KEMRI’s 15th Annual Scientific and Health conference (KASH) kicks off, unveils Strategic Plan 2023-2027
NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 11…The 15th KASH annual Conference officially takes off with the theme Research Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Health Systems, A Community-driven Agenda, it serves as a premier platform for knowledge exchange, bringing together researchers, policymakers, healthcare practitioners and industry leaders from across the globe.
The conference features a diverse array of discussions addressing key scientific advancements and public health priorities of particular significance is the launch of transformative initiatives, including the KEMRI Precision Medicine Centre of Excellence (PM CoE) and the Precision Medicine Society, both of which will drive research and application in precision medicine.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend KEMRI’s leadership for its unwavering commitment to advancing health research and innovation. Your work has been instrumental in addressing some of Kenya’s most pressing health challenges and I am confident that you will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare in our country”, said Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health Debra Mulongo Barasa in her speech delivered in absentia.
KEMRI also unveiled another major milestone with the launch of KEMRI Strategic Plan 2023-2027 a blueprint that charts our course for advancing research excellence and improving healthcare outcomes.
“This strategic plan outlines the six key result areas (KRAs) that will guide the Institute in contributing to the national development goal and addressing the health challenges in this country which include, Research for Human Health, Innovation and product development, Disease Surveillance and response, Research capacity building, Financial sustainability, Institutional strengthening in line with our mandate as an institution”, said Prof Elijah Songkok Acting Director General KEMRI.
Subsequently, the strategic plan redefines the strategic focus of the institute with the revised vision core values and the strategic goals with the plan laying a firm foundation for development of research products that will support realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) through establishment of a Bio-manufacturing Training Hub.
The Chairman Board of Directors KEMRI, Dr. Abdullahi Ali appreciated invaluable contributions of researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals in shaping the future of health research and innovation noting that KEMRI is committed to fostering a conducive environment for scientific excellence, professional growth and career advancement.
“To all researchers, industry leaders, policymakers and distinguished guests your participation and contributions enrich this conference, I encourage you to engage actively, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for impactful partnerships”, said Dr. Abdullah Ali.
Dr. Ali further noted that Health is the foundation of national development, prosperity and social progress urging them to align discussions with global health priorities, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the World Health Organization (WHO) agenda on health promotion.
KASH organizing Committee Chair Dr. Cecilia Mbae, encouraged participants to actively engage, share ideas and forge new partnerships during the conference to push science and innovation boundaries for the benefit of the communities and the health systems.
“KEMRI’s success is driven by its people, and we remain steadfast in prioritizing staff welfare and capacity building, professional growth and career advancement. We recognize the invaluable contributions of our researchers, scientists, and healthcare professionals in shaping the future of health research and innovation in this country”.
