New Dimensions from the HBNU fellowship: A Biomedical Laboratory at the University of Embu, Kenya.
Sarah Kituyi
What started as a Fogarty Global Health Postdoctoral Fellowship through the HBNU consortium (Harvard, Boston University, Northwestern, and the University of New Mexico) has grown into something more impactful: establishing a biomedical laboratory at the University of Embu, Kenya. This achievement was made possible through a partnership with Prof. Douglas Jay Perkins at UNM. The laboratory represents a significant outcome of the HBNU experience and the support offered by such to advance biomedical research capacity building in the region. This is the first biomedical laboratory at the University of Embu, and it is projected to revolutionize biomedical research focused on improving human health. The initial endeavor in this arena will start with an expansion of the HBNU project investigating the role of chaperoning kinases in Plasmodium falciparum on pediatric severe malarial anemia and their potential for development into therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
Laboratory Mission
This laboratory was established to address the pressing need for enhanced global health research and training capacity in East Africa. The laboratory's primary focus is researching global infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on malaria and its associated comorbidities, such as sickle-cell anemia. A key objective of the laboratory is to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of severe malarial anemia in Kenyan children living in malaria-endemic regions. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with Prof. Perkins and the UNM Center for Global Health, aiming to contribute valuable insights that could inform better treatment and prevention strategies for these significant health challenges. Through this research, the laboratory aspires to improve health outcomes for Kenya and the broader East African region.
Future Goals of the Laboratory
The laboratory is committed to advancing research and training efforts through strategic expansion. Under the direction of Dr. Sarah Kituyi, a dedicated team has been identified to support the growth of the laboratory’s capacity by fostering collaborations and securing additional funding through research grants. These efforts aim to enhance the laboratory's capabilities, enabling a broader impact on global health. By strengthening our resources and partnerships, the team seeks to significantly contribute to addressing critical health challenges locally and globally.
Thank You
We are grateful for the support and training offered through the HBNU Consortium. We wish to thank the outstanding mentors across the multidisciplinary teams, including the mentoring team, Prof. Douglas Jay Perkins, Prof. Collins Ouma, and Dr. Samuel Anyona
