Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has officially opened its new scientific office in Nairobi, Kenya. The new office will serve as the company’s headquarters for Sub-Saharan Africa region and is poised to expand the company’s global presence in the region. By establishing a foothold in the region, the company is demonstrating its commitment to advancing sustainable development for current and future generations, as well as improving human and animal health.
Senior government officials, including Dr. Joseph Lenai, OGW, Director, Intergovernmental Relations, Health Sector coordination and International Health relations, Ministry of Health and Mr. Thomas Wimmer, the Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in Kenya, were among the attendees at the inauguration of the new office. The office opening was hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim’s senior leadership team including Mohammed Tawil, Regional Managing Director and Head of Human Pharma for India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (‘IMETA’), Marianne Abouelkheir, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for Levant, Iraq, Northeast Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Marseille Onyango, Head of Human Pharma for Sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Kenya leadership team.
Boehringer Ingelheim strives to develop better therapies, enable better healthcare solutions and contribute to a better world for generations to come, which is in line with the company’s Sustainable Development – For Generations (‘SD4G’) goals. Through the office opening, the company is one step closer to achieving its 2030 sustainable commitment which is to impact the lives and health of 50 million people in vulnerable communities.
Commenting on the inauguration, Mohammed Tawil, Regional Managing Director and Head of Human Pharma at Boehringer Ingelheim India, the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (‘IMETA’) said, “For over two decades, Boehringer Ingelheim has been committed to improving human and animal health in Africa. Our presence here will enable us to better understand the needs of the local communities and work in partnership with healthcare providers and regulators to bring healthcare solutions in areas of unmet medical need. We are dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of patients, animals and communities at large, and we believe that our investment in Kenya is an important step towards achieving this goal. We look forward to building stronger relationships in Kenya and making a meaningful contribution to the country’s healthcare sector.”
Health Cabinet Secretary, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, commended Boehringer Ingelheim’s efforts in setting up a regional hub in Kenya, further encouraging strategic partnerships between the Ministry of Health and global pharmaceutical companies adding that these partnerships will have a roll in effect of ensuring sustainability of health systems and support nation self-reliance in accordance with the Right to Health, International Health Regulations and Treaties. She further added that the strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and global pharma companies presents an opportunity for substantial investment in the continent for pharmaceuticals, through locating and relocating manufacturing industries within Kenya.
Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany in Kenya, Mr. Thomas Wimmer said, “I would like to congratulate Boehringer Ingelheim for its investment in Kenya. Thenew scientific office is a testament to the strength and vitality of the relationship between our two nations. The company’s dedication to improving patient and animal health outcomes through the development of new therapies and treatments is inspiring. Ihope to see many accomplishments that Boehringer Ingelheim will achieve in the years to come.”
Marianne Abouelkheir, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma for LINEA and SSA Boehringer Ingelheim said, “Sub Saharan Africa is an important region for Boehringer Ingelheim’s operations. Our commitment to excellence and comprehensive understanding of patient needs in the region makes us confident to deliver value across a number of therapeutic areas to tackle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes.”
Marseille Onyango, Head of Human Pharma for Sub-Saharan Africa added, “By opening a scientific office in Kenya, we aim to deliver global best practices and innovative therapies to address the ongoing health requirements of patients and animals locally and across the region. We are excited to expand our footprint in Africa and look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the government and different key stakeholders in the industry with the ultimate objective of improving the lives of our patients through better access to healthcare and innovative therapies.”
Sustainable development is in line with Boehringer Ingelheim’s principles of planning in generations, taking responsibility for communities and the environment and expanding access to healthcare. Since 1885, the company has been on a journey towards Sustainable Development for Generations, which is dedicated to developing solutions that address global healthcare challenges and help contribute to sustainable change.
In Kenya, Boehringer Ingelheim has been active with its SD4G plans. ‘Access to Healthcare’ is one of the key initiatives that was launched in Kenya in August 2022. To date, the initiative has offered comprehensive services to more than 1000 patients including medical screening and follow-ups for people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In 2018, the company also launched the LastMile initiative in Kenya that is an integrated, solutions-driven programme that seeks to address crucial animal health challenges by creating consistent availability of animal medical resources in hard-to-reach areas.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s overall holistic approach focuses on the value of collaboration, the integration of expertise through long-term partnerships and the development of breakthrough therapies. The company will always strive to find solutions to overcome health challenges of today and tomorrow, as well as improving health outcomes for all.