By Joyce Ojanji
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has appointed Prof. Samuel Kariuki as its new Eastern Africa Director, taking the helm from Dr. Monique Wasunna, after a successful 20-year tenure overseeing the initiative’s activities in the region.
Before his appointment, Prof. Kariuki was the acting Director General at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). He previously served as KEMRI’s Director of Research and Development, as well as the Director of the KEMRI Centre for Microbiology Research.
“I am honoured to join DNDi Eastern Africa to help drive DNDi’s mission of bringing the best science to the most neglected. Our region has made great strides combatting neglected diseases, demonstrating Africa’s capacity to find solutions to its own problems,” he said.
“I look forward to continuing the legacy of researchers, health workers, and communities who have worked tirelessly with DNDi to develop new treatments for neglected diseases over the past 20 years.”
Prof. Kariuki is a fellow of the African Academy of Sciences, an Honorary Faculty Member of the Wellcome Sanger Institute, a visiting Professor of Tropical Microbiology at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University Of Oxford, UK, and a member of the American Society for Microbiology.
He holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science in Pharmacology &Toxicology from the University of Nairobi and a Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
“We warmly welcome Prof Kariuki to his new role and look forward to working closely with him. With his vast experience and strong leadership skills, I have no doubt that he will strengthen the collaboration between DNDi and the public and private sectors in eastern Africa and that together we will co-create sustainable solutions to help neglected patients in the region, “ said Dr. Luis Pizarro, Executive Director of DNDi.
Dr. Wasunna, who served from 2003 to 2023 as DNDi Eastern Africa Regional Director, will now serve as a DNDi Africa Ambassador, further articulating DNDi’s work in relation to Africa’s health priorities and African stakeholders, as well as playing a vital role in raising awareness of neglected diseases and strengthening partnerships to amplify DNDi’s impact.
She said that she has been dedicated to the mission of DNDi since its inception, tirelessly working towards discovering improved treatments for neglected diseases like leishmaniasis.
“Witnessing the challenges faced by patients and the unwavering commitment of healthcare professionals has deeply impacted me. It is with great confidence that I pass the torch to Prof Kariuki as I know he will build upon existing structures and strategies so that we can continue finding better treatments for people affected by NTDs in the region,” she added.
