Mount Kenya University (MKU) has intensified its research efforts in the fight against malaria, with a special focus on the impact of the disease on pregnant women. The initiative is part of a broader program dubbed Africa Meets Bavaria, which aims to strengthen the research culture among students and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Speaking about the initiative, MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi emphasized the urgent need to address malaria in Kenya, especially given its persistent burden. “Malaria has been a huge challenge in Kenya, and there is a huge need to address it,” he stated. Prof. Jaganyi noted that the university is working in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which has helped equip MKU laboratories and support postdoctoral malaria research.
The research prioritizes pregnant women, with an emphasis on understanding immunity in expectant mothers and their unborn children, studying immune responses during pregnancy, and exploring potential vaccine development. “Our focus group is pregnant mothers, and we seek to evaluate their level of awareness on malaria prevention, especially the transmission of the disease from mother to child,” said Dr. Ngara Chome. The study will mainly be conducted in Kilifi County, a malaria-endemic region.
Kenya continues to grapple with the malaria burden, having recorded over five million cases in 2024 alone. The Ministry of Health reports that over 70% of the population remains at risk, with malaria contributing to school absenteeism, reduced productivity, and high healthcare costs.
Despite the challenges, Kenya has made notable progress, with national malaria prevalence dropping from 8% in 2015 to 6% in 2020. Reported cases have declined from a high of 9.2 million in 2007 to 5.6 million in 2023. Malaria-related outpatient consultations have also reduced significantly.
Prof. Jesse Gitaka underscored the importance of student-led research in tackling such challenges. “Encouraging research cultivates innovation and critical thinking and prepares students to contribute to global health solutions,” he noted.
MKU’s commitment to research and innovation is driven by its goal of becoming a global center of excellence, with its Directorate of Research and Innovation playing a key role in nurturing scholarly work.
