Doctors from Canada, Japan, and Singapore, representing the Kibos International Health Foundation, recently concluded their visit to Kenya. They’ve committed to collaborate with the Kisii and Trans Nzoia Counties to enhance healthcare services. The medical team was led by Ambrose Kibos, the foundation’s CEO, and included prominent cardiac surgeons, Yuki Ichihara from Japan and Teresa Kieser from Canada.
In Kisii County, discussions were held with Kisii University’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Nathan Ogechi. The dialogue revolved around potential collaborations in cardiovascular diseases. The team also provided humanitarian services at Nyanchwa Mission Hospital and visited the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. In a significant gesture, the Kibos Foundation donated a state-of-the-art portable Echocardiogram machine to the latter hospital, aiming to aid patients with heart conditions.
Ambrose Kibos emphasized the foundation’s goal of expanding primary healthcare services to rural areas in Africa. The strategy to achieve this involves elevating healthcare services quality, having a trained and interconnected cardiovascular team, and creating a central hub for cardiovascular simulation, training, and education. The Kisii Governor, Simba Arati, highlighted the extensive experience the Kibos Foundation team possesses in treating cardiovascular and cancer diseases. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kisii County, Kisii University, and the Kibos Foundation. This partnership aims to establish a cardiovascular center at the hospital to facilitate training, teaching, treatment, and research. Governor Arati also mentioned his ongoing efforts to upgrade and revamp public healthcare facilities in the county.
Commenting on the healthcare scenario, Teresa Kieser pointed out the global threat of heart diseases. During her interaction with patients at Nyanchwa Mission Hospital, she noted the absence of basic medical equipment necessary for disease prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Prof Kieser stressed the importance of medical equipment in fortifying a nation’s healthcare system and realizing universal health coverage.
Meanwhile, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya expressed his intention to partner with the medical experts, especially concerning cardiovascular diseases. Speaking in Kitale, the Governor recognized the immediate need for advanced cardiovascular facilities, doctor training, and awareness campaigns on cardiovascular disease prevention in the region. He underscored the challenges faced by patients in Trans Nzoia, who often travel to India for specialized medical treatment due to the high costs and inconvenience. Governor Natembeya suggested inviting experienced doctors from countries like India for surgeries and training. He reiterated his commitment to enhancing his county’s health sector.
Ferdinand Nang’ole, Health Taskforce Chairman, praised the Kibos International Health Foundation for its dedication to meeting Trans Nzoia residents’ health requirements. He also commended Governor Natembeya for his dedication to better healthcare. Nang’ole did, however, mention a previously signed MoU that had not produced substantial results, suggesting a revisit with potential modifications based on their health task force’s recommendations.
The visiting medical professionals conducted training sessions on oncology and various cancer forms using cutting-edge technology at the Kijana Wamalwa Memorial Centre, previously known as Kitale Referral Hospital.