Kenya Joins International Vaccine Institute

Kenya has made a substantial commitment to strengthening its public health system by becoming a member of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI).

This pivotal moment, marked by an accession ceremony at the IVI headquarters in Seoul, South Korea on Wednesday, signifies a new era of collaboration for Kenyan healthcare. The strategic partnership with IVI is designed to improve vaccine accessibility within Kenya. This will directly enhance the country’s primary healthcare delivery system and bolster its disease prevention efforts. In attendance was President William Ruto, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, and IVI Director-General Jerome Kim. The ceremony has solidified Kenya’s dedication to international cooperation in the realm of global health.

Demonstrating its commitment, IVI pledges to establish a regional headquarters in the form of a country and project office in Nairobi. This central hub will facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between the organizations. President Ruto emphasizes the anticipated impact of increased vaccine availability on both primary healthcare and disease prevention efforts within Kenya. Health CS Nakhumicha expresses her enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the access to a vital vaccine and technology transfer network that IVI membership provides. This collaboration is particularly significant as Kenya strives to build self-reliance through local vaccine production.

Furthermore, during the Korea-Africa Summit held in Seoul, IVI’s Director-General signed a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) involving the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (AIST) Council, paving the way for joint vaccine research and development specifically focused on Africa. The International Vaccine Institute, headquartered in Seoul, is a global leader dedicated to developing and distributing safe, effective, and affordable vaccines. Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including biomedical scientists, infectious disease experts, health professionals, and humanitarian leaders, IVI plays a critical role in global health.

Their mission encompasses a comprehensive range of activities from designing and formulating new vaccines to optimizing production processes for large-scale manufacturing and developing technologies for clinical trials. Additionally, IVI conducts vital research on vaccine safety with a particular focus on vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, refugees, and internally displaced individuals. With Kenya’s membership, IVI’s network expands, fostering greater collaboration and resource sharing. This strengthened partnership will allow them to tackle pressing health challenges together, ultimately ensuring a healthier future for Kenya and its neighbouring countries.