Military-Relevant Infectious Diseases Endemic to Kenya: Epidemiology, Immunology, Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention

The mission of USAMRU-K is to develop and test improved means for predicting, preventing and treating worldwide infectious disease threats to deployed U.S. military personnel. USAMRU-K is heavily involved in global surveillance, training, research in drug and vaccine development, and response to emerging infectious disease threats. These activities are undertaken in research laboratories and field stations in locations where Malaria, HIVAIDS, leishmaniasis, Rift Valley Fever virus, Chikungunya virus, enteric pathogens, and other military-relevant infectious diseases are prevalent and their transmission rates are high. Malaria drug and vaccine trials executed at the Kombewa field site to provide valuable information to inform protective strategies for the warfighter. During this 2 year extension to the Cooperative Agreement, USAMRU-Ks ability to successfully execute clinical studies has been enhanced by the utilization of new state-of-the-art laboratories. The co-location of these modern clinical research facilities within high disease endemicity areas has positioned USAMRU-K as a preferred site for future vaccine, drug, and other interventional trials.