EAST HANOVER, New Jersey — At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya experienced a surge in cases, growing from 88 in March 2020 to more than 1,000 three months later. The rapid increase in the number of cases, coupled with Kenya’s insufficient technological systems to inform citizens about the spread of the disease, limited how the country’s officials could effectively respond to the crisis. With determination and brainpower, however, three Kenyans spearheaded the Center for Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi to improve health care in Kenya.
CEMA’s Founding Purpose
As the pandemic ravaged the nation, Professor Thumbi Mwangi, an epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases, joined forces with Dr. Loice Ombajo and Dr. Shikoh Gitau, who uses technological insights to innovate the health sector, to remedy Kenya’s information gap and display a system that provides accurate data about the disease. These three specialists united with the humanitarian purpose of serving their nation while developing mathematical skills that would be useful to the country in years after the pandemic as well.
Dr. Ombajo, in an interview with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, shared an inspiring message that encapsulates CEMA’s solution-focused approach: “For all of us, at the end of the day, it goes back to: How is it good for Kenya? How is it good for the public?” In this sense, a strong desire to give back to the country drives the group’s resilience in fostering an easy-to-understand and well-oriented system that will improve health care in Kenya.
How CEMA Works
CEMA relies primarily on the collaboration between different perspectives, focuses and disciplines. The Center for Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis’ site mentions the alliance between computer scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians and infectious disease specialists, to name a few. With each fellow adding their own specificity to the group, CEMA concentrates on data, which includes “policy-making and policy-formation,” improved “literacy for health care professionals” and “infrastructure strengthening.” Simply put, data analysis tools allow trained professionals at CEMA to serve as the public bearing of health related news.
CEMA’s Original Work
Despite the center’s focus on data, the professionals make sure to provide the public with high-quality reports that are not overly scientific. Behind the scenes, data, modeling and analysis drive the results that, in turn, make their way to the public in a digestible format to improve health care in Kenya.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, CEMA provided the state of Kenya with key information on the spread of the new disease. Information regarding local and regional outbreaks and “hot spots” is key to the safety of countless Kenyans. Additionally, CEMA’s role in identifying and subsequently re-developing a system of contact tracing improved the way that Kenyans learned about their health. With this, the center also provided data regarding trends of vaccination and case reports, which was especially helpful for those who may not have had easy and quick access to a vaccination center. Easy-to-read, weekly reports filled with colorful and bright maps and charts further inform citizens about the rise and fall of COVID-19.
The Future of CEMA
The Center for Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis earned recognition for their instrumental work regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, President Uhuru of Kenya referred to professionals at CEMA as “experts.” Because of CEMA’s early work, Kenya experienced a period of effective management that slowed the spread of the disease. This affirmation served as a stepping stone for the future of the nation, as CEMA now serves as a trusted source that the country turns to for information about all public health crises.
From this point forward, CEMA invested its time in improving its method to study local, regional and national trends. Learning about the country’s historical and current trends regarding sexual violence, for example, CEMA is committed to working with the country’s government and the people to resolve crises and improve health care in Kenya.
As CEMA continues to grow and expand its services, current professionals, doctors, epidemiologists and scientists seek to educate the young individuals about this field of work. This is especially important as the pandemic becomes more complicated and climate change affects the globe. Finding and reporting accurate data is more important than ever. With the help of young individuals who are passionate about uncovering solutions and helping the public good, CEMA can expand its resources across Africa, and perhaps internationally.
With CEMA in the public eye, young scientists and innovators are actively applying for training, where they will learn about data visualizations and statistical methods and receive mentorship from older figures within the center.
Looking Ahead
CEMA has made significant strides within the past three years for their dedication in reporting digestible content to the public. What remains monumental, however, is their courageous commitment to improve health care in Kenya.
– Maddy Grieco
Photo: Flickr