Kenya is looking for more support from global partners to deal with diseases like dengue that continue to affect many people.
This was after a meeting between Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni Muriuki and Luis Pizarro at the sidelines of One Health Summit in Lyon, France.
In the meeting, Kenya offered to partner in conducting research activities such as conducting trials aimed at developing affordable treatment measures for the tropical disease.
According to PS Muriuki, there has been improvement in the country’s research capacity, which can be credited to the growth of institutions like the Kenya Medical Research Institute.
She highlighted that Kenya is well placed to engage in health research owing to its improved research capabilities compared to others in the region.
The two leaders acknowledged that tropical diseases are rising and the need to get ready for the health challenge.
Further discussion touched on joint research activities, strengthening surveillance systems and enhancing local capacities to cope with the diseases.
This includes also the sharing of information and technology that will enable Kenya and other nations in the region to better control this kind of disease.
This conference has also served to further cement the relationship between Kenya and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative as both were interested in pursuing further cooperation.
Now, Kenya is looking forward to such collaborations aiding in making treatment more accessible and improving response to future health issues.