The relationship between KEMRI and the Walter Reed Project has had a long history of accomplishments in combating increasingly complex disease threats like Ebola, HIV, Malaria, TB and multi-drug resistant organisms.

In the process this has led to developing increasingly complex tools like whole genome sequencing and rapid diagnostic tools. Most recently the collaboration has supported The President’s Malaria initiative roll-out of national malaria quality assurance program, impacting 294 Kenyan health facilities with quality assurance training and efficiency testing for 121 officers. As a result the manufacture and development of a new portable reader for malaria parasites and blood count for use in austere environments has been initiated.

In December 2016 KEMRI started community sensitization for PFSPZ vaccine. Interested parents with children within the required age bracket of 5-12 months were consulted for consent and recruitment was done. Prior to vaccination the participants were screened and all information required obtained.

Then there was daily follow-up at home for 5 days after vaccination as part of the continuing phases of the vaccination exercise. Instead of being administered intra-muscularly, the vaccine must be given by direct venous inoculation to elicit a strong immune response. When it was given to “malaria naïve” volunteers in an earlier study in the United States using the same procedure, the PFSPZ vaccine was safe and the level of protection was high against controlled human malaria infection. This led KEMRI to test it on infants in Kenya who after losing maternal immunity are relatively closer to “malaria naïve” adults in the US and as such a higher level of protection is expected.

The PFSPZ vaccine is a promising candidate composed of aseptic radiation- attenuated sporozoites, meaning the malaria parasite is no longer able to multiply but can still elicit a response from the body’s immune system.

Deoxyribonucleic acid-though a tongue twister, is simply what we usually refer to as DNA. It’s identification laboratory is up and running at KEMRI providing DNA testing in the area of family relationship testing and forensic DNA testing. However being primarily part of a research institute, the laboratory is keen on maintaining its institutional mandate. It is therefore focused on initiating research programmes in the area of forensics as well as offering training modules to graduates.in the course of its operation the laboratory has provided DNA identification services during manager national disasters in the country. In addition, the facilities have provided capacity building for several clients among them, the National Police Service particularly the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to ensure quality investigations. Through this program over 30 DCI officers were trained on Forensic Serology and DNA Analysis and subsequently graduated at a colorful ceremony held at KEMRI Grounds and also graced by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji and Director Directorate of Criminal Investigations, George Kinoti.