President William Ruto has encouraged health-training institutions in the United States, like Johns Hopkins and Harvard, to develop exchange programs for Kenyan students to increase health-related research.

During an address at the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Ruto urged institutions such as the Philadelphia-based Perelman Centre of Advanced Medicine, Columbia, Duke, and Emory universities to establish exchange programs with local universities.

PHOTO | COURTESY  President William Ruto 

“Through such collaboration, we aim to expand learning horizons and deepen insights into emerging threats, including zoonotic diseases,” Ruto said.

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On a four-day state visit to the United States, Ruto has described the American government as Kenya's most important friend in the health sector.

He praised the relationship between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and U.S. institutions.

PHOTO | COURTESY President William Ruto 

“The partnership between CDC, the National Institute of Health, and KEMRI, spanning seven research programs has led to significant scientific discoveries, notably the malaria vaccine, enhancing healthcare outcomes,” said Ruto.

The President requested additional funding for KEMRI to assist in constructing strong intellectual property and scientific entrepreneurship frameworks to encourage Kenyan product development.

“I therefore encourage you to enhance support for better coordination, aligning efforts to improve our health system. This includes prioritizing and investing in the implementation of the Kenya Health Sector Partnership and Coordination Framework (2018-2030),” Ruto told the audience.