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On Thur 21 July, the University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health in collaboration with LOMWRU held the first Vientiane Science Café event in Laos. More than 50 students and staff of the Faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing Sciences, Medical Technology, Basic Sciences, and Public Health attended the two hour-long event.

Researchers attending a presentation at a Science Cafe

The Integrated Serosurveillance and Modelling in Kenya (I-SAM) study hosts a stakeholder engagement meeting

The I-SAM study convened stakeholders from hospitals, county health departments and the Ministry of Health to explore the use of residual clinical samples for multi-pathogen serosurveillance in Kenya. Discussions identified practical implementation strategies and highlighted the approach’s potential to generate valuable public health evidence and strengthen national disease surveillance systems.

KEMRI-Wellcome appoints Professors Isabella Oyier and Ambrose Agweyu as Deputy Directors

The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme has appointed Professor Isabella Oyier as Deputy Director, Kilifi, and Professor Ambrose Agweyu as Deputy Director, Nairobi. Both researchers bring extensive experience in infectious disease research, clinical epidemiology and health systems strengthening, and will help guide the Programme’s scientific leadership and strategic development.

Congratulations to our new Associate Professors 2026

Our heartfelt congratulations to Charles N Agoti from KWTRP, to Cindy Chu, Liz Batty and Tom Peto from MORU, and to Marc Choisy from OUCRU who have been awarded Associate Professorships

From Kilifi to the World: Rethinking Malaria Control Through Three Decades of Research

Since 1995, the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme has quietly reshaped the global fight against malaria, not through a single breakthrough, but through a sustained commitment to evidence, context and people. Its work offers a powerful lesson: defeating malaria is not just about tools, but about understanding systems, adapting strategies and investing in local science. This is a thought leadership piece by Professor Isabella Oyier, Head of Bioscience, KEMRI-Wellcome

Championing Ethical Research: Dorcas Kamuya on Community, Science, and Women in Leadership

Dorcas Kamuya’s journey highlights the impact of ethical, community-centred research. From rural Kenya to scientific leadership, she champions equity, mentorship, and inclusive research practices. Her work ensures that science respects community voices while advancing health systems, inspiring the next generation of women in research.

Advancing Epilepsy Care in Africa: Insights from the EPInA Dissemination Meeting in Nairobi

The EPInA project (Epilepsy Pathway Innovations in Africa) convened stakeholders in Nairobi to advance epilepsy care across Africa, supporting WHO’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan framework. Through community engagement and digital innovation, the initiative improves diagnosis, treatment and stigma reduction. The meeting emphasised translating evidence into action, strengthening health systems, and expanding access to equitable neurological care.

AMR Kenya 2026 Conference: Working Together to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

The AMR Kenya 2026 Conference convened stakeholders across sectors to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Kenya and the region. Under the theme “Working Together to Tackle AMR in Kenya,” participants co-developed practical solutions, highlighting the need for robust systems, data, stewardship, and local leadership. Interactive sessions addressed diagnostics, One Health, vaccines, and infection control. The conference concluded with a call for African-led, locally grounded responses and sustained investment to protect antimicrobial effectiveness and public health.

Global Consortium Launched to Develop Next-Generation Malaria Vaccine

A new international consortium, MVC-2G, has been launched to develop a next-generation malaria vaccine offering broader protection by targeting multiple stages of the parasite’s lifecycle. Co-led by KWTRP and supported by African, UK and EU partners, the five-year effort aims to improve vaccine efficacy. KWTRP is committed to producing rigorous clinical evidence to ensure new tools meet the needs of African communities most affected by malaria, supporting regional vaccine research, delivery, and long-term impact.

Blood test predicts risk of death in acutely ill children in lower-income countries

An international study has identified a blood-based indicator of intestinal damage and inflammation that strongly predicts mortality in sick children. The new biomarker could help to identify those children at greatest risk of dying after hospitalisation in parts of the world with limited resources.

Avoidable pitfalls on the path to health financing self-reliance in low-income and middle-income countries

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing an urgent and complex challenge: how to transition to greater self-sustainability in health financing amid declining donor support. While this shift is inevitable, the policy responses it elicits carry significant implications for health system equity and access.

Optimizing Newborn Care: Inside the NeoSep1 trial

Neonatal sepsis, worsened by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), remains a major cause of infant deaths in Africa. The NeoSep1 Trial, led by GARDP and KEMRI, is testing tailored antibiotic combinations for newborns. This research aims to update WHO guidelines, strengthen local research capacity, and improve access to effective treatments across low-resource settings.

KWTRP holds annual Media Advisory Group meeting

KWTRP held its annual Media Advisory Group (MAG) meeting on 6–7 November 2025, under the theme Reflect and Engage: Strengthening Media–Researcher Collaboration. Thirteen members joined the two-day event, which featured field visits, breakout discussions, and strategic planning sessions. MAG has grown into a platform for hands-on collaboration, combining journalism, community insight, and digital media expertise to enhance research communication and foster impactful, trusted public engagement in health research.

ACHIEVE study launched to understand Chikungunya burden in East Africa

The ACHIEVE (Accelerating Chikungunya Burden Estimation to Inform Vaccine Evaluation) study has officially launched—a 3-year, multi-country research project led by the University of Oxford KWTRP with partners in Kenya and Tanzania. It aims to estimate the burden of Chikungunya virus in febrile, neurological, and pregnant patients, exploring clinical outcomes, immunity, viral genetics, and socioeconomic impact. Findings will inform outbreak response, vaccine development, and deployment strategies for at-risk populations in East Africa.

How research is shaping Kenya’s mental health future

Mental and substance use disorders are a major health concern in Kenya, yet remain underfunded and highly stigmatised. Despite policies like the Kenya Mental Health Policy, over 75% of those affected never receive professional care. Research institutions, including KEMRI–Wellcome Research Programme, have played a key role in shaping national and county-level responses. Progress is being made through community-based care, traditional healer collaboration, and the professionalisation of Community Health Promoters, but significant resource and workforce challenges remain.

Professor Edwine Barasa Appointed as Executive Director of the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme

Professor Edwine Barasa has been appointed as the Executive Director of the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP), following the completion of a highly competitive recruitment process conducted by the Programme’s partners: the University of Oxford, KEMRI and Wellcome.

From Evidence to Impact: Transforming Sickle Cell Care in Kenya

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic condition causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to painful complications and other health issues. In Kenya, it is common in malaria-prone regions, where the sickle cell trait offers some protection. Ongoing research and a long-standing clinic in Kilifi have improved survival rates, with more adults living full lives. Collaboration with local health authorities and the Ministry of Health supports early diagnosis, care guidelines, and expanded regional services.

New partnership aims to tackle antibiotic overuse in African children’s hospitals

PediSEP-1, a new study funded by the EDCTP3 Horizon programme, has launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in African hospitals. The initiative introduces a risk-differentiated care approach identifying low-risk children who can be safely discharged early with minimal or no antibiotics supported by targeted parental education and ‘virtual ward’ follow up by phone. The project seeks to reduce antibiotic overuse and AMR transmission, and increase system efficiency

First volunteers receive Rift Valley fever vaccine in Kenya Phase II trial

On 8 July 2025, researchers at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme began the Phase II trial of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine in Kilifi, Kenya—the most advanced Rift Valley fever vaccine study in an outbreak-prone region. Led by Oxford University and funded by CEPI, this milestone brings us closer to a licensed vaccine for protecting lives and livelihoods.

Severe nurse shortages in Kenya undermine newborn care, despite advancements

A multi-disciplinary study by KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Harnessing Innovation in Global Health for Quality Care (HIGH-Q), has revealed how workforce issues influence the quality of care in newborn units. The research highlighted the effect of severe nurse staffing shortages in Kenyan hospitals as a major obstacle to providing quality care for newborns.

New research finds that ivermectin could help control malaria transmission

A collaborative new study involving KEMRI-Wellcome Trust researchers has highlighted a new way to control malaria transmission. The study found that ivermectin, a drug normally used for neglected tropical diseases, led to a 26% reduction in new malaria infections among children aged 5-15.

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