Professor Mohamed Karama, a distinguished public health scholar, veteran researcher at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and former Acting Vice Chancellor of Umma University, has passed away. His demise marks the end of a remarkable career that was dedicated to advancing health research, shaping public health policies, and mentoring future leaders in Kenya’s academic and medical circles.
Prof. Karama devoted over three decades of his life to public health research, with a focus on diseases that disproportionately affect underserved communities. At KEMRI, he spearheaded groundbreaking studies in infectious diseases, particularly schistosomiasis control, HIV surveillance, respiratory infections and sanitation-driven disease prevention. His contributions to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs significantly improved health outcomes in rural and peri-urban communities, where access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities had remained a pressing challenge.
Beyond his research, Prof. Karama was an educator and leader. As Acting Vice Chancellor of Umma University, he guided the institution toward academic excellence, expanding its health sciences programs and fostering partnerships with leading research institutions. His leadership style emphasised collaboration, encouraging students and faculty to pursue research that directly responded to the health needs of their communities. He worked tirelessly to ensure that Islamic ethical principles were harmonised with scientific innovation, making Umma University a respected hub for holistic education.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Karama assumed the role of Chairman of the National Muslim COVID-19 Committee. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in crafting health advisories that were sensitive to Islamic practices, ensuring that Muslim communities across Kenya were well-informed and actively participated in the national response to the pandemic. He was instrumental in mobilising mosques and religious leaders to support vaccination efforts, counter misinformation, and advocate for public health measures that respected spiritual and cultural norms.
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His influence extended beyond Kenya. Through his involvement in the Indepth Network and other international collaborations, Prof. Karama contributed to multi-country studies on demographic health surveillance and neglected tropical diseases. His work gained global recognition, positioning Kenya as a leader in community-centered public health research. He published widely in scientific journals, delivered keynote addresses at international health conferences, and mentored countless young researchers who are now carrying forward his legacy.
Prof. Karama’s passing has left a profound void in Kenya’s academic and scientific community. He is remembered not only for his extensive research contributions but also for his humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. Colleagues describe him as a soft-spoken yet highly influential figure whose work bridged gaps between science, policy, and community well-being.
His dedication to improving health systems, especially for marginalized populations, remains an enduring legacy. The programs and policies he helped shape continue to benefit countless lives, and his mentorship has produced a new generation of researchers and public health professionals who are determined to uphold his vision.
By Benedict Aoya
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