East Africa Biobank
IU Center for Global Health Equity supports the development of biobanking capacity in East Africa. With ongoing funding from IU’s Physician Scientists Initiative (PSI), the Center has worked with partners in the AMPATH Reference Laboratory in Eldoret, Kenya, to establish a new dedicated biobanking facility in the Chandaria Cancer and Chronic Disease Center. This facility will serve as the central storage center for over 70,000 samples from more than 22 active research studies conducted in the region. The facility provides capacity for sub-80 degree storage along with ISO accredited lab processing and testing of samples banked as part of a research protocol.
Most studies involve storage of samples for mass processing of lab testing at intervals or at the end of protocols (in sexual health, HIV/AIDS clinical trials, cardiovascular disease, malaria infection screening, and pharmacokinetics). Biomaterials specimen processing and shipment continues in support of research in cardiovascular genomics, viral resistance, HIV/AIDS and cancer pharmacogenomics. The biobank’s expanded capacity will support greater research engagement by IU and Moi University faculty in East Africa and strengthen our reputations as research leaders in the region.
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