There is a ray of hope for patients seeking treatment for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) following the commissioning of a state-of-the-art laboratory at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) by the government.

The Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine laboratory is the first ever such facility in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.  The facility was established through funding from the National Research Fund to the tune of Sh77.2 million. It will offer medical solutions for diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, spinal cord injuries, strokes and burns in the wake of the rising tide of NCDs across the region, especially in Kenya.

The recently released Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 indicated that obesity and overweight conditions, risk factors for diabetes, could be the country’s next pandemic.

New tools

“Kemri has been at the forefront in developing new tools and insights for the health security of the country and the region from potential epidemics.

“However, whereas our major efforts have been on infectious diseases, we are very much aware of rising cases of NDCs,” Kemri acting chief executive Prof Elijah Songok said during the inauguration of the laboratory last week.

 “Stem cell research shall enable us to develop new therapies to regenerate and repair tissues that have been damaged or affected by diseases or accidents examples; cancer, spinal cord injuries, and burns among others,” he pointed out.

Dr Nelly Mugo, Director, Research and Development at Kemri, explains that Stem Cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine designed to repair damaged cells by reducing inflammation and controlling the immune system. “Once we go through all the required trial phases to ascertain whether stem cell procedures can work, are safe and effective, these products will immensely reduce the cost of treatment,” she said, Kemri is also establishing a course in Bio manufacturing.