AMPATH Researchers Set Future Strategy
More than 130 researchers and students from Moi University, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital and AMPATH Consortium partners from universities around the world joined the AMPATH research symposium to review program highlights, connect and deepen relationships and celebrate successes while also forging a strategic path forward in the current research environment.
"These are challenging times in global health, but as I look around this room, it is all of you and the bonds we share, and the scientific evidence that we generate together, that makes our partnership resilient," said Adrian Gardner, MD, MPH, executive director of the AMPATH Consortium, in his opening remarks.
Professor Ann Mwangi, associate professor of biostatistics and associate dean for the School of Postgraduate Studies Research and Innovation at Moi University, delivered opening remarks on behalf of Professor Khaemba Ongeti, deputy vice-chancellor of academics, research, extension and student affairs. They lauded the unique nature of AMPATH saying, “AMPATH is more than a program, it’s a model of what equitable partnership can look like.”
Professor Winstone Nyandiko, executive director of research, in his welcoming remarks said, "We are forging a strategic path forward for research and today is a celebration of the partnerships that make that happen and a review of what we need to sustain or innovate for purposes of sustainability."
The symposium featured nearly 50 posters on topics related to infrastructure, interventions, implementation science, exploration and outcomes. Oral presentations on three research initiatives related to quality improvement, Mentor Mothers and a predictive model for HIV care preceded a panel discussion.
The panel, moderated by Dean Julia Songok of the Moi University School of Medicine, included:
Professor Nyandiko
Professor Mwangi
H.E. Hon. Arthur Odera, deputy governor and county executive committee member for health and sanitation in Busia County
Professor Kara Wools-Kaloustian, executive director AMPATH Consortium Kenya
Professor Abraham Siika, professor of medicine at Moi University School of Medicine.
The panel discussed strategies for promoting long-term sustainability of collaborations and explored how researchers can build and maintain resilient global health partnerships.
The vision of the AMPATH research program is a vibrant, world-class, Kenyan-led community of researchers engaged in the continuous improvement of health globally.
(DRAFT) Dr. Jeremiah Laktabai, AMPATH’s population health lead, told attendees that despite planned and possible dramatic changes in funding from organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), research will continue. “Research begins with an inquisitive mind,” he reminded the audience.
