Duke University has a strong commitment to global health initiatives in Kenya, fostering partnerships with various institutions and engaging students in impactful research and experiential learning programs.
Longstanding Partnerships and Collaborations
The Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI) and the Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health (HYC) have established longstanding partnerships with Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi University School of Medicine and Public Health, and the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) Consortium.
Since joining the AMPATH Consortium in 2006, Duke has actively collaborated with Moi University School of Medicine and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) through the Hubert Yeargan Center.
In 2006, HYC initiated bilateral educational exchanges for Kenyan and Duke medical students, residents and, subsequently, Global Health Pathway fellows.
Over the past few years, DGHI faculty have developed partnerships outside of Eldoret, expanding the institute’s research portfolio to other cities such as Nairobi and Kisumu.
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Key Partner Institutions
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH): The major teaching hospital affiliated with Moi University, serving a catchment population of approximately 13 million persons.
- Moi University School of Medicine: Kenya’s 2nd largest medical school, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various medical and surgical fields.
Student Research and Experiential Learning
Duke University offers several programs that allow students to engage in research and experiential learning in Kenya.
The Student Research Training Program (SRT) is an intensive experiential learning program that engages second-year and third-year undergraduate students in the development, implementation, and assessment of a community-based project.
Students selected for the program will work in small teams on a collaboratively designed year-long project addressing a global health issue. To ensure students support our community partners successfully, the SRT program involves significant preparation, including background reading and research.
The SRT program is open to second-year and third-year undergraduates who have demonstrated an interest in global health through coursework. Students seeking to meet ELA requirements through SRT must also complete an approved global health ethics course before participating in the program.
One example of experiential learning is through DukeEngage. One student shared their experience in Muhuru Bay, working primarily on sexual & reproductive health (SRH) projects in addition to non-clinical support at Tagache Clinic, teaching in primary schools, and supporting a community-based HIV intervention program.
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They appreciated the calmness of living in Muhuru Bay and enjoyed the opportunity to disconnect from social media and life back at home.
Focus on Malaria Research and Intervention
Seasonal malaria chemoprevention: history, rationale and challenges - Coldiron M (EN)
Duke University is actively involved in malaria research and intervention programs in Kenya, particularly in the Turkana region.
Malaria wasn’t initially considered a major issue in Turkana due to its arid climate. However, research revealed that malaria was endemic with local transmission, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Duke researchers collaborated with the National Malaria Control Program and local communities to address the issue.
One of the challenges identified was the nomadic lifestyle of pastoralist communities, making traditional interventions like bed nets impractical. Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) was implemented, with significant success.
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Effective malaria interventions like SMC are especially important in places like Turkana that are extremely remote, and where it’s challenging to access health care.
In 2024, SMC was rolled out for pastoralist communities in five monthly cycles which prevented 70% of the kids’ malaria episodes.
The average distance to a healthcare facility is about 15-20 miles, making it a huge investment for a family when their child gets sick.
Researchers are also exploring precision public health measures, using parasite genetic techniques to identify superspreaders and better target malaria interventions.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite progress, there are ongoing challenges for malaria control in East Africa, including funding limitations, the arrival of Anopheles stephensi, the expansion of P. vivax, and growing insecticide resistance.
Refugee camps in Kenya, such as Kakuma, face significant malaria outbreaks, exacerbating already challenging conditions.
It is crucial to maintain awareness of malaria as a global threat and continue investing in research and interventions to combat the disease.
Duke-Makerere Biomedical Engineering (BME) Partnership
This partnership allows students at Duke and at Makerere University in Uganda to plan collaborative, transcontinental design projects.
As part of a joint BME course, design teams work to identify healthcare needs and create technological solutions to meet those needs.
Financial Contributions
In 2011, Duke University received millions of dollars in funding for its programs in Kenya, with the majority of these funds granted by the NIH.
Duke’s partners in Africa come from universities, hospitals, nonprofits, ministries and other organizations across the continent.
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