Kenya has officially
become a Member State of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). To mark
this occasion, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between Kenya
Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST) and IVI, witnessed by
His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
The MOU aims to enhance
academic exchange, research collaboration, and student exchange between
Kenya-AIST and IVI. The partnership will also establish a full-scale
biotechnology department at Kenya-AIST for advanced biotech research and
develop a vaccine-related academic program.
According to John
Kipchumba Tanui, Principal Secretary - State Department of ICT and Digital
Economy, this partnership marks Kenya-AIST as the first African university to
establish a collaboration framework with IVI, focusing on research and training
in vaccine development and public health.
IVI Director-General
Jerome Kim announced the creation of a dedicated Country and Project Office in
Nairobi for the Advancing Vaccines End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) initiative.
This initiative aims to enhance vaccine availability and disease prevention in
Kenya.
This historic partnership
is expected to significantly boost Kenya's vaccine production and research
capabilities, aligning with the country's vision for self-sufficiency in
healthcare.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
