FOOD SECURITY AND HEALTH INITIATIVE IN CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Meru County–Meru University of Science and Technology Collaboration

with Pennsylvania State University (USA) and Technical University of

Denmark

  • Primary aim: Strengthen food safety and response to high consequence pathogens
  • Formalization of collaboration: 2nd March, 2023

The Meru Initiative Progress Highlights – 2024/2025

1.0  Trainings and Capacity Building

a) FSIL Lab Training (3rd – 6th December 2024)

    • Venue: University of Nairobi (UoN) and KEMRI
    • Facilitators: Prof. Catherine Kunyanga (UoN), Dr. Robert Onsare (KEMRI), Dr. Jonathan Sogin (Cornell University)
    • Participants: Arphaxad Chege, Patrick Mutharia

Summary:
The four-day training focused on pathogen detection (Salmonella and Campylobacter), field sampling, laboratory techniques, and data management.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mastery of field and lab protocols
  • Practical skills in sampling and PCR analysis
  • Structured data documentation using Excel templates
  • Team collaboration and planning

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b) Training by Cornell Team – Nairobi

Genomic Training – Food Safety Innovation Laboratory – Cornell University, USA.

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David Mwiti attends a Food Safety Training in Bangkok courtesy of Dr. Jonathan of Food Safety  Innovation Lab, Cornell University

  • Training outcome: specialized training from the Cornell team, focusing on applied research techniques and food safety standards.

d) CDC Health Facility Training and Assessment

  • Training at Meru Teaching & Referral Hospital, Maua Methodist Hospital, and Meru University of Science & Technology
  • Capacity audit for high consequence pathogen testing undertaken
  • Reports submitted to CDC for review

e) Dr. John Iskander’s Training

Focused on research capacity building and academic mentorship for junior scientists in Meru.

  • 15th November, 2023 – Dr. Martha Knuth – Lit Search 101
  • 10th July, 2024 – Dr. John Iskander – Scientific Publication Basics for First Time Authors
  • Scheduled sessions for 2025

2.  Research and Studies

a) Health Workers’ Preparedness for Climate Change

  • Research concept submitted to MUST Ethics Review Committee (MIRERC)
  • Target: Health workers in Meru County

b) Antibiotic Use Among Farmers

  • Ethical clearance sought from MIRERC
  • Aim: Assess knowledge and practices on antimicrobial use among poultry farmers.

d) Meat Testing in Local Markets

  • Samples collected in 2 (two) sub-counties (Imenti North and Tigania West) in Meru County.
  • Basic microbiological testing completed.
  • Planning for further tests in CDC/UoN labs.

e)  Menstrual hygiene project with Penn State school of Nursing

3.  Collaborative Events and Visits

      1. Visit to MUST by Dr. Jonathan Sogin from Cornell University

Dr. Johnathan Sogin visited MUST and was taken through the capacity of the university in terms of genomic sequencing by visiting Health sciences laboratories, Food Science laboratories and Biological sciences laboratories. He nominated a staff member to be trained on genomic sequencing in Bangkok from 20- 24th January, 2025.

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From the left, Dr. Dorothy Kagendo, Prof. Joshua Arimi (Meru initiative coordinator), Prof. Romanus Odhiambo (VC. MUST), Dr. Jonathan Sogin and Mr. Patrick Mutharia.

b) Meeting at CDC – July 2024

  • Discussion on joint testing of high consequence pathogens in Meru
  • CDC delegation led by Ms. Julie Okonji visited 3 local laboratories

c) Monthly Collaborative Meetings

  • The 2025 calendar of Activities developed and shared with contacts persons
  • Held quarterly to review progress, address challenges, and plan future steps

4.  Seminars and Speaker Series

a) MUST/PSU/DTU Public Lecture

  • 25th April, 2023: Sarah (Sally) Powell Price. Principles for eggs regulations and safety

b) Ambassador Muthaura Seminar Series

  • 1st Seminar: 25th July, 2024 – Prof. Heather Tate.  Unifying Health: The Role of NARMs in Tracking and Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance
  • 2nd Seminar: 26th September, 2024 – Prof. Jesse Gitaka: Development of highly reliable point of care diagnostics for Africa
  • 3rd Seminar:  Jan 2025 -  Prof.  Catherine Kunyanga – Food Safety for Food Security
    Series covered policy, science, and One Health topics with various guest speakers.

5.  Ongoing Activities

  • Genomic training and follow-up from FSIL collaboration with Cornell
  • Meat testing enhancement through CDC partnerships
  • training at CDC and Meru-based health facilities
  • Strengthening enteric disease diagnostic capacity based on assessment findings
  • Coordination of research ethics reviews through MIRERC

6.   Way Forward

  • Finalize ongoing data collection for Salmonella and antimicrobial resistance studies
  • Initiate CDC-supported lab capacity improvements in local facilities
  • Implement training recommendations from FSIL and CDC reviews
  • Deepen international collaborations with DTU, PSU, and Cornell
  • Develop seminar series to build local research and publication capacity
  • Continue pursuing ethical approvals for upcoming research activities
  • Scientific writing and presentation by Dr John Iskander and Dr. Susan Laird

Prepared by:
Meru Initiative (Local Secretariat)
Date: 28th May 2025

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