Back Kemri vaccine trials

The most urgent global challenge today is to find a way to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. This viral disease has disrupted lives and ravaged economies, threatening to erode the socio-economic progress made in several decades. Since the disease knows no borders, it calls for cooperation by governments and international organisations to stem its deadly march.

Since the first case was confirmed in Kenya in March, Covid-19 has had a devastating impact. According to the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the disease has wiped out 1.7 million jobs, thrusting the people into abject poverty amid economic stagnation.

Mercifully, there is now some hope that the country could be on the way to flattening the Covid-19 curve and restore normal lives. However, infections and deaths continue to be reported, even as the incidence declines.

As a caring member of the global community of nations, Kenya has a duty and obligation to participate in the search for a solution to this deadly health scourge. The news that Kenya will in the next few weeks be involved in the Covid-19 vaccine trials is a great opportunity to play a role in the global efforts to defeat the pandemic.

Some 40 Kenyans will participate in the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) vaccine trials. This way, a country that has excelled in medical and other scientific research will be making a valuable contribution to mankind.

Though such research is never free of adverse consequences, there is enough expertise in the country to help mitigate against the side effects. Also, fears that Kenyans could be used as guinea pigs are unfounded. We have assurance from Kemri that it will ensure that the vaccine is up to the required standards and, therefore, not harmful to humans. While a breakthrough would enhance Kenya’s status on the global stage, the mere participation in this effort is a big plus for the country.