Kenya to host the first regional Centre for Bioequivalence and Pharmaceutical Research at the University of Nairobi.
Kenya has secured the hosting rights for a major health facility — the East Africa Regional Centre of Excellence in Bioequivalence Studies and Pharmaceutical Research (EAC RCOEBPR). This development was confirmed during the 25th EAC Health Ministers Council meeting and is set to transform the region’s pharmaceutical research and health preparedness.
First-of-its-Kind in EAC and COMESA
The new Centre will be housed at the University of Nairobi, becoming the first institution of its type in both EAC and COMESA zones. Its core purpose will be to locally manufacture pharmaceutical base materials and conduct bioequivalence tests on generic drugs — a vital step in proving that alternatives to branded medicine are safe and effective.
Bridging Gaps in Medical Manufacturing
Mary Muthoni, the Principal Secretary for Public Health, called the Centre a turning point in closing key gaps in Africa’s drug production chain. She noted that it will help ensure that locally available medicines meet global safety and quality standards, thereby reducing reliance on foreign drugs and improving trust in locally made treatments.
New Phase of Regional Lab Network Unveiled
In addition to the research centre, the East African Community (EAC) launched Phase III of its ongoing Regional Network of Reference Laboratories for Communicable Diseases. This program, under the One Health model, aims to prepare the region for future pandemics by merging human, animal, and environmental health approaches.
Germany Funds Three-Year Health Security Plan
This phase of the project — running from July 2025 to July 2028 — is supported by the German Government through KfW. It will enhance lab connections, improve early detection of dangerous outbreaks, and build stronger responses to diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential.
Major Outbreaks Already Tackled Since 2017
Previous phases of the project helped the region respond to over 53 disease outbreaks, including Covid-19, Ebola, Marburg, and Dengue. With new backing, the EAC will now expand operations, add more mobile labs, and improve lab support for both human and animal health.
Uganda to Host Virology Centre, DRC Joins Lab Network
Phase III also includes setting up a Regional Virology Centre at Uganda’s Virus Research Institute (UVRI). The program will upgrade mobile laboratories, increase genomic surveillance, and integrate the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the mobile lab system. Additionally, eight new mobile units will be acquired for animal health testing.
Partner States Urged to Work Together
Beatrice Askul Moe, Kenya’s EAC Cabinet Secretary and Chair of the Council of Ministers, urged member states to unite in fighting diseases, pointing out that faster and accurate detection helps protect both public health and economic stability across the region.
Praise for EAC’s Health Innovation
EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva hailed the impact of mobile labs, saying they have made real-time disease detection more effective. She emphasized that quick and correct diagnosis is the first step to controlling outbreaks and making well-informed health decisions.
Germany Reaffirms Commitment to Health Security
Speaking on behalf of Germany, Julia Kronberg from the German Embassy reaffirmed their dedication to backing Africa’s health goals. She mentioned how past projects like PanPrep have helped improve emergency communication, hygiene, and response efforts in the region.
Plans for Broader Health System Strengthening
Going forward, the EAC Secretariat aims to continue supporting countries in boosting lab capacities at county level, getting better prepared for emergencies, and exploring regional joint drug procurement. These actions are in line with global initiatives like the Pandemic Agreement.
