Kenya just became the first African country at the table hunting for a dengue treatment

There is still no specific treatment for dengue — only care for its symptoms. Kenya wants to help change that. The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has joined the Dengue Alliance, the global partnership founded in 2022 to develop safe, affordable dengue treatments, making Kenya its first African member alongside institutes from Brazil, Malaysia, India and Thailand. The move was confirmed at the Alliance's meeting in Kuala Lumpur on October 27. Kenya reported almost 10,000 dengue cases between January and August 2026, and all four dengue virus types have now been detected in the country. 'KEMRI will contribute African expertise and evidence to strengthen global efforts,' said Dr Erick Muok, KEMRI's acting director of research and development. Alliance partners already have a treatment candidate heading into a Phase III trial in early 2027.

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: institutional program