Health Sicily Kariuki Cabinet Secretary (CS) visited the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) to discuss health innovation and research capacity in Kenya.
The CS who was accompanied by the Head of Curative Services, Dr. Izaq Odongo and KEMRI acting Director Dr. Yeri Kombe toured three key research facilities at the institution namely Malaria Lab, Centre for Virus Research dubbed P3 Laboratory and Production unit.
She highlighted that investing in research sets out the ambitions plan the government has to improve health and quality of life for all Kenyans.
“It is only by continuing to invest in our outstanding research talent that we can generate the sound evidence and exciting innovations upon which improvements to healthcare are based,” she said on Thursday.
The CS advised the institution to work towards universal health coverage, leverage on Information Communication Technologies and focus on quality and sustainable partnerships with counties to fast track service delivery in an effective and efficient way.
“KEMRI is one of the best research centres in the Africa and it is important that we harness the skills and creativity in this sector to really improve the lives of those who use the information from here,” she added.
The CS further thanked KEMRI staff and researchers for the life changing work they have done and promised to support the institution to achieve its set target by 2022.