Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

5.4
 
  Expected Roles of the KEMRI 
KEMRI has contributed to improving infectious diseases control in Kenya and in the 
surrounding countries.  The expected roles of KEMRI for making a further 
contribution to infectious diseases control are summarized from the viewpoint of 
research, human resources development and the contribution to health services as 
follows: 
 
(1)
 
Research 
Japan has continuously provided cooperation to KEMRI since its establishment 
through the implementation of project type technical cooperation and grant aid 
projects.    As a result, KEMRI has become the foremost medical research institute in 
Africa and it conducts collaborative research with the CDC, WRAIR and Wellcome 
Trust. KEMRI is, therefore, recognized as one of the global strongholds for infectious 
diseases control.   
As mentioned above, JICA’s cooperation is characterised by its focus on the 
continuous development of blood test kits.    The development of inexpensive test kits 
has contributed to increasing the screening rate of blood for transfusions.    KEMRI is 
developing several test kits, including ones for HIV/AIDS.  It is expected that 
KEMRI will continuously conduct research for the development of these test kits. 
The research subjects of KEMRI extend to the entire medical sector covering 
infectious diseases control.    These research outputs are applied to infectious diseases 
control by the MOH and its research partners.  In addition, research outputs are 
published in medical journals and utilised internationally for improving infectious 
diseases control.  Moreover, KEMRI contributes academically to the development of 
medical personnel in Africa through the management of AFHES, which is the 
foremost medical forum in Africa and publishes the African Journal of Health Science. 
 
As a stronghold of infectious diseases control, it is expected that KEMRI will continue 
to contribute to the diffusion of research outputs in the African region through 
periodic or continuous research activities, such as the development of original disease 
control methods based on regional characteristics, the development of blood test kits, 
and other research related to infectious diseases in Africa, and providing support for 
the AFHES and the African Journal of Health Science.