Proceedings of the Third KETRI Internal Review, 6th-10th June 1994

Abstract

The Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI) was established in 1977, following the demise of the East African Community. It has a mandate "to carry out research in to all aspects that would eventually lead to the effective control of human and animal trypanosomiasis, and to effective reclamation of tsetse infested lands." In the last decade, KETRIS emphasis was infrastructure and staff development as part of its efforts to get a critical mass of researchers to be able to carry out research in fairly well equipped surroundings. In 1990, KETRI drew up a Strategic Plan to help pave its work to the year 2000. The document identified gaps in knowledge about various aspects of trypanosomiasis and its tsetse vector. It described work that was on-going to help solve some of the problems identified, and isolated programme areas and priorities for each programme, forming the basis for the future activities. Following on the Strategic Plan, KETRI has been carrying out regular annual internal scientific reviews, which act as self- assessment exercises. During such reviews, it is determined whether the objectives that had been set are being realised. The reviews have proved an excellent opportunity to define new research areas and to change approaches to research, in the face of new developments during the period under review and resource availability, while at the same time harmonising overall research management in the institute. The third internal scientific review, which has led to the production of these proceedings, was held from 6th to 10th June 1994. The proceedings are in the form of abstracts under each scientific programme, with conclusions and recommendations at the end of the abstracts. A list of seminars held at KETRI and publications for the period May 1993 to September 1994 included at the end.