Dr. Anthony Sifuna making a presentation at the seminar.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the University of Pretoria, on 18^th January 2023, conducted a seminar on ‘Application of Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Tools in Detection, Monitoring, and Surveillance of Bacterial Pathogens’. This collaborative effort steered by a lecturer from the Department of Medical Biochemistry- Dr. Anthony Sifuna, is aimed at investigating the surgical site infection at the Kakamega County General Hospital.

The seminar encompassed keynote addresses from Prof. Martin Welch from the University of Cambridge and Prof. Reva Oleg - from the University of Pretoria. The other presentations included ‘Genomic Analysis of S. aureus reveals hospital transmission of ST 152 at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ – Mr. Nick Mogoi, ‘Potent antimicrobial plant compounds against MRSA bacteria’- Dr. Nicholus Kogo and ‘Surgical site P. aeruginosa infection at a referral hospital in Western Kenya’ by Ms. Sara Kindiki.

Prof. Martin Welch - the University of Cambridge giving a keynote address during the seminar.

Giving a presentation on ‘The need for better diagnostics for environmental pathogen detection’, Dr. Sifuna pointed out that the environment plays a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases adding that there is a need to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of infectious disease agents in the environment.

This collaboration also involves a student exchange program that has seen Mr. Mogoi visit the University of Pretoria to upgrade his skills in Bioinformatics. Similarly, Ms. Kindiki is set to travel to the University of Cambridge to sharpen her skills in Laboratory Analysis.

A section of the seminar participants keenly following the presentations of the seminar.

The other key personalities present at the seminar included, the Director, Research and Postgraduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, the Dean School of Natural Sciences- Dr. Joseph Owino, and Prof. Stanley Omuterema. Building international partnerships is a contemporary approach that fortifies the education industry and helps in shaping the future of students.