Microsoft Word 02Preface doc

5.2.4
 
Position and Roles of KEMRI in Communicable Diseases Control 
The position of KEMRI in Infectious Diseases Control was not defined in the National 
Health Strategic Plan between 1999 and 2004, since KEMRI belonged to the MOH 
from September 1999 in line with the administrative reform of the GOK.    The MOH 
is preparing the next National Health Strategic Plan, which is expected to be published 
in November 2004 at the time of the field survey.    Thus, the evaluation team could 
not confirm the role and position of KEMRI in infectious diseases control in the 
official document.    According to the MOH, infectious diseases control is one of the 
priority subjects of the next National Health Strategic Plan, and the MOH plans that 
KEMRI will continue to have an important role as a research institute for infectious 
diseases control as the largest research institute under the jurisdiction of the MOH.     
Cooperation with international organizations such as WHO is one of characteristics of 
KEMRI in infectious diseases control.  KEMRI has been appointed as a WHO 
Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS, Polio Immunization, Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers, 
Leprosy, Leishmaniasis, Anti-Microbial Resistance, and Bacteriology.     
KEMRI is also recognized by CDC (USA) as a regional centre for Emerging and 
Re-emerging Infections.  KEMRI is also Africa’s regional centre for the  
International Union against TB and Lung Diseases, the International Union against 
Cancers, the Global Health Initiative on Climate Change and the Health and Drugs for 
neglected diseases Initiative (DNDI).     
The positions held by KEMRI for control of the main infectious diseases are as 
follows.    In addition, KEMRI also provides technical advice to the MOH and GHS 
through the dispatch of staff members to organise Rapid Response Teams for national 
preparedness in the event of major disease outbreaks.