The fight against diseases transmitted by tsetse flies got a major boost on Friday after Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Yale University.
Scientists from all three bodies will conduct collaborative research to develop a thorough understanding of the biological and ecological factors that fuel the spread of these diseases by focusing on the tsetse flies and the ailments they transmit.
“Tsetse fly transmitted diseases have plagued human and animal health in tropical Africa, causing devastating epidemics and limiting agricultural and economic prosperity,” said Yale University President Peter Salovey.
“In Kenya, the human disease is under control although some risks remain in the national parks which are important for tourism,” he added.
Yale and KALRO scientists will apply their findings to develop an effective policy framework of tracking and monitoring systems including development of appropriate outreach materials, exchange program, technical capacity development, and technology transfer to enhance tsetse and disease management in Kenya.
KWS will support the partnership by enabling access to tsetse flies which form the critical material for scientific research and will benefit from the training provided.
KALRO’s mandate is to promote, streamline, coordinate and regulate all aspects of research in agriculture and livestock development and also promote the application of the research findings and technologies in the country.
The Yale Public School of Health has made many important health contributions including environmental sanitation, cancer, polio, arbovirus research and vector-borne disease control.