The 14th Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference commenced today at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, marking a significant milestone in advancing healthcare innovation and research across the region.

Ministry of Health CS Nakhumicha Wafula, underscored the urgent need to address critical healthcare challenges through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.

With the conference theme, “Harnessing Biomedical Research Innovations and Big Data for Health System Resilience, Local Manufacturing, and Commercialization,” the Cabinet Secretary highlighted the imperative to translate research outcomes into tangible health products to benefit communities effectively.

The conference’s focus on regional biopharmaceutical and medtech innovation echoes Nakhumicha’s call to action, emphasizing the importance of collaborative ventures to drive transformative change in healthcare delivery.

Discussions on building a robust regulatory framework for health product and technology (HPT) manufacturing align with the Cabinet Secretary’s emphasis on establishing enabling environments for the growth of the health manufacturing sector in Kenya.

Celebrating KEMRI’s achievements, the Cabinet Secretary lauded the institution’s recognition as Kenya’s premier health research institution and its global impact through groundbreaking studies.

 The recommendation by the World Health Organization for the use of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine underscores KEMRI’s commitment to excellence in research and its contribution to combating pressing health challenges.