The One Health Eastern Africa Research Training (OHEART) Program held its annual retreat in Addis Ababa, from 15-16 September 2026, bringing together fellows and institutional partners working to strengthen research capacity and collaboration across Ethiopia and Kenya. Supported by the Fogarty International Center at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the program’s third cycle supports 6 doctoral and 2 postdoctoral fellows studying priority One Health challenges.
OHEART develops research capacity at the intersection of human, animal and environmental health through research training, mentorship and collaboration across institutions and countries.
The partnership includes the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the University of Nairobi, the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), the University of Gondar, The Ohio State University and OHGA Institute. This network supports multidisciplinary mentorship, scientific exchange, and collaborative research on infectious diseases.
Led by KEMRI, OHEART’s third cycle was launched in Nairobi in September 2024 and is scheduled to run through 2029. Its research priorities include antimicrobial resistance and foodborne, waterborne, and vector-borne diseases. During its previous two cycles, the program trained 18 PhD fellows, five postdoctoral fellows, and 46 laboratory technologists.
The retreat forms part of OHEART’s continuing effort to connect fellows with research institutions and mentors in Ethiopia, Kenya and the United States, supporting locally relevant research and regional research capacity.