Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is joining forces with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IU-Indianapolis), Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health to advance healthcare outcomes through the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Project.

The ECHO Project is a transformative initiative aimed at connecting primary care teams with interdisciplinary specialists. Its objective is to disseminate knowledge and enhance the capability to deliver optimal care for complex chronic health conditions.

According to Prof. Sherri Bucher, Chair of the Department of Community and Global Health at IU-Indianapolis, the project leverages technology to facilitate mentoring and knowledge exchange. This empowers primary care clinicians to deliver best-practice care to patients in their communities.

Prof. Bucher expressed the importance of addressing the global issue of limited access to specialty care, emphasizing the project’s tripartite approach – research, service, and education.

She identified JKUAT as an ideal partner for this collaborative effort during a meeting with JKUAT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, her Deputy Vice Chancellors, and faculty from the College of Health Sciences (COHES).

Round table discussion between JKUAT and IU-Indianapolis

In a bid to strengthen international ties with Kenya, Prof. Bucher highlighted her institution’s interest in fostering bidirectional collaboration with JKUAT.

“This collaboration aims to facilitate staff and student exchanges, establishing a knowledge hub, and reinforcing existing networks,” said Prof. Bucher

On her part, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ngumi acknowledged the pivotal role this partnership would play in advancing the university’s internationalization agenda and enhancing its research capacity.

“We believe that this collaboration will not only strengthen the internationalization agenda at JKUAT but also contribute to the advancement of public health education and research on a global scale. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration remains steadfast as we embark on this exciting journey,” said Prof. Ngumi.

Expressing her anticipation for lasting partnerships, Prof. Ngumi encouraged the publication of joint research findings. She envisions expanding the horizons of both institutions and nurturing the next generation of global leaders in public health.

“As academicians and researchers, we are supposed to be thinkers and providers of solutions to the challenges facing the society. Let us use this collaboration to provide knowledge and let it be a benchmark for similar collaborations,” concluded Prof. Ngumi.

The meeting was also addressed by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Robert Kinyua, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research Production and Extension), Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin and Finance), Prof. Daniel Sila and Principal College of Health Sciences, Dr. Reuben Thuo.