More than 8,000 telemedicine sessions have been conducted through Daktari Smart this year, connecting children in underserved areas to specialist paediatric care.

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation says some children identified through the programme have gone on to receive free treatment for conditions including cleft lip and palate, heart conditions and systemic lupus erythematosus. The programme is expanding to five additional counties, with services expected to begin in Turkana, Kwale, Vihiga, Laikipia and Makueni from October.