DNDi signs memorandum of understanding with Kenya Medical Research Institute

Nairobi, Kenya — 3 Apr 2024

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the execution of research and development (R&D) projects and bridge the existing research gaps on neglected diseases. The MOU, which seeks to increase access to diagnosis and treatment, also aims to support policy change in Kenya.

The ten-year agreement was signed on 12 March 2024 by the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Director-General of KEMRI, Elijah Songok; the Executive Director of DNDi, Dr Luis Pizarro; and DNDi Eastern Africa Director, Prof. Sam Kariuki.

In 2003, KEMRI was among the seven health institutions worldwide that established DNDi. Since then, both organizations worked together in Kenya to find new tools for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) particularly leishmaniasis and other infectious diseases affecting vulnerable populations.

‘For a long time, we have been talking about enhancing collaboration with our founding partner,’ said Prof. Samuel Kariuki, DNDi Eastern Africa Director. ‘This MOU marks a significant milestone because now, we are even going beyond clinical trials collaboration. We will also collaborate to support the achievement of Universal Health Coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines for all.’

Under the agreement, the MOU will reinforce and build on existing clinical capacities in endemic areas, and address infrastructure needs where necessary, including providing on-site training in clinical research and facilitating technology transfers in R&D for neglected diseases.

DNDi and KEMRI have also agreed to enhance their cooperation to improve resource mobilization with key donors. They will work together on areas such as pandemic preparedness, climate-sensitive diseases, and data management and biostatistics. Furthermore, they will focus on accelerating the development and adoption of new tools for disease control. This includes making new drugs available for patients and strengthening the regulatory environment to allow drug adoption in a timely manner.

The development of these activities will be conducted through regular sharing of information and interactions.

About DNDi

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a not-for-profit medical research organization that discovers, develops, and delivers safe, effective, and affordable treatments for neglected people. DNDi is developing medicines for sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, river blindness, mycetoma, dengue, paediatric HIV, advanced HIV disease, cryptococcal meningitis, and hepatitis C. Its research priorities include children’s health, gender equity and gender-responsive R&D, and diseases impacted by climate change. Since its creation in 2003, DNDi has joined with public and private partners across the globe to deliver 13 new treatments, saving millions of lives.

About KEMRI

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a state corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, as the national body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya. Since its inception, KEMRI has developed a critical mass of scientists and technical personnel, to enable it to mount a competitive research infrastructure to rank as a leading centre of excellence in health research both in Africa as well as globally.