Kenya, International Vaccine Institute partner to boost vaccine self-sufficiency
Kenya and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have joined forces to strengthen vaccine research and production in Africa. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlines a partnership to boost the country’s vaccine self-sufficiency and address broader public health challenges.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M. Barasa highlighted the significance of this collaboration in supporting the Africa Center for Disease Control’s mission of local vaccine production. “This MoU reinforces our commitment to building a robust vaccine ecosystem that ensures equitable access and strengthens health security across the region,” she stated.
Kenya’s selection to host the IVI Country Office and the AVEC Project Office underscores its leadership in health innovation and vaccine production on the continent. IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim praised the East African country’s proactive approach, emphasizing the partnership’s role in advancing global health security through innovative vaccine solutions.
“This partnership is a major step forward in advancing global health security through innovative and sustainable vaccine solutions,” he remarked.
The collaboration is geared toward leveraging Kenya’s strong foundation in vaccine research, with institutions like Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Kenya BioVax playing pivotal roles in clinical trials, disease surveillance, and workforce training.
In addition to expanding vaccine access, promoting innovation, and enhancing the country’s resilience to future health emergencies, this cooperation supports Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.
