Nairobi, October 22–23, 2025 — The KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research (KAVI-ICR), University of Nairobi, hosted a dynamic two-day co-creation workshop for the ZAFI (Zoonotic Acute Febrile Illnesses) Study at the KAVI-ICR Boardroom. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders from Nairobi County to collaboratively identify gaps, explore challenges, and co-create solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of zoonotic pathogens in urban and peri-urban settings.

The event convened participants from Mbagathi Hospital, Kibera Community Health Centre-AMREF, and a rich mix of professionals, including doctors, paediatricians, laboratory technologists, clinical officers, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, and nutritionists. Also in attendance were community representatives, including religious leaders, herbalists, community health promoters, and members of the Kibra Council of Elders, underscoring the ZAFI initiative's inclusive, community-driven nature.

Opening and Context Setting

The workshop began with welcome remarks by Prof. Walter Jaoko on behalf of KAVI-ICR director Dr. Marianne Mureithi, who provided an overview of KAVI-ICR and its commitment to advancing health research through collaboration and community engagement. Dr Asma Ali, the Sub-County Medical Officer of Health for Kibra, officially opened the event, highlighting the importance of the ZAFI study and its potential benefits to county health facilities. This was followed by an overview of the ZAFI study by Dr. Moses Masika on behalf of the country Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Omu Anzala. Dr. Masika is explaining the goal to understand the burden and drivers of Zoonotic Acute Febrile Illnesses in Nairobi. The study aims to shed light on how undifferentiated fever is often misdiagnosed as malaria and can result from a host of zoonotic pathogens through human-animal interactions in urban and peri-urban environments.

Participatory Engagement and Key Insights

The first day featured a series of interactive, participatory sessions, facilitated by Roselyn Malogo, Dr. Moses Masika, and Dr. Joseph Ogola, during which participants shared local experiences and insights. Discussions centred around health-seeking behaviours, the barriers to accessing healthcare, and practices that increase exposure to zoonotic diseases in densely populated areas such as Kibra.

Participants highlighted financial constraints, long queues, and perceptions of care quality, all of which influence where people seek treatment. As one attendee observed, “People don’t necessarily go to the nearest facility — they go where they know they’ll find medicine and be treated with dignity.”
The conversations also explored how everyday activities, including animal rearing, food handling, and school health practices, may influence disease transmission dynamics in Nairobi communities.

Co-Creation and Formation of the Community Advisory Board

In the afternoon sessions, participants worked collaboratively to co-create solutions and apply the Theory of Change (ToC) approach to guide the next steps for the ZAFI project. Key priorities included increasing community awareness, improving diagnostic and treatment protocols, and strengthening coordination between health facilities and community health structures.

By the end of Day One, participants reached a significant milestone — the formation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB, composed of community representatives, healthcare workers, and local leaders, will serve as a bridge between researchers and the community, ensuring that the ZAFI study remains transparent, inclusive, and responsive to local needs.

Day Two: Strengthening Community Collaboration

Day Two focused on deepening participants’ understanding of the Community Advisory Board’s role, structure, and responsibilities. Facilitators guided discussions on the CAB’s functions, commitments, and ethical expectations, as well as on strategies for maintaining effective communication between the research team and community members throughout the study.

Participants expressed strong commitment to the CAB’s mission, emphasising the importance of community involvement in every stage of the research process — from planning to implementation and feedback dissemination.

Commitment and Closing Remarks

The workshop concluded with closing remarks from the ZAFI Study Kenyan team and members of the community advisory board, who both commended the participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. Roselyn Malogo reiterated that, “By co-creating with the community, we ensure that our research not only advances science but also serves the people it is meant to benefit.”

The two-day ZAFI co-creation workshop demonstrated the power of partnership between scientists, health professionals, and the community in shaping sustainable, evidence-based approaches to tackle zoonotic diseases in Nairobi. The formation of the CAB marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that the ZAFI Study remains grounded in community realities, fostering mutual trust and long-term collaboration.

Funding Acknowledgement

This research was funded by the NIHR (NIHR156365) using UK international development funding from the UK Government to support global health research.