Gerties News Issue 59 | Sept. 2016

Gertrude’s

THE 2ND ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, COAST EDITION

The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation held the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Mombasa edition on Saturday 4th June, 2016 at the exciting Vipingo Ridge Golf Course at the Coast. This year, the overall winner was Mary Kandu with 40 points stable ford. Betty Bundotich, 37 points followed by William Kaguta with37 points.

Through the generous contributions of individual and corporate organizations, many needy children have benefited from treatment that they would otherwise not have been able to afford. Last year’s Nairobi and Mombasa Golf Tournaments helped raise Kshs. 7.4 million, which went towards the treatment of over 220 needy children who received free treatment at the hospital. Our mission is to provide the best available healthcare services to needy and disadvantaged children in Kenya and the East Africa region through the integration of care, research, education and technology.

OFFICIAL

Mary Kandu receives the overall winner’s prize from Gertrude’s Foundation Chairman, Mr. Les Baillie during the 2nd annual Charity Golf Tournament, at Vipingo Ridge Golf Course

Word From The

would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our ever exciting, educative and clinic at Thika Road Mall which has been

This edition of the magazine is my last as I depart Gerties after an illustrious 17 years of service 13 of which I have been the CEO. Much of what the hospital has become over the years would not have been possible without the support of the Board of Trustees, our suppliers, loyal customers, the dedicated staff members as well as the admitting consultants.

I take this opportunity to thank all our supporters and partners for your continued support in our aspiration to offer ‘Quality Healthcare for Children’.

Gordon

In This Issue

• 2Nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Coast Edition

• Kenya Paediatric Association Annual Scientific And Symposia Conference

• More Than 60 Years Later, The Dream Lives On

• Smile Train Abled Abel Smile

• 2016 Watamu Triathlon Competition Rocks The Coast

• Gerties Staff Join Thousands Of Participants For Mater Heart Run

• Pictorial

• Asthma

• Perfect Vision Event With Doctor Omondi Nyong’o

• Miss World Puts Smile On Child’s Face

• Medical Camp

• Trainings

Editorial Cordinator

Risper Oliech Editorial Staff Martin Mulwa

Chief Editor Brian Maiyo Mount Kenya University, Thika.

Design & Print Lila Creative info@lila.co.ke

N. Shah in action during the Coast edition golf tournament (more photos on Pages 8- 9)

The Gertrude’s Hospital Foundation was established in 2010 with the aim to provide quality healthcare to the needy and disadvantaged children, who are located in hard to reach areas and children’s homes in various parts of the country, and rely on our free services at the main hospital, our outreach clinics and medical camps. Our mission is to provide the best available healthcare services to these needy children in Kenya and the East Africa region through the integration of care, research, education and technology.

Every year, we select a particular aspect of our charity work to which we donate the money raised through the golf tournament. Our aim this year is to raise Kshs. 15 million for the treatment and rehabilitation of children living with disabilities. Kenya’s 2009 population census indicates that over 1.3 Million children between the ages of 1 to 19 years have special needs, majority of whom we note are from needy families. With your support, we can save a child’s life by providing healthcare to those with no means of access.

The 16Th Edition Of Kenya Paediatric Association Conference

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital joined other paediatric healthcare providers to take part in the 16th edition of Kenya Paediatric Association Annual Scientific and Symposia Conference held on 28th and 29th April 2016 in Eldoret. This year’s event featured interactive case-studies, panel discussions, educational workshops, networking sessions and platform presentations on current issues of paediatrics including Gastroenterology, Infectious Diseases, Paediatric Neurodevelopment disorders, Critical Care and Emergencies.

Gertrude’s Audiology staff led by Program Audiologist Ms. Josephine Likichoru made an oral presentation on: “Results of An Infant and Children Hearing Program across Three Health Facilities in Kenya: The Gertrude’s experience”. The audience was of about 200 people who engaged in questions and needed more information after the presentation.

The KPA conference is a unique forum that brings together one of the largest gathering of paediatricians from Kenya and colleagues from the region to deliberate on issues, gain knowledge and share experiences in a variety of areas of the profession. The conference was designed to address most of the burning issues in the field of child healthcare. The congress brought

together groups of interdisciplinary experts to focus on the practical management and latest evidence-based clinical data on challenges faced by paediatricians in the region and the most effective strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Ms. Olivia Achieng (R) explains a point to one of the visitors in the Gertrude’s stand during the KPA conference.

More Than 60 Years Later, The Dream Lives On

More than 65 years since the hospital started as little more than a gift and a dream, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital continues to set the pace in paediatric health care in the East and Central Africa region. The hospital now runs a total of 12 outpatient clinics in Buruburu, Donholm, Embakasi, Kitengela, Komarock, Lavington, Nairobi West, Ongata Rongai, Pangani, Thika Road Mall, Thika and Mombasa. In keeping with the hospital’s tradition of introducing novel products that add value to our clients, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has launched telemedicine, a remote diagnosis and treatment of patients by means of telecommunications technology. Not only does the telemedicine improve access to patients it also allows the hospital to expand its reach, beyond the twelve clinics as well as the main hospital.

“Extending our community reach is our key focus. Our faultless devotion to children runs throughout our mission, and this will never change,” says the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gordon Odundo.

Telemedicine can play an important role in providing solutions to today’s health challenges, including access to services by those in remote areas. In addition, telemedicine limits patient exposure to infections by eliminating or limiting the need to visit a hospital for services. The project is a collaboration between Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, CISCO systems, Orange, Kenyatta University, Narok County government and the United Nations Development Program’s Kibera Slum upgrade project.

It is expected that the project will alleviate the impact of healthcare professionals’ shortage, allowing them to share data more efficiently and facilitate training of various levels of health personnel. So far the project is available at the main hospital in Muthaiga, Gertrude’s Mombasa clinic, Kenyatta University, Kibera community clinic and Sekenani Health Centre in Narok County. With the use of the telemedicine, rural patients will more easily obtain specialty services and not travel long distances. Rural hospitals will be able to provide a variety of specialty services. Patients will be diagnosed and treated earlier resulting in improved outcomes and less costly treatments.

On the screen, Dr. Renson Mukhwana (R) and nurse Winnie Ambuto (L) of Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital guide a clinical officer to examine a baby at Sekenani in Narok County using the telemedicine platform.

Smile Train Abled Abel Smile

October 31st 2013, Abel Erustus Mugo was born in a family of 3 but with a special case. Although his mother was not shocked by Abel’s physical condition, she was unsettled once she saw her son fed using a tube. “At first when I saw my son with such a lip was not in shock because I have seen several children back in my village with the same. But when I saw them feeding him using a tube I almost fainted.”

From there, she was referred to a local mission hospital for further medical examinations and treatment of her son. But the hospital declined to help her out citing that Abel was underweight and would be dangerous to conduct any medical assessments on his condition.

She was only given a feeding tube for use to feed her son. But she was not taught on how to use it. Then again another problem begun. Baby Abel was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. He was immediately admitted to the hospital’s HDU for three long months. This happened just a week after Abel was born. They were then referred to Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital.

“I was now beginning to lose hope with my son months after he was born. Imagine being born with a cleft, being fed using a tube, he has TB and now we are in the hospital for three months. This was like a nightmare to me,” explains his mother.

In June 2015, Abel was scheduled for a cleft operation but it did not happen because he was also suffering from tube conjunction (the breathing and feeding tubes are joined). At this point her relatives distanced themselves and she was left with only her husband. They were both accused of witchcraft given that they were a couple from two different ethnic backgrounds. The father was calm despite the fact that the whole thing affected him emotionally. They even advised by Abel’s grandparents to change his name because it could be the cause of all his suffering.

While they were on the verge of giving up on their son’s treatment, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital through its foundation and Smile Train offered to treat baby Abel. In September 2015, Abel underwent Cleft and Palate operation which was very successful. Baby Abel is currently going through speech therapy treatment. This is because his speech was affected by the numerous hospital visits and admissions which also hampered his growth.

“I really thank God for intervening in my case. I am really happy that Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital took over my son’s case and now here he is playing like any other child. I lack words to express my happiness and gratitude to you for what you did to me and my family,” says Abel’s mother as she breaks down into tears. “God bless you so much. Asante sana.”

Baby Abel Erustus Mugo sits comofrtably after successfully undergoing Cleft and Palate surgery.

2016 Watamu Triathlon Competition Rocks The Coast

Halima Casta, Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff awards Laylaa Kizito when she won the junior category during the Watamu Triathlon 2016 held at Turtle Bay Beach Hotel.

The Coastal town of Watamu in Kilifi County, played host to the 2016 Watamu Triathlon where young men and women flocked Turtle Bay Beach Resort on 9th and 10th April 2016.

As every other athlete, they were armed and ready in their respective sports regalia, to fight it all out for the medals. The two day event kicked off a morning briefing from Mwangi Abdulrazak, the competition’s technical director, before separating the more enthusiastic participants into their respective categories. Fans, camera men and journalists were spread all over the beach wave placards and banners to witness this great event and cheer on. At exactly 6:30 am, 45 participants matched to the starting point to compete in sprint individual distance, olympic distance and sprint relay distance categories of the main event on sunday.

“We have a number of athletes ready to compete. Our role is to ensure that everyone adheres to the rules and regulations,” said Mwangi who is also the outgoing Kenya Triathlon’s Secretary General.

A team of nurses and first aiders from Gertrudes Children’s Hospital was spread along various triathlon points with others boarding the boats ferrying life savours. Despite the chilly Sunday morning weather, the team was determined to ensure all the participants were well catered for in case of any emergency.

Ms. Aida Rajab, the triathlon organiser says the event has seen a tremendous growth in the last seven years. She commended Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for sponsoring the event for the last 7 years and urged more sponsors to embrace the same giving spirit. After 1:21:;03 Mohammed Suleiman crossed the tape ahead of Muhammed Shamuty who clocked 1:33:04 followed by Swabir Ali who managed a time of 1:38:57 in the main event.

Gerties Staff Join Thousands Of Participants For Mater Heart Run

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital staff joined thousands of participants who had braved the Saturday morning chill to take part in the 14th edition of the Mater Heart Run held in Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium. The Mater Heart run seeks to raise awareness and funds to support children with heart conditions. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital has been the one of the main sponsors of the event for over ten years now, a noble cause which has managed to do heart surgeries to over 3,000 children with over 240 children benefited from last year’s proceeds.

Before the run kicked off former child beneficiaries of the Mater Heart Run initiative, gave testimonials of how the heart surgery had positively impacted their health and quality of life. Their testimonies described how heart surgery had saved their lives, and given them the energy to now play with their friends. The testimonies were evidence of how financial support for the Mater Heart Run has the ability to positively impact a child’s future. The day provided individuals, families and co-workers a forum to have fun and stay fit, while raising funds for a worthy cause. Zumba inspired warm-ups were done before the run, to ensure participants avoid cramps during the event. The Gerties team also joined the other participants during the energetic warm-up fuelled by electric beats pumped out in the workout music. Though overwhelming at first, the more inspired team rose to the challenge and encouraged each other to complete the course. Despite fatigue at the end, the team completed the course and left knowing they had managed to touch a child’s heart through their financial and moral support of the event.

Nairobi County Government Executive Member of Health Services, Dr Bernard Muia urged investors to focus on projects that will improve health and also offer affordable health facilities to prevent heart diseases and other lifestyle diseases.“Supposing we also invest in preventive and promote health care, it’s more cost effective than treating that disease. This is the time when chronic diseases are taking toll on people, the issue of lifestyle has been a challenge and that is why exercising is crucial,” he advised.He urged people to exercise more and eat healthy foods to keep away such conditions.

Participants turn out in numbers to take part in the 14th Edition of the Mater Heart Run 2016 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Field Action

E. Ngeera keenly watches the ball.

J. Murimi prepares to tee off

T. Ole Kina in action.

G. Lawrence takes a swing in the 10th tee off.

R. Cavannah one of the lady golfers in action in the tournament.

D. Ngunjiri (L) takes a putt as his caddy (R) indicates the location of the hole using the flag stick.

2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Prize Winners

Participants, sponsors and organisers of the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Coast edition gathered

N. Morgan-Wood receives the 1st Run ners- up award on behalf of B. Bondotich

M. Githinji awarded the longest drive prize by T. Davidson

W. Kaguta, 2nd Runners- up, is awarded by the Foundation chairman L. Baillie

Nearest to the pin prize went to none other than F. Karimi

E. Weterer (L) won the Best Effort category and was awarded by G. Odundo.

in Vipingo Ridge Sundowner to witness the prize giving ceremony.

Asthma

A. What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease which affects the respiratory system. The airways become narrowed, or blocked, making breathing difficult.

The severity and frequency of attacks varies but, generally, mild to moderate Asthma can be controlled with appropriate treatment. In some cases, the symptoms can reverse, or disappear altogether, without the need for any medication.

B. What causes Asthma?

Air reaches the lungs by passing through the windpipe (trachea) which divides into two large tubes (bronchi), one for each lung. Each bronchi further divides into other small er tubes (bronchioles), which lead to tiny air sacs (alveoli), through which oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is transferred out of the body. Asthma involves both bronchi and bronchioles but not the alveoli.

Once the airways are narrowed, less oxygen enters the blood and carbon dioxide levels in the body begin to increase. This could lead to a more severe condition requiring emer gency treatment.

These airways are kept clean by the tiny hairs (cilia) which trap particles in a thin layer of mucus. This is then swept through the windpipe to be coughed up or swallowed. In Asthma, the airways become oversensitive to the particles, and cause a reaction. This results in:

• A tightening of the muscles surrounding the airway.

• Inflammation and swelling of the airways.

• Increased mucus production which restricts or clogs the airway.

C. Recognizing the symptoms

An Asthma attack can last from a few minutes to a number of hours, often occurring at night and during humid weather conditions. It can be triggered by physical activity, anxiety, stress or a reaction to allergic or environmental agent (allergen), such as smoke, pollen, or dust mites.

The symptoms vary with age, but the usual signs are breathing difficulty, particularly breathing out (emptying the lungs), with a tight, dry-sounding cough and occasional wheezing (a whistling noise from chest). As the attack worsens, breathing becomes more labored, the chest feels very tight, and the person experiences an uncomfortable clammy feeling. The attack can sometimes be relieved by rest, moving to a cooler (not cold) less humid area, or removing the allergic source until the treatment is available. Any severe case of breathlessness, particularly in the young and elderly must receive urgent medical attention.

D. Diagnosing Asthma

Diagnosis is based on both a physical examination and a personal history. The personal history takes account of the lifestyle, a family tendency towards Asthma, known allergies and related conditions, such as eczema in young children. A physical examination looks for signs of wheezing, or coughing.

Breathing tests (lung function), using peak-flow meters and spirometer, measure the volume and force with which air is breathed out (ex haled).

A peak-flow record may also be used to monitor the breathing pattern over a period of time.

Asthma

1. SHORT-ACTING DRUGS – For immediate relief. These include short- acting beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics.

2. LONG-ACTING DRUGS- For long-term control. These include long-acting beta2 agonists, and anti-inflammatory agents like corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, antiallergy medications such as antihistamines or mast cell stabilizers, and xanthines. (In special cases, an oral corticosteroid may also be used as a short, intensive form of treatment.)

A severe attack may require a quick-acting bronchodilator (sometimes by an injection for immediate relief) followed by a course of an anti-inflammatory agent to control the condition. Antiallergy medications act with the body’s own immune system to prevent the reaction from occurring. They cannot, how ever, stop the reaction once it has started.

E. Treatment

There is no specific cure for Asthma; therefore, treatment is targeted at the symptoms. Drug treatment falls into two distinctive groups:

F. Living with Asthma

• Keep the house as dust-free as possible and use a cylinder vacuum instead of an upright cleaner, whenever possible.

• Replace or clean carpeting and drapes in your home, whenever possible.

• Consider replacing feather pillows and down comforters with synthetic fibers, and using a plastic mattress cover.

• Wear a scarf around your mouth and nose in cold and severe weather.

• Monitor the pollen count in the summer and avoid open fields during these months of the year.

• Always keep your medication with you in case of an unexpected attack.

Perfect Vision Event With Doctor Omondi Nyong’o

Paediatric Ophthalmologist Dr Omondi Nyong’o speaks to eye specialists at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Institute of Child Health and Research in Muthaiga.

Mums Village, Kenya’s online resource for pregnant women and new parents, organized a health event to benefit our audience here in Nairobi. Founded by African Technology Leader Isis Nyong’o, Mums Village together with Dr Sidney Nesbitt of Muthaiga Paediatrics, hosted Paediatric Ophthalmologist Dr Omondi Nyong’o from California. Dr Nyong’o began with a doctor’s round table discussion for most of the morning, and concluded with a separate session for parents at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital Institute of Child Health and Research in Muthaiga.

The session with the doctors covered common eye ailments, early detection and treatment as well as the latest technological advancements in testing. A strong emphasis was placed on the need for our paediatricians to spearhead vision testing at successive milestones during regular well-child visits. The doctor’s event was a resounding success, with 35 medical professionals in attendance. These included the Head of the Kenyatta National Hospital Paediatric Department, Head Clinician Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Dr Thomas Ngwiri and two leading Eye Surgeons Dr Daniel Mundia and Dr Munira Akram and Paediatric Optometrist Dr Zahra Rashid. Many others deserving honourable mention graced the event. It is our hope that this event will mark the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Dr Nyong’o’s institution, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Mums Village and other institutions in Kenya.

Apart from emphasizing early screening to the parents, Dr Nyong’o also debunked common myths such as the notion that watching TV close-up will damage children’s eyes. He also admonished parents and teachers to ensure that children spend as much time as possible playing outside and getting adequate sunshine to optimize normal eye development. Unlike Western diets that feature excessive junk food, Dr Nyong’o assured us that the standard Kenyan diet has enough beta-carotene and Omegas to facilitate the healthy development of eyes in our children.

Miss World Puts Smile A On Child’s A Face

With a regal wave and a disarming smile, Miss World 2015, Mireia Lalaguna, visited the Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital to visit Smile Train patients, a project that sponsors cleft palate patients. Smiling is a beauty queen’s full time job and on Tuesday May 31st, the Spanish national put to use her power to light the hearts of children at the hospital. Crowned the fairest of them all in Sanya, China, in December last year, the beauty with a queenly bearing said that she had an amazing time in the hospital and was taken in by the warmth of the staff and the whole Gerties family. She was accompanied by Julia Morley, Miss World Chair and the founder of Beauty with a Purpose programme, and Miss Asia, Maria Harfanti, to visit the hospital’s programmes for Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft charity that partners with the pageant to offer free surgeries across the country.The Miss World team was also in the country to present Miss Kenya 2014, Idah Nguma, who was crowned the Beauty With a Purpose at the Miss World finals in London in 2014, with a cash award of Sh1 million for her charity projects. Ms Nguma, from Machakos County, was ranked seventh at the contest, the best position Kenya has attained in over a decade.She has since been working at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital as a Smile Train Ambassador.

“I feel proud to have been a part of this project as I see the joy that the parents feel for their child. The condition can create complications with people experiencing problems with their breathing, feeding, and ultimately their social life,” said the Spaniard who is also studying pharmaceutical sciences. Dr Esther Njoroge, Regional Director of Smile Train Africa, said they were happy to partner with the pageant not just to raise funds but raise awareness for the condition, which she said treatment is available free of charge in the hospital.“Children with untreated clefts live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing and speaking. We are happy that we are now able to provide speech therapy in addition to the free treatment. It is available at the Gertrude’s Children Hospital,” said Dr Njoroge.

Althea McCourt

Dear Gertrude’s Hospital management & staff, I would like to sincerely thank the emergency team at the hospital. Unfortunately I did not take or remember any names, due to the emergency. On the morning of 21st June, after finding my house lady unconscious I rushed to the nearest hospital for assistance. This was Gertrudes Hospital. Though being a Children’s hospital, the staff, nurses and doctors were immediately responsive, and stabilised her. During this time, they continually informed me of what they were doing and checking for, and what the patient’s response was. I am very grateful to have found such a professional medical team, and I am extremely happy to know that such a team are responsible for looking after the young ones in Kenya. Thank you all.

Miss World 2015, Mireia Lalaguna accompanied by Miss Asia, Maria Harfanti (L), is welcomed by the first ever Smile Train patient Chelmis Thiong’o when she arrived at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital

Medical Camps MAJENGO

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, through its foundation is dedicated to help thousands of children and their loved ones turn their lives around through CSR activities like medical camps. We believe in the potential of every child and young person, no matter who they are, what they have done or what they have been through. We support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child.

Hence, the hospital organised a medical camp at Riadha Mosque in Nairobi’s Majengo slums. The event held on 7th May, 2016 saw over 1000 people get free medical assistance. Among the services rendered included BMI (Body Mass Index), laboratory, audiology, dental, pharmacy and nutrition services.

Kawangware Medical Camp

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital held a one-day camp in Akiba Primary School, Kangemi, on Saturday, 14th May, 2016 from 8:30am to4:00pm. Hands on activities included BMI (Body Mass Index), counselling, dentistry, pharmacy, and audiology services.

Over 500 children and parents were checked and treated in the event. These medical camps help many vulnerable and disadvantaged children every year. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital priorities to make a real difference to the lives of the children and families they work for.

Ofafa Jericho Medical Camp

Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in partnership with CITI Bank conducted a free medical camp on Saturday 11th June, 2016 at Ofafa Jericho Secondary School in Bahati estate, Nairobi. The event targeted a population of about 2,500 people comprising of both adults and children in the school and the surrounding community. Among the services offered included BMI (Body Mass Index), laboratory, dental and pharmacy services.

The school management thanked the hospital for devoting time to offer health checks to the students as well as the neighbouring community.

Residents of Majengo queue for registration during the Majengo medical camp at Riadha Mosque.

Doctor Mohamud Gaas examines a child during the Kawangware Medical camp at Akiba Primary School.

Doctor Ezra Mageto talks to a student during the ofafa Jericho Medical camp at Ofafa Jericho Secondary School.

Trainings

During her paediatric residency training at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, she went through several rotations in the oncology units. She noted that almost all the children diagnosed with cancer would be dead within months or a few years despite all the efforts to treat them. She attributes this largely to poor cancer diagnostic services, late diagnosis, lack of evidence-based treatment protocols, lack of trained clinicians and inadequate supportive and palliative care services. It is in this regard that a diagnosis of cancer in our current national setting almost becomes a death sentence despite advances in cancer treatment in developed countries where childhood cancer is curable in most cases.In May 2016, she was privileged to join The Aslan Project’s Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Fellowship training program at Jimma University, Ethiopia,a neighbouring country that shares a similar narrative as Kenya for children with cancer.

The Project is developing a paediatric cancer program at the Jimma University Specialized Hospital by training and equipping various members of the multidisciplinary team involved in pediatric cancer care. Dr Mutua is honoured to be involved in the establishment of this program that is providing a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience which she will use to setup a cancer unit at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital upon completion of her training.

The Diploma in Child Health/International Post-graduate Paediatric Certificate (DCH / IPPC) is a course offered by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) and the University of Sydney in Australia for both doctors and nurses for a period of 1year. It covers best practice in paediatric care from new-borns to adolescents with content provided and annually updated by experts from the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. It provides both practical and evidence based education to benefit the knowledge, confidence and skills of doctors and nurses who care for children and young people.

The university offers an International course which extends to 16 countries throughout the South-East Asia, the subcontinent, the South Pacific and Africa. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is the only site offering the course in Kenya. So far there has been 2 classes successfully completed by both doctors and nurses, with the 3rd class of 9 participants ongoing this year. In addition to webcasts, newsletters and other resources, participants have the opportunity to attend monthly tutorials with a local paediatric expert. These tutorials provide additional local content relevant to each webcast, highlighting key areas of different cultural and traditional medicine practices, genetics, local antibiotic, legal responsibilitiesand immunization protocols, how best to use local resources and how to interpret common local presentations.

Winnie Wanjiru, 2016 class participant, Ms Emily Nguu, Head of Nursing Services and Prof. Kathryn Currow from The Children’s Hospital Westmeed hold the International Post-graduate Paediatric Certificate banner

Dr Doreen Mutua, currently training at Jimma University, in the Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Fellowship program, has worked as a General Paediatrician with Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital for 3 1/2 years.