This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
On July 3, 2020, the Aga Khan University made a significant contribution to the fight against COVID-19 in Kenya by donating Sh10 million to Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi.
As part of the partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the university provided funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline medical personnel at Pumwani Maternity Hospital.
The donation will also be used to train staff on mitigation measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Prof Marleen Temmerman, chairperson of Aga Khan's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, emphasized the urgent need for adequate preparedness and response in the face of growing COVID-19 cases in Nairobi.
"The Aga Khan University Medical College has been advising Pumwani to improve care for women and newborns by providing assistance in areas such as education, training and research," she said.
The funds will support essential services, including access to maternal healthcare services, efficient provision of antenatal and postnatal care, and minimisation of transmission.
Nairobi Metropolitan Service Director for Medical Services, Dr Josephine Kibaru-Mbae, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it will go a long way in addressing the hospital's preparedness to deal with COVID-19 cases.
"We would like to continue with this partnership especially in expanding our isolation centre for COVID-19 positive pregnant women," she said.
