Kenya praised for contribution to humanitarian activities

Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick has commended Kenya for her significant contribution to global humanitarian initiatives.

Urchick particularly highlighted the existing partnerships which she noted have been of great benefit in achieving the sustainable development goals and addressing critical issues facing the people.

Speaking during her visit to Pumwani Hospital on Monday, Urchick also used the opportunity to thank their partners whose projects align with Rotary’s mission as she acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Kenyan Rotarians.

She noted that their efforts have not only positively impacted local communities but also inspired broader international collaborations.

“I am extremely grateful to these agencies and partners who have said we want to work together with Rotary. We are proud to be partnering with you,” she said.

“We are happy to engage in such activities that improve the lives of the people, the power of us together can really help us accomplish more.”

Urchick is in the country as part of the historic “African Magic Tour 2025,” a journey through five African countries which include Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt and Uganda.

Kenya falls under Rotary District 9212 which also comprises Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Eritrea.

Rotary’s involvement in disease prevention and treatment, she said, will translate into longer life and increased productivity for the beneficiaries.

“It can lower health care costs because with preventive medicine and preventive health care, including regular exercise, balanced diets, routine checkups, we can lower overall health care costs,’’ she stated.

“It improves emotional well-being. When you feel better, you have a positive outlook on life.”

Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni on her part expressed her commitment to strengthening its partnerships with the organisation in a bid to improve public services as well as address key challenges facing the people.

Muthoni said they are going to collaborate with the agency to enhance capacity-building initiatives and foster knowledge exchange in public health.

This, she added, includes developing sustainable healthcare solutions for the local communities.

In a statement read on her behalf by Health Director General Sultana Matendechero, the PS said the ministry will also deepen their collaboration in exchange programmes to further enhance the health system.

She also appealed to other partners and other stakeholders in the sector to embrace innovative approaches to strengthen primary healthcare. "In joining hands with the government, Rotary International, healthcare workers and community workers, we can build a more robust and compassionate healthcare system," she said.

During the free medical camp organised at the facility, laparoscopic surgeries and blood donation drives here were conducted.

Nairobi Deputy Governor James Muchiri was present during the event said the county is honoured to receive the support of Rotary District 9212.

This, she said, is because almost 70 per cent of the population in Nairobi are from low-income households and therefore not able to afford the cost of quality healthcare.

“Pumwani Hospital is a very important facility for us and it is a foremost referral hospital for mother and child,’’ Muchiri said.

Rotary District 9212 Governor Joe Kamau said they are committed to continue partnering with Pumwani Maternity Hospital in providing the critical equipment that the facility requires.

He said despite the significant and critical role it plays, it continues to face immense challenges in terms of high deliveries.

“We also know that maternal and neonatal deaths are quite a concern to all of us. So the hospital desperately needs a lot of equipment, among them, the incubators, the radiant warmers and other vital equipment,’’ Kamau said.

During the event, Rotary’s partners which include Safaricom Foundation pledged to renew their commitment to the Maternal, Child Health Project for the next two years.

In 2016 Safaricom and Rotary signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilise resources in order to support work in Kenyan communities.

In addition to Safaricom Foundation, Mpesa Foundation is also sponsored by Safaricom Plc and undertake several community projects under Rotary’s seven areas of focus,” said the Foundation’s chairman Joseph Ogutu.

Nairobi County health CEC Suzanne Silantoi on her part said they are planning to extend its neonatal care units to include nine beds and also establish four maternal intensive care units this year.