Kenya has made a significant stride in advancing HIV prevention research with the launch of the Rachuonyo County Clinical Trial Centre in Homa Bay. This new facility is a critical part of the country’s growing role in health innovation and is set to host part of the EXPrESSIVE-10 trial, a multi-country study focusing on a once-monthly oral HIV prevention drug. The trial will target women aged 16-30 years across Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, and if successful, could revolutionize HIV prevention strategies by improving medication adherence and reducing stigma.
The Rachuonyo Centre is the result of a collaboration between Rachuonyo Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), and the University of Washington, with significant support from Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The trial is spearheaded by Dr. Irene Inwani, with academic oversight from Prof. John Kinuthia of KNH and Prof. Carey Farquhar of the University of Washington.
In Kenya, the trial is also being conducted across three additional sites managed by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI): PHRD Thika, RCTP Kisumu, and the Kargeno Research and Policy Hub. These sites will contribute to the trial’s broader objective of assessing the effectiveness of the once-monthly HIV prevention drug in diverse settings.
Grace Mercy Osewe, the CECM for Public Health and Medical Services in Homa Bay County, described the new clinical trial centre as a beacon of hope for local communities, emphasizing its potential to catalyze groundbreaking research that prioritizes women’s health. Osewe praised the initiative’s emphasis on community-driven science and its role in positioning Kenya as a leader in global HIV prevention efforts.
This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration between local health institutions, international organizations, and the research community. It marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of HIV and striving towards the ultimate goal of ending the epidemic. Through this initiative, Kenya is not only advancing scientific knowledge but also empowering women to take control of their health, thus contributing to the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
