Saumu Lwembe

I am full of gratitude for the wisdom & direction of H.E Ambassador Catherine Karemu @KenyaMissionUK this morning, given as I prep for @THETlinks’ #globalhealth events in Nairobi with @BeccyCooper4Lab @MOH_Kenya @KenyaMissionUK @DHSCgovuk. #HealthPartnerships #CwPAMS #globalNHS

@diaspora_uganda @bensimms65 @KenyaMissionUK @THETlinks @BeccyCooper4Lab @MOH_Kenya @DHSCgovuk Agreed; the insights gathered are fundamental in the global health initiatives.

@bensimms65 @KenyaMissionUK @THETlinks @BeccyCooper4Lab @MOH_Kenya @DHSCgovuk @THETlinks @Chislwe indeed Ben - we appreciate H.E Catherine’s guidance and support

Was delighted to co-convene a fireside chat on purpose, leadership, and legacy, featuring @StrathU VC @VinceOgutu and industry & philanthropy icon Dr Manu Chandaria. Huge lesson: The ones who lead change are the ones who step up and step to the front; not those in the shadows.

We've just released a new podcast episode - Leaving no one behind and the NIHR/Mesh CEI online course 🎧 Hear from the course authors how it can support your community engagement and involvement: pod.fo/e/2fba0b

@NIHRglobal @TsofaB @SassyMolyneux

Have you listened to the latest episode of our community engagement and involvement podcast series? Hear from NIHR-funded researchers as they discuss inclusive engagement of marginalised communities in their health systems research. 🎧Listen now: pod.fo/e/2ebcbd

Today, the Kenya High Commission hosted a hybrid networking event centered around global health research partnerships. The event convened leaders from NIHR-funded projects in Kenya, including those dedicated to initiatives in maternal health, mental health and health systems resilience. Researchers shared pertinent outcomes and insights with senior representatives from Kenya’s Ministry of Health, led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga. The PS underscored the significance of collaborative research in informing practical decisions. The Principal Secretary reiterated the government’s priorities in developing local expertise, advancing research and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, which are fundamental pillars of Kenya’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage. By highlighting near-completion projects, the event demonstrated how UK-Kenya research partnerships are yielding tangible impact: building capacity, generating evidence, and addressing shared health challenges. Notable highlights included NIHR-funded research in Kenya on maternal health, climate resilience, and mental health. In the presence of Kenyan Ministry of Health officials, the event reinforced the value of equitable research partnerships in influencing evidence-based policy. The event concluded by proposing additional steps in the partnership including aligning research with government priorities, optimizing coordination for optimal outcomes and enhancing communication on impact.

As someone with a keen interest in health systems research, I found the discussions insightful, encouraging, and challenging.

We've just released a new podcast episode - Inclusive CEI in health systems research. Listen now to hear NIHR-funded researchers discuss inclusive engagement of marginalised communities in their health systems research in Syria and Ethiopia: pod.fo/e/2ebcbd 🎧

@NIHRglobal @ShemOchola @MEsipisu

Have you ever been curious about how policy makers can be involved in health and care research? In this webinar, hear from policy makers that have been on the frontline supporting design, delivery and the uptake of evidence into policy 👉 eventbrite.com/e/exploring-pp…

Learn from NIHR-funded researchers with real life experience of engaging and involving Indigenous and native communities in global health research with our latest podcast episode. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/2de2f1

@lynn_ngugi1 😥

The UK Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in Westlands, Nairobi, is a masterclass in modern day exploitation. Kenyans pay hundreds of dollars, wait in the sun, get misinformed, and walk away feeling less human. The new venue at Principal Place (yes, they left 9West) has no proper waiting area and no parking. This is by design to have you pay 17K for their VIP/Premium “services “ If you’re not paying for premium services, you’re left outside in the heat, on the pavement. Elderly people, parents with kids, students, all treated like a security threat Their Communication is Trash. You get vague emails like “your passport is ready for collection ” only to be turned away and told “collection is from 2pm to 5pm, (you can easily indicate that on the same damn email) That means if you show up at 10am, you’ll have to wait till 2pm or you can easily pay the 17K to be attended to quickly.. ?? EXPLOITATION No clear timeline. No courtesy. You’re meant to guess your way through it. These centers aren’t run by embassies, they’re outsourced to private companies who monetize your desperation. It’s a business, not a service. And guess what? No refund if your visa is denied(familiar?) The worst part? This is normalized. We’ve accepted that applying for a visa means surrendering your dignity just to maybe be allowed into a country that benefits from our labor, money, and talent. If Global North countries want to charge Africans these high fees and accord them zero dignity , the bare minimum should be basic human respect. Decent waiting areas. Transparent timelines and Fair communication. This isn’t about security. It’s about power and exploitation… This system needs to be called out and changed. And it’s time African governments started protecting their citizens from this daylight exploitation.

We've just released a new podcast episode - Engaging and involving Indigenous and native communities. Listen now to hear NIHR-funded researchers share their experiences of being involved in health research with Indigenous communities in Latin America: pod.fo/e/2de2f1

Take a look at this blog from @ARC_EoE PPI lead Bryony Porter. She shares how her team have created an online resource with impactful examples of successful community engagement across the East of England. Find out more: arc-eoe.nihr.ac.uk/news-blogs/blo…

@NIHRglobal Does public involvement in health and care research differ across geographical settings and disciplines? I am happy to be chairing this webinar alongside Dr Gary Hickey, gathering insights from public and community members from UK/LMIC, with reflections from Dr Esther Mukuka.

Join us on Thursday 27 February as we gather insights into whether public involvement in health and care research differs across geographical settings and disciplines. Sign up to the free webinar ➡️ eventbrite.com/e/nihr-explori…

We are looking for mentors to join our NIHR Global Health Research Mentoring Programme. Consider applying if you are: 1️⃣ an established independent researcher 2️⃣ a recognised as an international leader in your field Learn more: forms.gle/bbqo2ULbcZZP2h…