Kenya strengthens partnership with IAVI on vaccine research and local manufacturing
Nairobi, - Cabinet Secretary for Health Hon. Aden Duale met with International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mark Feinberg to advance collaboration in vaccine research, biomedical innovation and global health security.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across the product development continuum, including research, clinical trials, technology transfer, local manufacturing and workforce development, with particular focus on HIV, tuberculosis and emerging infectious diseases.
Hon. Duale highlighted the strategic role of the Kenya BioVax Institute in advancing the country’s vaccine and biologics manufacturing agenda. He noted that deeper collaboration with IAVI will support technology transfer, accelerate product development and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to translate scientific research into locally manufactured health products, reducing reliance on external supply chains.
The meeting also reviewed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health and IAVI, which will provide a formal framework for collaboration in research and innovation, clinical development, capacity building and knowledge exchange.
The Cabinet Secretary said the partnership supports Kenya’s broader health priorities, including Universal Health Coverage, epidemic preparedness and the development of sustainable local capacity for vaccines and other biological health products. He also welcomed IAVI’s continued investment in Kenya, which hosts one of the organisation’s two offices in Africa.
The meeting was attended by Kenya Medical Research Institute Chief Executive Officer Prof. Elijah Songok, Kenya BioVax Institute Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wesley Rono and other senior officials.