In 2021, HJFMRI began supporting COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) vaccine studies in Kenya in support of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). The CoVPN was formed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the U.S. National Institutes of Health to respond to the global pandemic.  

The CoVPN leverages the infectious disease expertise of existing research networks and global partners to address the pressing need for vaccines and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. As part of the CoVPN network, HJFMRI will participate in work to develop and conduct studies to ensure rapid and thorough evaluation of vaccines and antibodies for the prevention of COVID-19.  

Sites in Kenya are currently preparing to take part in CoVPN 3005, a Phase 3 trial of Sanofi's recombinant DNA COVID-19 vaccine candidate, and the CoVPN 3008 UBUNTU study, a Phase 3 trial of Moderna's mRNA vaccine.