Kenya has become the first African country to join the Dengue Alliance, with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) becoming part of the global partnership dedicated to advancing dengue treatment research. The country’s entry into the Alliance was formally announced during its meeting held on 27 October in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Established in 2022, the Dengue Alliance brings together research institutions in dengue-endemic countries to accelerate the development of safe, effective, affordable, and accessible treatments for dengue. Its membership includes the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) and research institutions from Brazil, Malaysia, India, and Thailand, with Kenya now joining the international collaboration.
‘Dengue is a growing public health concern in Africa, but its true burden remains underestimated due to underdiagnosis and underreporting. Through the Dengue Alliance, KEMRI will contribute African expertise and evidence to strengthen global efforts to advance dengue research, surveillance, diagnostics, and clinical management,’ said Dr Erick Muok, Acting Director of Research and Development at KEMRI.
This new membership will expand the geographic and scientific reach of the Alliance, creating new avenues for dengue research on much-needed treatments, and ensure patients from the African continent are prioritized in future studies.
