Kenya and Slovenia are joining forces to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The two countries are strengthening scientific cooperation, with researchers exploring the potential of bacteriophages in treating drug-resistant infections. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria, offering a promising solution as resistance to existing antibiotics continues to grow.
The Africa Bacteriophage Summit Nairobi 2026 has brought together health experts, researchers, clinicians, regulators, universities, and public institutions from Kenya, Slovenia, and other countries. The summit aims to examine the potential of bacteriophage technology in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Slovenia's non-resident Ambassador to Kenya, Kristina Radej, emphasized the need for stronger cooperation in research, clinical practice, and regulation to address infections that are increasingly difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics.
The summit is examining the clinical, regulatory, ethical, and patient-safety requirements for the use of bacteriophages. Researchers are also exploring the potential applications of bacteriophages in agriculture, livestock, and food production. Radej stated that Kenya and Slovenia are seeking to strengthen joint research, training, and institutional links between hospitals, universities, laboratories, regulators, and veterinary and agricultural institutions.
Antimicrobial resistance is a complex challenge that requires a collaborative approach. Radej noted that scientific cooperation is integral to foreign policy, and Slovenia is keen to use its scientific and technological expertise to deepen cooperation with Kenya and the wider East African region. The two countries are focusing on biotechnology, medicine, artificial intelligence, and environmental research.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations highlighted the threat of antimicrobial resistance to food security, livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. FAO officials noted that antimicrobial use in agrifood systems is often linked to underlying challenges, including high disease burdens, inadequate biosecurity, and weak surveillance systems. Strengthening disease prevention, animal health, biosecurity, and sustainable production practices is critical in reducing dependence on antimicrobials.
Bacteriophages are an emerging technology that could complement existing interventions across human health, animal health, food production, and environmental management. However, the organisation stressed that innovation must be supported by scientific evidence, appropriate regulatory frameworks, quality assurance, research, and strategic partnerships. Participants are expected to discuss the evidence required to determine where and how bacteriophage-based therapies can be safely introduced.
The summit is providing a platform for researchers and institutions to identify areas for joint projects, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The meeting is expected to contribute to efforts to develop new tools for preventing and treating bacterial infections while ensuring emerging technologies meet appropriate clinical, ethical, and regulatory standards. Key stakeholders, including Kenyan health institutions and international partners, are participating in the discussions.
Key points
- Kenya and Slovenia are strengthening scientific cooperation to tackle antimicrobial resistance.
- Researchers are exploring the potential of bacteriophages in treating drug-resistant infections.
- The Africa Bacteriophage Summit Nairobi 2026 aims to examine the clinical, regulatory, ethical, and patient-safety requirements for the use of bacteriophages.
