KEMRI, Gates Foundation launch Sh516 million initiative to boost women’s health research

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). (Photo: KEMRI)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Saturday, October 11, 2025

The initiative positions KEMRI as a leading hub for medical research in Africa, promoting gender equity, fostering local innovation, and advancing sustainable health solutions for the continent.

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has unveiled a Sh516 million ($4 million) initiative to advance research and innovation in women’s health across Africa.

The programme, known as Leadership for Innovation and Excellence in Accelerating Research on Women’s Health (LEA-WH), is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and will officially launch in January 2026.

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LEA-WH is designed to empower African scientists and innovators, equipping them with the skills and mentorship needed to develop homegrown solutions for the continent’s most urgent women’s health challenges.

“The LEA-WH Programme represents KEMRI’s commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and African-led,” said Acting Director General, Prof Elijah Songok, in a press statement on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

“By empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development,” he added.

The programme responds to the long-standing gaps in women’s health research in Sub-Saharan Africa, where conditions affecting women are often neglected and underfunded.

LEA-WH will promote research led by local scientists, support scalable innovations, and encourage policy-making grounded in strong evidence.

By 2033, the initiative targets five to ten innovative products entering market testing, up to ten startups receiving support, multiple patent applications, and 20-50 per cent of fellows securing research grants.

The programme also anticipates attracting as much as $5 million (Sh643.5 million) in additional funding for ongoing innovation.

An annual ScienceX Africa Summit will provide a forum for mentoring, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among health researchers and innovators.

“Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where African researchers and innovators lead in developing transformative solutions for women’s health,” said LEA-WH Programme Director, Prof. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi.

Implementation of LEA-WH will involve collaboration with the US National Academy of Medicine and oversight by the LEA-WH Advisory Council, chaired by Prof Songok.

The leadership team also includes Prof Bukusi, Dr Martin Bundi (Curriculum Development), Prof Nelly Mugo (Research and Development and Technical Training), and Dr Rose Bosire (Leadership Development).

The initiative positions KEMRI as a leading hub for medical research in Africa, promoting gender equity, fostering local innovation, and advancing sustainable health solutions for the continent.