Aga Khan University improving healthcare in four counties
Aga Khan University Hospital Associate Dean Research William Macharia (right) with Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of Women and Child's Health at the launch of the university's Mombasa Research Office at the Links Plaza on March 15, 2017. PHOTO | KEVIN ODIT
What you need to know:
- AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments.
- Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is working with four county governments to improve healthcare access to women and children.
The Aga Khan University Hospital director of Centre of Excellence Prof Marleen Temmerman and associate dean for Research, Prof William Macharia said the Canadian government is funding the four-year project at a cost of about Sh500 million.
Speaking to journalists before the launch of AKU Mombasa Research Office on Wednesday, Prof Temmerman said the funds will be used for project, evaluation, research and learning.
AKU works with the Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Kisii governments and is also involved in First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s Beyond Zero campaign to give quality health care to expectant women.
MALNUTRITION
The project involves equipping and upgrading the county hospitals as well as providing quality healthcare services to new-born babies through treating infections and dealing with malnutrition.
At Mariakani hospital in Kilifi, AKU is assisting in upgrading the facility and is building a theatre at Kisii hospital.
Prof Macharia said they are working closely with county governments and that the launch of the research office marks a major achievement for the university at the coast.
He said the research office said will strengthen health administration and system in the region.
He said AKU is working with Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa counties to boost health care access for women and children and that the work was going on well.
WOMEN
There is also a surveillance platform for households on a monthly basis.
Prof Temmerman said although AKU had the capacity to expand to other counties, it relies on donor support.
“The funds used for programmes are specific. The ultimate goal is to serve women population,” she said.
Representatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) and the county governments also attended the launch.
Prof Termmerman and Prof Macharia were happy that the doctors strike had ended saying it had adversely affected health services.
“But at the Aga Khan Hospital, the services were not disrupted,” Prof Macharia said.
