Posted on :Friday , 31st October 2014

Merck, a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in the pharmaceutical, chemical and life-science sectors, announced on Thursday the signature of a memorandum of understanding with Kenya Medical Research Institution (KEMRI) for a scientific partnership. Merck said in a statement that the partnership aimed at contributing to Kenya's social and economic development would cover research and development projects, programs and activities focused on malaria and schistosomiasis, as well as related co-infections.

Merck is pleased to engage with KEMRI on a scientific collaboration as part of our commitment to advancing healthcare capacity and providing sustainable access for patients to high-quality health solutions and safe medicines in Africa, said  Belén Garijo , President and Chief Executive Officer of Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck.

We are fully committed to partner with KEMRI, Kenya Ministry of Health, Kenyan patient associations and other stakeholders to develop and deliver solutions to expand healthcare capacities and improve access to health in the country, Garijo added.

Solomon Mpoke, KEMRI Director and Chief Executive Officer said KEMRI was especially delighted to partner with a company that is committed to building healthcare capacities and providing sustainable access to high-quality, safe medication and health solutions in developing countries.

We are looking forward to establish a scientific collaboration with Merck focused on malaria and schistosomiasis, as well as related co-infections, for the purpose of advancing science and most importantly for benefitting patients, Mpoke added.