KUHeS hosts SCEPRESSA researchers

Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) School of Global and Public Health on Monday, 6th February 2023 hosted staff and researchers from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development (TICH) and Kenyan Ministry of Health led by Professor Gideon Kikuvi. The delegates are part of a partnership called Strengthening Capacity for Epidemics Preparedness and Response in Sub-Saharan Africa (SCEPRESSA) which was established on 21st August 2021. SCEPRESSA aims to produce a cohort of epidemiologists by imparting knowledge and skills in Infectious Disease Surveillance and response to outbreaks in public health workforce at sub-national and national levels in sub-Saharan African countries.

At KUHES, the project is being led by Prof. Kamija Phiri and is funded by the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials partnership. The visit aimed at exposing the students to the current research projects within KUHeS and to give the students a platform of networking with professionals in the research field and a chance to visit the research fields in Malawi.

In his remarks, Professor Gideon Kikuvi said the Sub-Saharan countries are mostly affected with the communicable diseases and in order to fight these diseases there is need for individuals that are able to provide reliable data to respond to the outbreaks and pandemics like Cholera and Covid-19.

“A workforce of people that are skilled in Epidemiology and Bio-statistics is required in order to respond highly to the outbreaks,” Kikuvi said.

Commenting on the importance of the project to Malawi, Professor Kamija Phiri said the opportunity of being the host is a great opportunity for the country to showcase some of the academic and research excellence we have in Malawi.

The meeting was graced by a total of 22 people from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Tropical Institute of community Health and Development and Kenyan Ministry of Health who visited Malawi from 5th to 10th February 2023.