership, including the local manufacturing of vaccines, for the prosperity of all” he said.