KEMRI-Wellcome participates in the 3rd Kilifi County Health Scientific Symposium

KEMRI-Wellcome participated in the 3rd Kilifi County Health Scientific Symposium, held under the theme “Sustaining Universal Health Coverage: Innovations, Research, and Best Practices.” The symposium brought together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and partners to reflect on evidence-based solutions for strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes in Kilifi County and beyond.

Organized by the Kilifi County Government through the Department of Health and Sanitation Services, in collaboration with local and international academic partners, the symposium provided a platform for sharing research, innovation, and best practices that support progress towards universal health coverage.

Researchers from the Programme contributed to the symposium in multiple roles, including scientific presentations, panel discussions, and knowledge exchange sessions. These engagements highlighted ongoing work across clinical research, population health, health systems strengthening, and implementation science, with a strong focus on translating research evidence into policy and practice.

Discussions throughout the symposium underscored the importance of locally generated data, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained investment in research and health system innovation. Participants emphasized that achieving universal health coverage requires not only scientific excellence, but also strong partnerships between researchers, policymakers, and communities.

The symposium reaffirmed the value of research-informed decision-making in addressing health challenges and strengthening health systems at county and national levels, while reinforcing the critical role of local leadership and collaboration in driving sustainable health outcomes.