CEMA-Africa

CEMA-Africa Using data-driven approaches to control infectious diseases and improve health in Kenya and the African Continent.

Save the Date | 13 May 2026 | 12:00–13:00 PM EATJoin the next seminar series hosted by the Global Society for Infectious...
04/05/2026

Save the Date | 13 May 2026 | 12:00–13:00 PM EAT

Join the next seminar series hosted by the Global Society for Infectious Disease Dynamics (GSIDD), in partnership with the Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) 📢 📢

Under the theme “Strengthening Infectious Disease Modelling in Africa,” this session will bring together leading experts from across the continent to showcase how modelling is shaping public health decision-making in diverse settings.

This session will feature perspectives from:

📌 Institut Pasteur de Dakar
📌 Institut Pasteur de Tunis - معهد باستور تونس
📌 Modelling and Simulation Hub, Africa (MASHA)
📌 SACEMA (South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis)
📌 Center for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA)

Hear how modelling is being applied across Africa to respond to real-world health challenges.

🔗 Link to join: https://unimelb.zoom.us/j/87694545050?pwd=BgAHmiTOJhL9zZMVPDbnQIdpWS98hk.1




At the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 , held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, this week, leaders, in...
30/04/2026

At the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 , held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, this week, leaders, innovators and changemakers came together to shape more resilient health systems across Africa.

On the final day, Dr. Mutono Nyamai represented CEMA, sharing insights on the trends and drivers of maternal mortality in Kenya, highlighting how data can inform smarter, more targeted interventions to save lives.

Her contribution underscores the importance of locally driven evidence in tackling some of Africa’s most pressing health challenges.



29/04/2026



Meet Cosmas Biwott a Junior Research Fellow at CEMA using data to stay ahead of disease outbreaks.

With a background in statistics and biometry, Cosmas is combining coding, data analysis, and modelling to uncover disease patterns and inform decisions that protect communities.

His work shows how youth, data and technology are driving smarter, faster responses to public health threats.

Watch full video here 👇



27/04/2026

Dr Geoffrey Githinji highlights the importance of leveraging data for subnational prioritization and more targeted malaria interventions, ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most.

🎥 Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIIZdN5Zxnw

27/04/2026

Dr. Oumaima Laraj, Postdoctoral Fellow at CEMA highlights the importance of linking malaria interventions to cost-effectiveness to make the best use of limited resources.

🎥 Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIIZdN5Zxnw

26/04/2026

Malaria accounts for approximately 600,000 deaths globally. While tremendous progress has been made across Africa, including in Kenya, emerging vector threats mean it’s time to reflect and re-strategise.

As we continue the conversation beyond , one question remains: what will it take to stay ahead of malaria in Kenya?

Hear from experts at as they share data-driven strategies and practical approaches to strengthen malaria control.

In this video, Winnie Kulei, PhD Fellow at breaks down current malaria interventions and what outcomes we can expect from them.

🎥 Watch the full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIIZdN5Zxnw

On this , Dr Geoffrey Githinji, PhD Fellow at CEMA reminds us that malaria is changing and Kenya’s response must change...
25/04/2026

On this , Dr Geoffrey Githinji, PhD Fellow at CEMA reminds us that malaria is changing and Kenya’s response must change with it.

From new vectors like Anopheles stephensi thriving in urban areas, to shifting transmission patterns in counties like Turkana, the fight against malaria is no longer predictable. Tools like bed nets and treatment remain essential, though they are no longer enough on their own.

The good news? We have new, effective solutions including Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC), which can reduce cases in young children by up to 70%, and promising vaccines like RTS,S and R21. But, impact will depend on scaling what works, targeting interventions using local data, and investing in strong surveillance systems.

📖 Read the full opinion piece: https://cema-africa.uonbi.ac.ke/news/new-malaria-threats-demand-new-innovative-scaled-up-tools



“We cannot afford to wait until diseases reach hospital wards before we act.” says Dr Samuel Kahariri.As we mark , this...
25/04/2026

“We cannot afford to wait until diseases reach hospital wards before we act.” says Dr Samuel Kahariri.

As we mark , this is a timely reminder that protecting human health starts long before patients arrive in hospitals. It begins in farms, markets, and communities, where veterinarians quietly detect and stop threats before they spread.

Let’s recognize and appreciate the critical role veterinarians play in our public health systems; strengthening early warning, improving data sharing, and advancing the One Health approach.

🎥 Read full op-ed to learn why veterinarians are truly Africa’s first line of defense.
https://africa.com/veterinarians-africas-first-line-of-defense-for-public-health/



As World Immunization Week (24-30 April 2026) kicks off today under the theme “For every generation, vaccines work,” we’...
24/04/2026

As World Immunization Week (24-30 April 2026) kicks off today under the theme “For every generation, vaccines work,” we’re reminded that vaccines save lives, but how and when we use them matters just as much.

Turning that promise into reality requires coordination, sustained commitment, and strong partnerships. It also needs data, helping us pinpoint where the need is greatest and when action will have the most impact.

At CEMA, we work closely with partners including government, academia, and global partners to turn data into decisions, strengthening health systems at both national and subnational levels.

For example, our Cholera vaccine modelling work shows that early vaccine deployment significantly increases effectiveness, helping prevent outbreaks before they escalate.

Because in public health, timing is everything and data ensures we act at the right moment.



24/04/2026

On today's , we shine the light on George Kamundia, a computer science research assistant with a background in electrical and electronics engineering, currently pursuing a master's in Data Science and AI.

From exploring machine learning during his undergraduate years to working on projects that identify disease patterns, predict outbreaks, and support early diagnosis, George is using technology to help shape better health outcomes for communities.

In this video, he shares what a typical day looks like as a computer science research assistant, and why young people must have a seat at the table in shaping the future of health and research in Africa.

The future of healthcare will be driven not only by innovation, but by the ideas, energy, and leadership of young scientists like George.

Watch 👇



Highlight from The 7th Annual Meeting of NTD Programme Managers in Africa, Malawi.Dr. Mutono Nyamai presented her poster...
20/04/2026

Highlight from The 7th Annual Meeting of NTD Programme Managers in Africa, Malawi.

Dr. Mutono Nyamai presented her poster on Estimates of Schistosomiasis prevalence across Sub-Saharan Africa, which sparked conversations on how fine-scale estimates can strengthen NTD elimination planning at the local level.

NTDs affect more than one billion people globally, with around 35% of those affected living in Africa and therefore, this is such an important and timely conversation.

One of the key ways to accelerate progress is through the wider use of innovative, data-driven approaches that help countries better target interventions and resources where they are needed most.

The CEMA team Dr. Brian Ogoti, Abigael Gachemi, led by Dr. Pauline Gitonga, were on site yesterday at Merti Subcounty Ho...
17/04/2026

The CEMA team Dr. Brian Ogoti, Abigael Gachemi, led by Dr. Pauline Gitonga, were on site yesterday at Merti Subcounty Hospital, Isiolo County, delivering essential cold chain solutions to support sample storage and transport for the Accelerating Chikungunya Burden Estimation to Inform Vaccine Evaluation Research (ACHIEVE) Study. This is part of the study's effort to maintain sample integrity and ensure reliable data collection.

The study aims to generate critical local data to guide vaccine development, deployment, and use. The study is being conducted across five sites: Kilifi, Isiolo, and Siaya (Kenya), and Tanga and Kigoma (Tanzania), in partnership with KEMRI - Wellcome Trust, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), University of Oxford, Ifakara Health Institute, and with support from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations).

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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 020 4915060

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