The Partnership between Roche and the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) for Fighting HIV/AIDS: How Does it Work and What Can it Achieve?

To achieve the 90-90-90 end goal, 90% of people living with HIV should be able to know their HIV status, 90% of people who know their HIV status should have access to high-quality HIV treatment options and 90% of people should have attained viral suppression. In 2018, 89% of people of all ages in Kenya knew their HIV status and 77% were on treatment; ¹ (no data available for the viral load suppression target). While this surely is progress, efforts to halt and reverse HIV need to proceed at a faster pace. Early diagnosis and easy access to HIV load testing and monitoring are key to this end. 

In 2018, Roche and KEMRI forged a partnership for working toward the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal. As a result, Roche has installed its state-of-the-art diagnostic instrument for HIV viral load testing at KEMRI. It has also trained KEMRI technicians on the operation of this instrument. Most importantly, Roche provides sustainable pricing for HIV reagents through the company’s Global Access Program and its access pricing.

KEMRI views the new technology provided by Roche as an essential requirement in not only monitoring responses of patients to treatment but also in reducing the traditional waiting time for sample analysis. The partnership is believed to expedite the Institute’s mission of improving human health and quality of life through research, capacity building, innovation and service delivery and also for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.

The partnership aligns well with Roche’s mission of supporting the UNAIDS 90:90:90 goal through affordable pricing to those countries hardest hit by the disease.

The latest statistics from Kenya is promising and this partnership is sure to help in progressing toward achieving the UNAIDS goal.