KEMRI Launches Maternal Vaccine Safety Program Phase II
The project establishes new safety surveillance systems for maternal immunization across Kenya and Ghana.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Pregnancy
Live Poll
Do you trust that better data monitoring for maternal vaccines increases overall vaccine safety?
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and its partners are initiating the second phase of a maternal vaccine safety surveillance program. This three-year initiative aims to integrate safety monitoring into existing clinical systems in Kenya and Ghana.
Why it matters
Active surveillance provides long-term data on pregnancy and newborn outcomes, which is essential for informing public health and regulatory decisions regarding maternal vaccinations.
The Phase II program is scheduled to span 3 years of implementation across Kenya and Ghana. This expansion builds upon initial efforts to integrate safety surveillance into routine clinical practice.
The players
KEMRI
The Kenya Medical Research Institute is a national body that conducts health research and provides technical assistance to the Kenyan government.
African Medicines Agency
The African Medicines Agency is a specialized agency of the African Union designed to support regulatory oversight and vaccine safety across the continent.
The details
Researchers are focusing on methods to link pregnancy databases with electronic medical records while minimizing additional workloads for healthcare workers. The program also coordinates vaccine safety reporting with the African Medicines Agency to ensure standardized oversight.
Timeline
October 14-16, 2026: Partners convened in Malindi for an annual working meeting.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader global shift toward digital-first, real-time safety surveillance in maternal healthcare. By integrating with the African Medicines Agency, the program advances the standardization of health monitoring across the continent.
The initiative aims to improve maternal safety through better clinical data collection, which could ultimately lead to more personalized healthcare routines for expectant mothers. By integrating surveillance into routine practice, the program seeks to ensure high-quality care without disrupting the daily workflows of local health workers.
The takeaway
Advancing maternal safety requires long-term collaboration between research institutes and regulatory bodies to build robust data systems. Implementing these digital solutions early can lead to better health outcomes for both mothers and newborns globally.
Further reading
Learn more about maternal health standards by visiting our Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KEMRI.
Live Poll
Do you trust that better data monitoring for maternal vaccines increases overall vaccine safety?
