Experts in Research and Innovation Unite to Tackle Health Risks from Immigrant Influx

Stakeholders in research and innovation are coming together in a week-long symposium aimed at tackling these challenges. Dubbed “Research and Innovation for Sustainable Production and Livelihoods,” the event, which takes place from October 14 to 18, 2024, at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika, brings together a wide array of participants, including representatives from higher learning institutions, industries, government bodies, international partners, and individuals committed to driving innovative solutions.

The symposium is designed to provide a platform for researchers, students, and industry professionals to share inventive ideas and explore new avenues for addressing the country’s pressing health, social, and economic challenges. These challenges, as highlighted by several stakeholders, include health risks that are increasingly associated with the influx of immigrants, many of whom come from conflict-ridden countries in the region.

A Growing Concern: Health Risks from Immigrant Influx

In his opening remarks, Dr. Francis Makoha, Director of Research and Innovation at Mount Kenya University, emphasized the critical importance of research and innovation in mitigating the public health risks posed by the increasing number of immigrants entering Kenya. As regional conflicts escalate in neighboring countries, Kenya continues to serve as a refuge for those fleeing violence and instability. This has created significant health challenges, particularly as many immigrants arrive with undiagnosed infectious diseases.

Dr. Makoha cited the example of measles outbreaks in the country, noting that despite Kenya being declared measles-free three years ago, recent outbreaks can be traced to undiagnosed cases among immigrant children. These children, he explained, often carry infectious diseases that go unreported at the point of entry, allowing the diseases to spread within the local population. Such cases highlight the need for robust screening and surveillance systems at the country’s borders to prevent potential health crises.

Beyond measles, the influx of immigrants has raised concerns about other infectious diseases such as monkeypox, which originated in Central Africa, and the lingering threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to pose challenges globally. As immigrants cross into Kenya from conflict-ridden areas, they bring with them a heightened risk of spreading communicable diseases, necessitating urgent action to strengthen health screening and preventive measures at entry points.

The Role of Research in Creating Transformative Solutions

Dr. Makoha stressed that while research is critical to solving such challenges, it must be both innovative and transformative to truly benefit society. He underscored the importance of research and innovation in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing Kenya, particularly in the area of health. According to Dr. Makoha, innovations emerging from research could evolve into thriving businesses, generating employment opportunities and addressing the healthcare needs of the nation.

At the symposium, participants showcased various inventive ideas and research projects that have the potential to address emerging health risks and contribute to sustainable livelihoods. One of the key themes of the event is exploring how research can be scaled up to address these challenges more effectively. However, Dr. Makoha acknowledged that limited funding and insufficient support from both the donor community and the government pose significant barriers to scaling up these efforts.

The symposium is also seen as an opportunity for participants to network and build partnerships with industry players, government agencies, and international organizations. Such collaborations are crucial in transforming research findings into real-world solutions that can be implemented to safeguard public health and address other pressing social challenges.

Students’ Perspectives on Health Risks and the Role of Research

The event has also provided a platform for students to engage in discussions on how to tackle emerging health risks through research and innovation. Two MKU students, Laventa Namai and Elijah Maore, voiced their concerns about the public health challenges arising from the influx of immigrants, particularly those fleeing from conflict-ridden neighboring countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They emphasized the need for innovative approaches to manage the health risks associated with immigration.

Maore, who is studying medicine, expressed his surprise at how Kenya, despite being independent for over six decades, continues to grapple with pandemics and other diseases brought into the country through immigration. He called for more government support for student-led research initiatives and increased funding for innovative solutions that can address the health risks posed by immigrants.

“This event has been an eye-opener, particularly for those of us pursuing medicine and science,” Maore said. “It is clear that we need more support for research and innovation, especially in dealing with public health crises that are exacerbated by immigration.”

Namai echoed these sentiments, stressing that Kenya’s role as a haven for refugees brings with it a host of public health challenges that need to be addressed through innovative solutions. She called on stakeholders to prioritize health research and to ensure that the country is better equipped to handle the health risks associated with immigrants, especially those fleeing conflict zones.

Scaling Up Research: A Call to Action

One of the key outcomes of the symposium is a call to action for the government, industry, and international partners to scale up their support for research and innovation. Dr. Makoha noted that while there have been significant advances in health research in Kenya, much more needs to be done to address the emerging health risks posed by the influx of immigrants.

He highlighted the importance of partnerships between research institutions and industry players in developing innovative solutions that can be applied in real-world settings. The symposium’s service-learning (SL) initiative, which integrates practical, real-world experiences into the academic process, is one such example of how these partnerships can be strengthened. Through SL, students and researchers can work closely with industry players to develop innovative health solutions that are informed by both academic research and practical industry experience.

In addition, Dr. Makoha emphasized the need for more government investment in research and development, particularly in the area of public health. He noted that without adequate funding and support, Kenya risks being ill-prepared to handle the health risks associated with immigration, which are likely to increase as regional conflicts continue to displace populations.

Looking Ahead: Innovation for a Healthier Kenya

As the symposium continues, there is a growing sense of urgency among stakeholders to find innovative solutions to the public health challenges facing Kenya. The discussions and presentations at the event have highlighted the importance of research and innovation in addressing these challenges, particularly in the face of increasing immigration.

The convergence of stakeholders from various sectors, including academia, industry, government, and international organizations, provides a unique opportunity to explore new approaches to managing health risks. By fostering partnerships and supporting student-led research, Kenya can better position itself to tackle the emerging health risks associated with immigration and build a healthier, more resilient society.

Ultimately, the symposium serves as a reminder that research and innovation are not just academic pursuits—they are essential tools for addressing the real-world challenges that Kenya faces. With the right support and investment, the ideas and solutions presented at the event have the potential to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the country’s population.