Renewal of BSL-3 LaB Agreement Bolsters Pandemic Preparedness.

In a significant move to enhance global health security, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and Nagasaki University have renewed their agreement to support and utilize the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratory at the Institute’s Centre for Microbiology Research (CMR). This partnership aims to strengthen infectious disease research and improve readiness for future public health emergencies.

The BSL-3 laboratory is critical for safely handling infectious agents or toxins that can be transmitted through the air and cause severe infections. Researchers conduct experiments in this facility using biosafety cabinets to protect personnel and the environment from potential hazards.

The renewal ceremony took place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at KEMRI headquarters. Nagasaki University President, Mr. Nagayasu Takeshi, and Acting Director General of KEMRI, Prof. Elijah Songok, signed the agreement. The event was witnessed by KEMRI Board Chairman Dr. Abdulahi Ali and Board Director Dr. Damaris Maweu, among other officials. The ceremony included a tour of selected research facilities within the Central Laboratory Complex at KEMRI headquarters.

Prof. Songok expressed deep gratitude to the people and government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and institutions like Nagasaki University for their sustained support over the years. He highlighted the comprehensive nature of the support, which includes infrastructure development, capacity building, and ongoing partnerships that extend beyond Kenya and the region.

“This long and fruitful collaboration, especially in infectious and parasitic diseases research for over 40 years, has significantly contributed to the institute’s current capabilities,” said Prof. Songok. “Several publications have resulted from this work, improving laboratory safety and performance through programs like the Third Country Training Programme and P3 Biosafety Laboratory training.”

The cooperative agreement, which ended last year, included the Third Country Training Programme. This initiative targeted health authorities involved in disease surveillance and response, aiming to enhance laboratory preparedness for public health emergencies. Prof. Songok noted that this training was particularly timely during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it enabled better emergency response and support.

Dr. Abdulahi echoed these sentiments, praising the joint degree programs delivered by the KEMRI Graduate School and Nagasaki University. He emphasized that the short-term training programs have improved the quality of research outputs, positioning KEMRI positively on the global stage.

“As we renew this agreement, we hope that research outputs will increase exponentially, leading to a greater health impact not just for our people, but for humanity as a whole,” Dr. Abdulahi stated.

The renewal of this agreement underscores the commitment of KEMRI and Nagasaki University to nurturing and enhancing their partnership for the benefit of current and future generations of scientists, contributing significantly to global health security.