KEMRI ANNUAL CONFERENCE KICKS OFF WITH BOLD VISION FOR TRANSFORMING HEALTH SYSTEMS.


BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

The 15th KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH 15) opened today with a bold focus on "Research, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Health Systems." Running from February 11-14, 2025, the conference brings together a diverse group of experts, health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to drive conversations on the future of health systems in Kenya and beyond.

In her keynote address, Principal Secretary for Health, Ms. Mary Muthoni Muriuki, lauded the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for its pivotal role in advancing health research and innovation. "KEMRI’s work continues to be essential in promoting health research, which is key to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)," she stated. She also highlighted KEMRI’s leadership in initiatives such as the Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence and the Precision Medicine Society, which are positioning Kenya as a global leader in personalized healthcare.

The opening ceremony also saw the unveiling of KEMRI’s new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, which aims to enhance research excellence and tackle critical health issues, including non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, and health infrastructure challenges. Acting Director General of KEMRI, Prof. Elijah Songok, emphasized that the plan aligns with national priorities like Kenya Vision 2030 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "KEMRI is committed to advancing research, capacity building, and equitable healthcare access," he said.

Dr. Abdullahi Ali, KEMRI Chairman, underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing the nation’s health agenda. He emphasized that precision medicine—tailored treatments based on genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors—has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and significantly improve patient outcomes. The conference also highlighted the establishment of the KEMRI Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence (PM CoE) and the PM Kenya Task Force, both of which are pivotal steps towards integrating personalized medicine into


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