Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. These disorders can lead to progressive vision loss and, in some cases, complete blindness. While IRDs are a global problem, research on the genetic basis of these disorders has been primarily focused on populations of European and Asian ancestry. Black, indigenous Africans with more genetic diversity are underrepresented in IRD research.

Dr. Marianne Mureithi, the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology Chair at the University of Nairobi, recently attended the African Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2023 meeting with The Elsevier Foundation. The conference brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and advocates across the continent to discuss strategies for building resilient and inclusive healthcare systems.

We invite you to join us for an informative talk on emerging infectious diseases and the role that bats may play in their transmission. The talk will be presented by Dr Paul Webala, a Senior Lecturer and Mammologist at Maasai Mara University and a collaborator with members of the Medical Microbiology & Immunology department KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research.