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with comfortable facilities and appropriate isolation for posttransplant patients. Previously the patients were being nursed in normal wards which placed them at an increased risk of infections, which could interfere with preferred clinical outcomes. In this unit now, any Kidney transplant patient whether surgery was done locally or outside the country can receive post-transplant care and clinical reviews from our specialists. Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory (HLA Lab) The KNH Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics Laboratory (HLA Lab) is a state-of-the-art laboratory for histocompatibility and genetic testing for solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. The lab is the first of its kind in East Africa and will greatly support organ and tissue transplants by testing donor
and recipient matching locally. It has been described as the ‘new kid on the block’. The establishment of this laboratory has been well received by our clients who no longer depend on foreign laboratories for HLA tissue typing services. The laboratory opened its door to patients on December 14, 2021. Among the readily available tests include HLA-A, B, C, DR, DQ, DP, Class I& II Antibody, Class I ID Antibody Detection, Class II IDv2 Antibody Detection, Donor Specific Antibody Detection, Single Antigen Class I Detection, Single Antigen Class II Detection, Single Antigen MIC Antibody Detection, and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity. We aim to play among the best as we continue to offer efficient and effective histocompatibility and Immunogenetics services. Of utmost importance is the intended plan to enroll the laboratory in the American
Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) accreditation program to maintain high standards of operation. In the spirit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC); a critical pillar of the government’s Big 4 Agenda to ensure accessibility of health care from the primary to the tertiary levels, these facilities demonstrate the government’s commitment to this agenda.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA
The newly launched Centre for Kidney Diseases and Organ Transplantation building
KNH Board Chairman’s address By Winfred Gumbo As the overall representative of Kenyatta National Hospital, the Board Chairman; Mr. George Ooko took a moment to thank the President for taking his time to visit KNH. “I would like to thank you Mr. President for being here with us today. It is a pleasure and we hope to see you again after 90 days when the East Africa Kidney Institute (EAKI) will be launched,” said Mr. Ooko. Mr. Ooko said the three facilities will help in treatment of patients and improve in service delivery. This is because EAKI will help kidney patients and will work hand in hand with KNH for better patient outcome. He further thanked the donor; Mrs Zarina Merali who contributed to the construction of the Zarina Naushad Merali Daycare Centre through Zarina Foundation. Before inviting the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe to welcome the President, Mr. Ooko took time to introduce the present Board Members to the congregation.
PHOTO | NICHOLAS WAMALWA KNH Board Chairman Mr. George Ooko giving his appreciation speech
ISSUE 10 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
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