Korean biomedical firms and Kenyan healthcare sector unite for innovation

KENYA — Kenya’s healthcare sector is on the brink of a transformative shift, fueled by a recent symposium that brought together Korean biomedical firms and local stakeholders.

Hosted by the Nairobi Trade Centre of Korea-Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), the event served as a dynamic platform for forging partnerships, showcasing cutting-edge Korean breakthroughs, and exploring collaborative opportunities and investments in the medical field.

The symposium, a notable gathering last week, attracted key Korean biomedical firms eager to collaborate with the Kenyan community.

Among the participants were GeneAll Biotechnology, Narma Inc., and Microbiology East Africa Limited, each presenting pioneering solutions addressing various health challenges, including nucleic acid extraction, cargo delivery drones, and infectious disease diagnosis.

Matundra Gesora, Team Leader at the Nairobi Trade Centre of KOTRA, highlighted the critical inefficiencies in Africa’s health systems, emphasizing disruptions in medical equipment and drug supply chains, last-mile health service delivery, and medical data analysis.

He stressed the pivotal role of innovation in shaping the future of healthcare on the continent, stating, “The adoption of new technology can create opportunities to improve health literacy and access to care for all Africans.

“The pandemic was a catalyst for growth in health tech on the continent. Now entrepreneurs and the government must sustain the momentum.”

One standout participant, Narma Inc., a spin-off company of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, showcased its revolutionary delivery drones and service platforms.

The Narma AF200, an agile tilt motor drone platform for cargo delivery, facilitated last-mile emergency deliveries in Tharaka Nithi and Makueni Counties through a partnership with Kenya Flying Labs, highlighting the transformative potential of technology in healthcare logistics.

GeneAll Biotechnology, another participant, showcased expertise in nucleic acid extraction products, producing nearly 100 products for various samples.

With a competitive edge in low cost and fast processing capabilities, these products are expected to enable patients to receive treatment in local hospitals, reducing the need to travel to urban centers for medical attention.

Beyond technological advancements, the symposium emphasized the potential of Korean biomedical firms to significantly contribute to Kenya’s healthcare sector and healthcare in Africa.

The platform served as a conduit for strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Korea in the crucial domain of health and medicine.

This collaborative initiative marks a significant step toward harnessing innovation to address healthcare challenges and enhance the overall well-being of communities in Kenya and beyond.

 This symposium follows Kenya’s earlier plans to partner with South Korea in vaccines and pharmaceuticals manufacturing, exchanging technology and expertise.

The establishment of the Kenya Biovax Institute is underway, aiming to locally manufacture vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

This partnership not only promises to boost Kenya’s healthcare sector by reducing costs but also ensures the availability of essential medical supplies, particularly in remote areas.

For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.