KEMRI-Wellcome participates in the 3rd Kilifi County Health Scientific Symposium 2025
The KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is pleased to be part of the 3rd Kilifi County Health Scientific Symposium 2025, a key forum convening stakeholders to advance evidence-informed health systems in Kenya. Held under the theme “Sustaining Universal Health Coverage: Innovations, Research, and Best Practices,” the symposium brings together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to share insights and innovations shaping the future of health in Kenya and beyond. The conference is organised by the Kilifi County Government, through the Department of Health and Sanitation Services, in collaboration with local and international academic partners.
Throughout the symposium, KWTRP researchers are contributing in multiple roles, reflecting the Programme’s commitment to generating high-quality research that strengthens health systems and improves population health outcomes. Delegates are also invited to visit the KWTRP exhibition stand to learn more about ongoing research initiatives and their impact across the health sector.
The opening remarks were delivered by Sophie Uyoga, Acting Deputy Director at the KEMRI–Centre for Geographic Medicine Research Coast. In her address, Dr Uyoga underscored KWTRP’s mandate to advance rigorous health research while building sustainable research capacity that supports better health outcomes for communities in Kenya and beyond.
A keynote address was delivered by Edwine Barasa, Executive Director of KWTRP, who spoke on the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)—Kenya’s mandatory public health insurance scheme that has replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). His presentation focused on resource mobilisation and sustainable health investments, emphasising the need for strong, coordinated policies across county and national levels, underpinned by evidence-based decision-making and sustainable financing.
Together, these contributions highlight the importance of unified governance, research-driven policy, and long-term investment in accelerating Kenya’s progress towards universal health coverage.