desert burner
September 17th, 2009, 07:00 PM
A US-based college is pioneering a children HIV and Aids hospital in Kenya at a cost of Sh1.9 billion ($2.5 million).
The centre of excellence to be based in Nyanza, which has the country’s highest prevalence rate, is set to go up this December for the next 13 months.
This outpatient facility will cater for about five million people at an operational cost of Sh800 million and annual care per child costing about Sh38,000 annually.
Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o yesterday said the partnership with Baylor College of Medicine would be a boost to paediatric HIV, which has been ignored.
"This initiative is a drop in the ocean, satellite stations will be established in other regions to offer the same services," said Nyong’o.
More benefits
Speaking at the Ministry headquarters, Nyong’o said the challenge the country was facing was shortage of paediatricians.
He said with the halting of hiring of civil servants 10 years ago, a gap had been created in the staffing of the health sector.
The PS James ole Kiyiapi announced the Government would commit Sh800 million annually to meet the operational costs.
Prof Kiyiapi said the facility would ensure paediatric HIV receives more attention.
In addition he said the collaboration with the college would promote research and exchange programmes.
Kiyiapi said the initiative would turn the focus on children adding that since it will be an outpatient facility, they would have an agreement with the New Nyanza General Hospital to provide admissions.
The Baylor International Paediatrics Aids Vice-President Internal Affairs Mike Mizwa said the centre would provide specialised care to children.
The centre of excellence to be based in Nyanza, which has the country’s highest prevalence rate, is set to go up this December for the next 13 months.
This outpatient facility will cater for about five million people at an operational cost of Sh800 million and annual care per child costing about Sh38,000 annually.
Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o yesterday said the partnership with Baylor College of Medicine would be a boost to paediatric HIV, which has been ignored.
"This initiative is a drop in the ocean, satellite stations will be established in other regions to offer the same services," said Nyong’o.
More benefits
Speaking at the Ministry headquarters, Nyong’o said the challenge the country was facing was shortage of paediatricians.
He said with the halting of hiring of civil servants 10 years ago, a gap had been created in the staffing of the health sector.
The PS James ole Kiyiapi announced the Government would commit Sh800 million annually to meet the operational costs.
Prof Kiyiapi said the facility would ensure paediatric HIV receives more attention.
In addition he said the collaboration with the college would promote research and exchange programmes.
Kiyiapi said the initiative would turn the focus on children adding that since it will be an outpatient facility, they would have an agreement with the New Nyanza General Hospital to provide admissions.
The Baylor International Paediatrics Aids Vice-President Internal Affairs Mike Mizwa said the centre would provide specialised care to children.