Gerties News Issue 58 | June 2016

Gertrude’s News

GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH DANIDA AND OTICON A/S TO LAUNCH NEW HEARING CARE SERVICE.

Oticon A/S and DANIDA Business Partnerships collaborated with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, to launch a hearing screening program in Kenya to identify, treat and rehabilitate infants and children with moderate, severe and profound hearing impairment. Oticon A/S and DANIDA invested nearly Kshs. 40 Million towards this project. These funds were channelled towards training of staff, purchase of equipment, setting up a hearing care centre, providing hearing aids to children with hearing impairment and increasing awareness of the screening program.

The hearing screening program has been very successful with a total of 13,223 children screened by December 2015 of whom 1,566 had a risk of hearing loss and required further audiological assessments.

OFFICIAL GERTRUDE’S CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL MAGAZINE

Royal Danish Ambassador, Her Excellency Mette Knudsen (2L) chats with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital team of (L-R) Zachary Wanjohi- Consultant Audiologist, Dr Thomas Ngwiri- Head Clinical Services, Dr Robert Nyarango- Head of Outpatient Services, Dr. Caroline Waweru- Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation Manager and Mr Erik Brodersen-Oticon A/S (Behind) during the official opening of Gertrude’s Paediatric Audiology Centre. The centre is a modern facility that aims to diagnose, treat and manage children with varying degrees of hearing impairment.

Editorial Cordinator Risper Oliech

Editorial Sta Martin Mulwa Chief Editor Brian Maiyo Mount Kenya University, Thika. Design & Print Lila Creative info@lila.co.ke

Dear Reader,

Word From The CEO

Hello and welcome to our 58th Issue and our 2nd in 2016, The Gertrude’s News Magazine. This issue promises informative and exciting content on the activities, events and the progress of the hospital in the first quarter of the year 2016.

I am happy to report to you that in the first quarter we have seen a lot of new projects being launched in the hospital. We successfully launched our Hearing centre, a new mobile clinic, another outpatient clinic in Thika Road Mall and mobile healthcare platforms, Gerties Wallet for our staff and Smiles Wallet targeting low income societies to operate in our outreach clinics in Githogoro and Mathare. The new mobile clinic is a fully equipped facility and will be targeting the slums in Nairobi in a bid to offer quality healthcare even to the less fortunate people.

Our Institute of Child Health and Research received approval to start training of Kenya Registered Community Health Nursing (KRCHN) with the Nursing Council of Kenya. The institute was allowed to train 40 students at any one time. In this regard, our first intake will be in September 2016 and thereafter one intake of 40 students every year.

I take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and partners for your continued support in our vision to offer

Gordon

Speaking during the launch of the Gertrude’s Paediatric Audiology Centre, the CEO Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Mr. Gordon Odundo, said that the opening of the new hearing care centre would enable clinicians to offer a holistic treatment approach to children with hearing impairment and give these young patients an improved chance of living up to their full potential.

“Hearing loss can have adverse effects on a child. Improper hearing ability often results in delays in spoken language development. This affects a child’s ability to communicate and can adversely affect the child’s academic performance in school. In rural settings, a child who cannot hear is often unable to attend school and attain an education – yet education is every child’s right,” said the CEO.

The Royal Danish Ambassador to Kenya, Her Excellency Mette Knudsen, noted that the strategic support between Denmark and Kenya will go a long way towards improving hearing care in the country. She also added that early assessment, prompt diagnosis and appropriate management can avert more than 50% of cases of permanent deafness among children.

Mr Peter Ladischensky, the Director of Export at Oticon A/S added that, “We are extremely happy with the good work that Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Maneno world golf tournament

On 12th March 2016 the volunteer team from Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital once again took part in the Maneno World Golf Tournament at Muthaiga Golf Club. The team of 10 attended to a total of 450 participants for whom they provided various health checks including; assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI), blood sugar levels, blood pressure measurement and nutritional counselling.

The players, caddies and the staff at Muthaiga Golf Club warmly welcomed these services and spurred on the team to do the same during future tourneys.

is doing and our collaboration is in line with our corporate philosophy to support such institutions of excellence to serve children both locally and internationally”.

The hearing care centre will become a standard component in the already extensive Gertrude’s health facility and will develop linkages with other public health programs in other hospitals, clinics, government services and

rehabilitation activities.

Mr Peter Ladischensky, the Director of Export at Oticon A/S (Left) presents a plaque to CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo (Right) during the launch of Gertrude’s Paediatric Audiology Centre.

Players, caddies and staff visit the Gertrude’s tent for medical check and nutritional advice.

community-based

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital partnered with CarePay and Safaricom to provide their employees with a mobile outpatient fund management solution. The scheme will be run over the M-Tiba platform, which CarePay has developed in partnership with Safaricom and PharmAccess Foundation.

The CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo said, “As we grew our outlets and operations, it was becoming more and more challenging to operate our staff outpatient scheme. We needed a solution that was sustainable and manageable from the employer’s perception, while being empowering and user-friendly for our staff. We’re delighted to be leading the way on mobile health innovation and we see M-Tiba as the future for the management of outpatient schemes by employers and insurers.”

World Kidney Day

Chronic kidney disease has become a major health concern. Recent studies have shown an increase in prevalence, progression and referral rates of chronic kidney disease in both adult and children population. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as well as other stakeholders took part in celebrating the World Kidney Day which was held on 10th March 2016 at Uhuru Park. The World Kidney Day is commemorated annually and the theme of this year was “Kidney disease and Children, act early to prevent it”.

The Gertrude’s staff who participated in this event were able to screen more than 100 chidren, 15 out of this were referred for further evaluation while one child with nephrotic Syndrome was screened and referred for urgent admission at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Gertrude’s Goes Mobile To Manage Staff Outpatient Benefits

The scheme has been branded “Gerties wallet” and it means that all staff now receive an M-Tiba wallet on their mobile phone, allowing them to pay for their outpatient care, with funds pre-loaded by their employer. Gertrude’s employees and their defendants are registered in the M-Tiba system and are able to access the credited amounts only on health-related expenses at one of the Gertrude’s outlets.

Employees can view their balance and keep financial records of their medical claims. They receive regular SMS notifications on their credit levels. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has full control of the spend on outpatient health benefits for their staff. Through their online portal they get real-time visibility of the status of individual and group funding, as well as staff utilization of different healthcare facilities.

Emphasis was put on need for early detection and referral of those children at risk of developing undiagnosed kidney disease especially those with diabetes and hypertension. Early detection and referral minimizes the rate of progression and complications of kidney disease. This can only be achieved through timely, appropriate and effective investigation, referral, treatment and follow-up.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff attend to some of the children in attendance during this year’s World Kidney Day.

The 3rd Edition Of The First Lady’s Half Marathon

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff joined thousands of enthusiastic Kenyans in the third edition of the First Lady’s Half Marathon held on 6th March 2016 at Nyayo Stadium. The event, spearheaded by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and closely supported by Deputy President William Ruto, drew diverse participants including government officials, foreign dignitaries, and elite athletes.

Joining in the action were First Lady of Rwanda, Jeanette Kagame, First Ladies from at least 25 counties, several diplomats, CBK governor Patrick Njoroge, 12 Cabinet and Principal Secretaries and Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett. The 21 km half marathon was won by Wilfred Kimitei (men) and Valentine Kipketer (women) with each bagging the Kshs. 750,000 prize money. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital was well represented by a total of 72 participants. Tolbert Maina led the Gertrude’s team in the 21 km race clocking in at 1:46:01 followed by Truphena Otinyo who managed a convincing 2:00:35 to finish the race. After flagging off both the 21 km event and the Wheelchair Category, the First Lady and her team comprising Mrs Kagame, Mrs Rachel Ruto and thousands of runners were seen off the starting line for the 10 km event by Athletics Kenya President, Rt. Lieutenant-General Jackson Tuwei. President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto immediately congratulated the First Lady for her commitment and steadfastness in striving to reduce maternal and child mortality. This, they noted, has been achieved through her Beyond Zero campaign that has mobilized resources using the marathons enabling the distribution of mobile clinics to 36 counties.The First Lady thanked those who came out to participate in the marathon and the various individuals and corporate entities who had contributed resources towards the Beyond Zero Campaign pointing out that, adequate funds had now been raised to procure fully-stocked mobile clinics for the remaining 11 counties.

“We have already established partnerships with 36 Counties to support the stocking and refurbishment of the existing Beyond Zero mobile clinics. Because of you, all the 47 counties will soon have access to mobile clinics to support the health of their residents”, said the First Lady who arrived to a jubilant reception on completion of the 10 km race.She maintained that Kenya can win the battle to eradicate maternal mortality, child deaths and to reduce HIV/AIDS infections in the next 15 years.“Runners don’t just aim to win, they aim to break records. We can break records together. If we keep pushing, keep running, keep going and keep giving, Kenya won’t just win this race, we’ll do it in record time - before 2030”, the First Lady emphasised.

From Left to Right: Deputy President William Ruto, Mrs Rachel Ruto, Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Rwanda’s First Lady Jeannette Kagame during First Lady’s Half Marathon 2016.

The Story 0f John Asmedo Manase

John Asmedo Manase was first presented to Gertrude’s Endocrinology clinic on 19th December 2014 for evaluation for short stature while on a follow up on the same at a national hospital. John was born normally and his early childhood was uneventful until the age of 7 when his mother noted that he was not growing as tall as his peers. She however did not think much of it. He remained short until one year ago when his mother sought medical help due to what was his disturbing constipation and poor feeding. He also had progressively become inactive and deteriorated in his school performance. John’s mother also reported delay in secondary teeth eruption and recurrent dental carries. Evaluation at a local hospital revealed normal gut findings and X-rays among other medical tests.

Initial physical evaluation at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital found a dull looking boy who was short and had a noticeable fat accumulation around the waist. he was also lagging behind in the eruption of permanent teeth compared with what was expected for his age. After a series of these and other tests done to John, it was confirmed that the 14 year old suffered from Growth Hormone Deficiency. The doctors recommended that John starts growth hormone therapy. The estimated cost of this treatment was approximately Kshs 150,000/= per month which translates to Kshs 1.8 million per year. He required at least 3- 4 years of treatment to improve on his height before allowing him to go into puberty.

Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation intervened in the case given that John’s mother could not afford such an amount of money for the treatment of their young son. His father suffered a grisly accident in 1992 and since then life has never been the same. After a series of medical check ups and treatment John’s health has improved tremendously. His mother, relatives and friends have been amazed by the change evident in John’s life. He now plays football with the rest of the children something that he could not do due to his condition. His school performance which was deteriorating is now slowly improving.

All his mother could happily say is that, “Gertrude’s was my saviour in a time I almost gave up in search for help for my sick child. I had no money, but Gertrude’s agreed to treat my son and he can now go out and plays like any other child.”

TWITTER NOTIFICATIONS

@GertrudesHosp I received a commendable treatment and care of my son when he was admitted to ICU in this facility. Am grateful n always will.

Sum Jonah @sumkip2 Apr 13 @GertrudesHosp this is what is regarded as world class service, responding to cus tomers’ feedback to achieve a win-win situation. Great!

@GertrudesHosp excellent service from the Lavington Branch. My son was in distress and instead of ignoring the nurses swooped into action!

Langat Kiprop @Robaa82 Apr 13

Eunice kimani @AoiKimani Feb 29

Dr. Renson Mukhwana Paediatric Endocrinologist (L), John Asmedo Manase (c) and his mother Priscillah Alivisa (R) when they came for Endocrine review in March 2016.

Flying Squad Officers In Rare Visit To Sick Children On Valentines Day

In a rare and unprecedented gesture, a team of over twenty officers from the Flying Squad, a crime-busting division of the police, paid a courtesy call on Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. Led by the Head of the Special Crimes Prevention Unit, Mr. Saidi Kiprotich, the squad distributed flowers and other goodies to staff and children at the hospital on Valentine’s Day.

“There is no better time than Valentine’s Day to show love to our cherished ones, of whom none are more deserving than sick children. For this reason, our unit saw it fit to do something different and spend a little time with the ailing children as a way of showing our love towards them,” said Kiprotich. He thanked his officers and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff for a memorable visit.

Representing the Chief Executive Officer, Sister Doris Livasia responded, “We are grateful and humbled to have the officers here, we pray that you will visit again to comfort the children and encourage their parents. Just like ours, your calling often involves caring for other people. Even as you do so, do not forget to care for yourselves as well”.

For parents Mbindyo Kimanthi and Njeri, the visit revealed a little known soft side of the dreaded squad who are better known for their daring armed battles with hard-core criminals.

“We were pleasantly surprised and excited when the officers arrived with flowers, dolls and cake.

Beyond expressing love, such acts go a long way towards demystifying law enforcers,” Kimanthi quipped. His wife Njeri added, “Nothing touches the heart quite like the sight of an ailing child. Given their reputation, the visit by the police officers on this day of love has left us truly uplifted”. The icing on their cake was when they were informed their daughter would be discharged the same day, after one week at the facility.

Even as they mingled freely with nurses and patients in the wards, surrounded by the media, the officers easily stood out, distinguished by the constant crackling and static from their digital walkie-talkies.

Flying Squad officers, led by the Head of the Special Crimes Prevention Unit, Mr. Saidi Kiprotich (R), cut the Valentines cake with some of the children in the hospital. Jedidah Brooke (In Blue Dress) assisted in the cake-cutting.

My experience at Gertrude’s hospital is one of the best. I am from Uganda and have been at Gertrude’s 3 times among which we also had a surgery. The service is exceptional and the nurses are lovely. The doctors are there all the time even on call. My special thanks go out to the staff at Surgical ward, critical care unit, nutrition dept. Dr Faith and the team and finance office Robert and team. We shall forever be grateful to you. Unfortunately our son didn’t leave long he passed away on 14th Feb 2016. We tried to air lift him but God’s plan was different.... thanks Jeff, Lilian mutegi, Mitch, Duke, Mary, Virginia, Elizabeth, kezia, to mention but a few. Special thanks go to Dr James Ndungu and Dr Bashir A. We love you so much. You loved Myles till his last breathe. Dr Bashir thanks for the help you gave me whenever I called you desperately in need of a solution. Rest in Peace Angel Myles Mulungi Mugga.

Maggie Mugga reviewed Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital March 11 2016

Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic staff led by their Manager, Edwin Barine, the cut the cake with some of the visiting clients to celebrate 2nd year in the coastal region.

Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic nurse offers first aid services to a participants of Shree SwaminarayanInterSchool Sports Day held at Shree Swaminarayan School, Mombasa County.

Radiographer In-charge Zapharani Ali and Maureen Mala keenly observe a patient using the ultramodern CT Scan machine in the Radiology Department.

Dr Njeri Karianjahi in charge of Gertrude’s All Stars Clinic examines a teenager’s ear. The Adolescent Clinic serves teens aged between 10 and 21 years.

An empathetic and caring gesture is what will welcome you in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as clearly evident as Front Office Assistant Jane Akinyi hands over registration forms to a client.

Rosina Masai, a clinical officer examines Baby Anthony Kimani under the watch of his mother Esther Ndinda in Githogoro outreach Clinic in Githogoro Slums.

Gertrude’s trio of Margaret Wabomba, Martin Salaash and Halima Casta present the Best Effort Trophy to Riruta Satellite Academy in this year’s Maneno world Fun Day held at Barclays Sports ground.

Recipients of the CEO’s recognition award 2015 pose for a photo with their certificates during their appreciation breakfast held at Tribe Hotel Nairobi in January 2016.

The

In a bid to devolve Quality Healthcare services to all, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has launched a new Mobile Clinic to operate in Nairobi’s slum areas.

General Manager, Interdist Alliances, Kristian Tierney, demonstrates the technical operation of the mordern telemedicine machine to CEO Mr. Gordon Odundo. Thanks to a donation from Interdist Alliances, doctors will now be able to video conference.

Gertrude’s volunteer team poses for a photo during the 3rd Edition of First Lady Half Marathon at Nyayo Stadium Nairobi.

Beecardia COO Nimrod Bar (L) exhibits a mobile health and cloud device to Gertrude’s management team during the Healthcare Business Forum 2016 held in Muthaiga.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has opened its 12th Outpatient outlet at Thika Road Mall in an effort to devolve its quality healthcare to all in a timely and more efficient manner.

Rare Disease Day 2016

Rare disease day Kenya organised by Stepping Stones (Kenya), Muscular Dystrophy Society Kenya (MDSK) and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital held an event on Saturday, 27th February 2016 at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Muthaiga. The event was meant to interact with people with rare diseases and their families to get a better understanding of how rare diseases impact the lives of those with the conditions and their families through the voice of the patients and medical experts.

The campaign sought to explore the gaps, challenges and realities of rare diseases with a focus on advance rare disease knowledge in Kenya. The campaign expected to make rare diseases/conditions better known, create a space to share the experiences of people with various rare diseases/genetic conditions, bring patients and researchers closer together as well as provide hope, information and help to patients, in particular those for whom a support network is not available or known.

Since 2014, Stepping Stones KE and MDSK has joined hands in raising awareness on rare diseases in Kenya among the general public, policy makers, public authorities, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and anyone who is willing to listen.

A rare disease or disorder is one that affects a small percentage of the total population. 80% of rare diseases have identified genetic origins whilst others are the result of infections (bacterial or viral), allergies and environmental causes, or are degenerative and proliferative. 50% of rare diseases touch children. Over 7000 rare diseases are characterised by a broad diversity of disorders and symptoms that vary not only from disease to disease, but also from patient to patient suffering from the same disease. Relatively common symptoms can hide underlying rare diseases leading to misdiagnosis and even delaying treatment.

The patients’ quality of life is affected by the lack or loss of autonomy due to the chronic, progressive, degenerative and frequently lifethreatening aspects of the disease. The fact that there are often no existing effective cures adds to the high level of pain and suffering endured by patients and their families.

The actual number of rare diseases and disorders in Kenya is unknown. Whenever a family receives the diagnosis of a rare disease/ disorder, they are more often than not hearing the name of the condition for the first time and their doctors have to dedicate time to familiarise with the condition. It takes these families a long time before they are lucky enough to meet with another family facing the same condition. Often times a complete diagnosis takes between 1015 years and would involve numerous hospital visits and countless misdiagnosis instances. This is psychologically devastating for the patients and their families.

Thanks to the cultural aspect of our society, rare genetic conditions are explained with superstitious or religious connotations. Most of the conditions have no known cures and require lifelong management. Because of the lifelong impact of rare diseases, most of the rare diseases can be classified as being disabilities.

Patients and family members who turned out for the Rare Desease event at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Adenoidectomy In Children

Adenoidectomy is the surgical removal of adenoids. The adenoids are mounds of lymphatic tissue that sit behind the nose and above the throat. They are part of the body’s system to fight infection and are only important during the first few years of life. This surgery is normally performed as a one-day case. The patient will be admitted for 12 days to undergo adenoidectomy. It is performed under a general anaesthesia, which means the patient will be asleep for the entire operation.

Detailed pre-surgical assessment will be carried out so as to ensure that one is fit for surgery as well as to minimize the complications that may occur. This involves blood tests and general health checks. Blood grouping will also be done so as to have blood on standby for transfusion in case excessive bleeding occurs during the surgery.

Removal of the adenoids is recommended in cases where one has recurrent episodes of infections of the adenoids, swollen adenoids that cause one to snore and swollen adenoids that make it harder to breathe or swallow or sore throats that often interrupt your everyday life.

As with all other surgical procedures, adenoidectomy is not risk free. Complications arising from general anaesthesia may occur. Bleeding of the surgical site may also occur. A sore throat or difficulty in swallowing may occur for up to 2 weeks after the surgery. Teeth damage may also occur as a result of the procedure. There is also a risk of death with any operation even though the risk is extremely small for adenoidectomy.

One may feel tired due to the general anesthesia. Pain will occur after one is fully awake. This will be managed by pain medication. Ear pain may occur for 2-3 days after the surgery. Complete healing occurs in 10-14 days. It is normal to spit small amounts of blood stained saliva. It is also normal to have some small amounts of blood stained mucus. Normal eating and drinking can be done a day after the surgery. A balanced diet with plenty of fluids is helpful in healing and preventing infection. You may leave the hospital once you are fully awake and are able to eat and drink. Follow up appointment may be planned before leaving hospital.

The hospital or the doctor should be contacted in case any of the following occurs:

• A high temperature (38ºC or above), Difficulty taking fluids or eating,

• Or the painkillers are not controlling the pain. One should see a doctor immediately in case there is bright red, black or brown vomit spitting out bright red blood or large clots; or difficulty breathing. It is okay to seek advice from the doctor/ hospital for any other problem one may be experiencing.Spitting of small amounts of red coloured saliva is normal. Pain may persist for a few days. This can be eased by taking pain relief medication. Small changes to the tone of the patient voice may occur.

Mama Sarah Obama Foundation Zumbathon

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital partnered with Mama Sarah Obama Foundation to hold a Zumba fitness event on 2nd April, 2016 at the Nyayo National Stadium. The event was meant to raise funds towards Mama Sarah Obama’s legacy plan which includes the establishment of an Early Childhood Centre in Kogelo, Kisumu County.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital provided first aid and ambulance services at the Zumbathon that lasted for 5 hours, and as a result the hospital was recognized as one of the sponsors on national media.

Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2014 Advocacy Campaign

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, in partnership with Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), took part in an advocacy campaign to support the Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2014.

The Bill seeks to introduce child road safety into Kenya’s Traffic Act. The components of child road safety include: reduction of speeds to less than 30 kph around schools, introduction of safety standards in school buses, use of child restraint systems when transporting children and stiffer fines and penalties for offenders.

The Bill is currently at the second reading stage in The National Assembly. As a result of this advocacy campaign, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has partnered with Royal Media Services to air an infomercial to promote child road safety awareness on Citizen TV for a period of 30 days during the month of April 2016.

County Innovation Challenge Fund

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital was awarded a grant by the County Innovation Challenge Fund, a UK-government funded program that focuses on maternal and newborn health. The project shall enroll 500 expectant mothers in Garissa County into the m-Wallet health platform.

The expectant mothers will receive money through their mobile phone for ante-natal care, delivery, post-natal care services and immunization for the newborn. In addition, the project shall incorporate specialist care through telemedicine. One local health facility in Garissa shall be connected to the Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital existing telemedicine platform where they shall refer complex cases to Gertrude’s while saving the patient time and costs related to travel.

The platform shall also be used for video conferencing so as to facilitate training and peer to peer liaison for health workers serving in the health facility; also training of social workers and community health workers (CHWs) in the local community who are instrumental in social mobilization. The project duration is from April 2016 to December 2017, at a budget of GBP 250,000. Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation will be the fund manager for the program.

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital trio of Olivia Achieng (L), Truphena Otinyo (C) and Risper Oliech (R) enjoy every moment of the Zumbathon.

The Dear Diary Kids Fun Day

In a bid to increase its Community Social Responsibilities, Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic took part in a kids fun day dumbed The Dear Dairy Kids Fun Day held on Saturday 19th March 2016 in Mombasa Beach Hotel . The Dear Diary is an initiative that offers support to the disabled children in Mombasa County.

Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic Manager, Mr. Edwin Barine said, “I wish to thank the participants for finding time to represent us during the Kids Fun Day. In deed you were able to increase our visibility through the interaction you had with a huge number of clients that were in attendance. I thank you for your team spirit. I would also thank the hospital foundation for the sponsorship that gave us a good millage.“

Mombasa Captains Cup Golf Tournament

For the second year running, Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic took part in the 2-day Captains Cup Golf tournament held on 27th and 28th February 2016 at Mombasa Golf Club. The volunteer team from the clinic was able to interact with many more individuals and corporates in attendance. These events have been a key pillar in the growth of the coastal based clinic.

Though an email, the clinic’s manger Mr. Edwin Barine said, “I am proud of you as a team. Thank you to the Hospital Foundation Manager, for the sponsorship that you gave us towards this event, this gave us a huge visibility and together we shall do more. To all of you, Asante Sana.”

Deworming Campaign At Kisiwa Primary School, Thika

On Monday 5th April 2016, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Thika Clinic donated de-wormers to Kisiwa Primary School Children. The staff administered de-wormers to over 720 pupils most of whom were from the less privileged residential areas in Thika.

The management of the school expressed their sincere gratitude to the Hospital for this kind gesture which they said will go a long way to improving the health of the children.

Gertrude’s Mombasa Clinic staff records the height and weight of one of the participants of the Mombasa Captains Cup Golf tournament held in Nyali Golf Club.

Kisiwa Primary School Children pose for a photo during the de-worming campaign held by Gertrude’s Thika Clinic.

Children from across Mombasa County enjoy every moment during The Dear Dairy Kids Fun Day held in Mombasa Beach Hotel.

Gertrude’s Introduces ‘SMILES WALLET’ To Low Income Settlement Areas

The Smiles Wallet will make use of a mobile wallet health platform - a mobile application system that allows the beneficiaries to receive money through their mobile phones and these funds will then be used to procure health services at designated Gertrude’s health facilities (that is, at the Githogoro and Mathare outreach clinics, at the main hospital’s HIV clinic –Sunshine Smiles clinic, and via the mobile clinic van in Pangani and Kiambiu slums). The health services to be offered under the program include: general outpatient care, HIV care & treatment, TB treatment, well baby clinic for under-five year olds, ante-natal & delivery services for expectant mothers, and treatment of Hepatitis B and C Virus infection.

The uniqueness about this platform is that it allows a donor to send money to the designated recipient via a mobile money transfer service, in this case M-PESA, and the fund is locked in such a way that it can only be used at designated health facilities. These funds can only be spent on health services and cannot be redeemed for cash or other goods and services. The project duration is from April 2016 to December 2017, at a budget of USD $1.4 Million. Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation will be the fund manager for the program.

Gilead Foundation, in collaboration with PharmAccess Foundation, has partnered with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital to provide health services to low income settlement areas in Nairobi. The project, dubbed the ‘Smiles Wallet’, will take place at the main hospital in Muthaiga (the Sunshine Smiles (HIV) clinic), Mathare, Githogoro, Pangani and Kiambiu slums and will target to enroll 50,000 beneficiaries.

Gilead and PharmAccess Foundations’ Representatives as well as Gertrude’s Githogoro Clinic staff and some of the beneficiaries of the Smiles Wallet pose for a photo when they visited the clinic. The clinic is one of the hospital’s outreach clinics and is located in Githogoro slums.

Representatives from Gilead and PharmAccess Foundations toured Githogoro slums that houses some of the beneficiaries of the Smiles Wallet

A Smile Again in Lodwar

Elizabeth Lukokun was born and raised in the outskirts of Lodwar. She has never seen a classroom door meaning she has never had the chance to learn even how to read and write her own name. All she grew up knowing was basket knitting and nomadic pastoralism. At a tender age of just 15, she was married to Akure Loripa and together they had 6 children and suffered one miscarriage.

Young Ekalale is the 6th born of the family and to them he was different from the rest of the children. “When Ekalale was born, he was considered a curse by the rest of the family and the entire community,” says Elizabeth. At this point she says the entire community turned against them ever since she had the miscarriage something she has never known how it happened and what triggered the miscarriage. Ekalale is the only child in the family history to be born with a cleft palate. His mother had never seen anybody else in such a condition in her community. For this, she and her son faced a lot of humiliation and condemnation from the community, a situation that forced her son to frequently miss classes.

A group of social workers from Missions of Hope International visited Ekalale’s school and met him. They were concerned about the child’s situation and promised to help him out. They flew Ekalale and his mother who was expectant with their 7th child, from Lodwar to Nairobi. On arrival they were advised to visit Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital. They would later learn that cleft palate was treatable and this did not come to them as only good news but also as a surprise to them.

“When we were told that Ekalale was going to be treated we were happy. But what shocked us is when we were told that they were going to do it at no cost,” said Margaret of Missions of Hope International. She added that, “we did not believe the news because everybody knows that a simple surgery is costly. This one was not going to be just a simple surgery but one which we expected to spend millions of shillings in paying once it’s done.” Ekalale was taken to Gertrude’s surgical ward and when he was stretched out to general ward after the operation, his mother almost collapsed seeing her son ‘beautiful’ than she had never seen him before. She was smiling all through and could not wait to get home. “I am just waiting to get home for everybody to see Ekalale. They have always mocked and laughed at us but now the story is going to change. I can now smile again back home in Lodwar.”

She added that, “I would urge Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital through the Foundation to continue doing this great work. If it were not for you (Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation), Ekalale would still be in the same situation and would never even finish his education bowing down to mockery. Thank you very much Gertrude’s and Smile Train. What you have done for me I will never forget. Thank you very much.”

Ekalale Ekure Loripa and his mother are all smiles after he successfully underwent cleft palate surgery.

Young Ekalale at Gertrude’s play ground.