The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi recently held a special pre-departure meeting for three of its brightest minds—Wilfred Gitau, Barclay Obiero, and Zipporah Gitau—who are set to embark on a transformative journey to the University of Manitoba, Canada, to pursue their PhDs under the prestigious Building Capacity for Disease Interventions (BCDI) program. 

The meeting, held at the Faculty of Health Sciences, brought together faculty members, mentors, and colleagues from the Departments of Medical Microbiology & Immunology. This event was both a celebration of the students' achievements and an opportunity to provide them with the final preparations before they begin their studies abroad. 

Wilfred, Barclay and Zipporah have each demonstrated exceptional dedication and potential in their respective fields. Their selection for the BCDI program underscores their commitment to advancing medical research and public health. The BCDI program, a collaborative effort between the University of Nairobi and the University of Manitoba, aims to equip the next generation of young researchers with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle pressing global health challenges. 

During the meeting, the outgoing students were congratulated on their hard work and perseverance. Faculty members took the opportunity to share words of wisdom and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of making the most of this unique opportunity. Dr. Marianne Wanjiru Mureithi, Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Nairobi, expressed her confidence in the students' ability to excel in their new academic environment. 

"We are incredibly proud of Wilfred, Barclay, and Zipporah. They are not only ambassadors of our department but also future leaders in the field of medical microbiology. This is a significant milestone, and we are confident they will make valuable contributions to the global health community," said Dr. Mureithi. 

She added, "Their journey to Winnipeg marks the beginning of an exciting chapter where they will not only gain advanced knowledge but also bring back critical skills that will benefit our institution and the wider health sector in Kenya. We look forward to their return as seasoned researchers who will help us tackle the health challenges facing our region." 

The pre-departure meeting also served as a platform to finalize the logistics and ensure that the students are fully prepared for the transition to life in Winnipeg. Topics discussed included cultural adaptation, academic expectations, and health and safety considerations. The students were reminded of the support systems available to them, both in Canada and back home, to help them navigate any challenges they may encounter. 

In closing, the students expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support from both the University of Nairobi and the University of Manitoba. They acknowledged the invaluable role that their mentors and peers have played in their academic journey thus far. 

As Wilfred, Barclay, and Zipporah prepare to depart for Canada, they carry with them the hopes and best wishes of their colleagues and mentors. Their journey is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the BCDI program and the commitment of both institutions to fostering excellence in medical research. The entire University of Nairobi community looks forward to their future successes and contributions to the field of medical microbiology. 

Safe travels, Wilfred, Barclay, and Zipporah—your journey to greatness continues!