By Whitney Akinyi
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has donated three mobile vaccination clinics, four medical fridges, and six transport freezers to support the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program in Kenya.
The medical equipment was formally received by Racheal Ruto, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, who graciously accepted the donation on behalf of several counties.
Samburu, Marsabit, and Baringo counties were the recipients of the mobile clinics, while Turkana, Mandera, Isiolo, and West Pokot were provided with fridges and freezers.
This substantial donation, financed by the German government through a grant offered by the German Development Bank (KFW), is poised to have a profound impact on Kenya’s healthcare landscape. These resources will also play a pivotal role in facilitating the completion of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
Ruto expressed her gratitude for the critical medical resources and emphasized their significance in bridging the healthcare gap in the seven counties. She highlighted the importance of ensuring the effectiveness of vaccines and medicines, particularly in challenging conditions in these regions.
Rashid Khalani, the Chief Executive Officer of AKUH, stressed the transformative potential of the UHC program, which aims to revolutionize healthcare access for Kenyans. He reaffirmed the commitment of AKUH to support this agenda, aligning service delivery with public healthcare needs.
“The mobile clinics will significantly increase the reach and accessibility of healthcare services, bringing them closer to the doorstep of Kenyans. They will facilitate regular health screening through which we can identify diseases early, for early intervention which improves the quality of life for Kenyans. The government will also have the capacity to extend the reach of immunization to the underserved far-flung areas,” Khalani remarked.
Oskar von Maltzan, Country Director of KFW Development Bank, emphasized that the donated clinics and medical fridges would greatly enhance operational access to remote areas. They will contribute to completing the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the short term, further the delivery of the Ministry of Health’s Expanded Program of Immunization (EPIs) and strengthen routine immunization programs and response capacities to avert future outbreaks and/or pandemics.
AKUH and KfW have been steadfast supporters of Kenya’s COVID-19 national response, having provided equipment, supplies, and assistance to government-sponsored COVID-19 vaccination efforts since 2020. Their continued commitment is a testament to their dedication to enhancing healthcare services and improving the well-being of the Kenyan population.
This significant donation and support from AKUH and the German government exemplify the power of public-private partnerships in advancing healthcare accessibility and addressing critical public health needs. The collaboration between these institutions is poised to make a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape of Kenya, ensuring that quality healthcare services are available to all citizens.
