Kenya, International Vaccine Institute sign MOU on research

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya’s ministry of health and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have taken a major step towards strengthening vaccine research and production capabilities.

The two entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Afya House, Nairobi, with an aim to bolster the country’s efforts in achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production, while addressing broader public health challenges across the country, and the African continent.

Speaking during the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, highlighted the importance of the partnership in achieving Africa Central Disease Control (CDC) vision of producing 60 percent of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040.

“This MoU symbolizes our shared commitment to building a robust vaccine ecosystem that ensures equitable access for all while enhancing health security in Kenya and beyond,” said the CS.

As such, Kenya has been selected to host the IVI Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) Project Africa office, marking a significant milestone in the country’s leadership in health innovation and vaccine production on the African continent.

IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim commended Kenya’s proactive approach in addressing vaccine availability.

“This partnership represents a bold step forward in advancing global health security through innovative and sustainable vaccine solutions.”

The collaboration, according to the ministry of health, builds on Kenya’s achievements in vaccine research.

Institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Kenya BioVax Institute are already playing critical roles in clinical trials, disease surveillance, and workforce training.

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Kenya BioVax Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Michael Lusiola and KEMRI Elijah Martim Songok attended the meeting.

The partnership is expected to reinforce Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda, by increasing vaccine access, fostering innovation, and ensuring resilience in addressing future health emergencies.