In efforts to promote Kenya as a regional healthcare hub and healthcare investment destination, Amref Health Africa has partnered with Express Communications Limited, publishers of the Kenya Medical Directory, and the Ministry of Health to host a first of its kind healthcare convention.

The first Kenya Healthcare Convention taking place from March 9 and March 10 in Nairobi is set to bring together more than 350 industry providers to showcase their quality health service approaches, products and technologies to potential customers. This forum offers investors an opportunity to advance medical service delivery through Kenya to the East African region.

East Africa boasts a population of over 132 million people, with a projected 5.7% growth in GDP (the highest in the African region), making it a promising investment destination. Kenya is strategically positioned and regarded as a business hub within the East African Community. The country’s growing middle class (about 45% of the total population) has brought about a rise in demand for quality health care.

Drawing on Kenya’s years of experience in developing a robust private sector in health care and other industries, coupled with a clear strategic framework within the public sector aligned to economic growth and advancing social protection through the Big Four Agenda, the Kenya Healthcare Convention will foster important partnerships for the country and the region and stimulating discussions around promoting Kenya for medical tourism.

The two-day convention seeks to highlight achievements from the counties since the devolution of health services and showcase leading companies, institutions and organisations successfully providing services in this industry, drive engagement on the milestones, achievements and challenges in health service delivery and showcase collaborative achievements between government and private sector and how this has helped position Kenya as the health care hub in the region.

“We cannot speak of the right to health without quality care. Quality is a critical dimension of social justice and human rights principles and one of the essential pillars of universal health coverage. The overall quality of care by private and public providers in our health system is what will set Kenya apart as a regional health care destination,” said Dr Meshack Ndirangu, Country Director, Amref Health Africa in Kenya.

“Among other outcomes, the Kenya Healthcare Convention is expected to set in motion the formation of a multi-agency, government-industry partnership to promote Kenya for medical tourism, as well as kick off the process of developing a Medical and Wellness Tourism Policy for Kenya,” said Sammy Masara, CEO Express Communications Limited.

The Ministry of Health will launch two key documents at this inaugural event – the Quality of Care Certification Manual and Quality of Care Certification Framework for the Kenyan Health Sector, marking a key milestone in the nation’s quality improvement efforts.

The inaugural Kenya Healthcare Convention is also expected to catalyse the identification of a range of national government agencies and policy initiatives to stimulate and promote medical tourism in Kenya.

The team visited the health facilities in Gomba, Ssembabule, Lwengo, Rakai and Kyotera districts while the health facilities in Nwoya, Buliisa, Kikuube, Hoima, Kakumiro and Mubende districts were previously assessed in May 2019. As part of wider reforms tailored to improving health service delivery in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) corridor, the government is planning a raft of major reforms in the health centres in the districts surrounding the oil region.

According to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr Diana Atwine, this will be part of the government’s efforts to revamp the districts health sector and improve efficiency to meet the required standards to benefit all the relevant stakeholders who are going to work in EACOP.

Most of the health facilities will be enhanced with standby ambulances, emergency units, fridges for blood storage as well as re-modeling and refurbishment of some facilities, said Dr Diana.

“Additional equipment will also be provided especially in the operating theatres as well as recruitment of supplementary staff,” Dr Diana continued.

Dr. Joseph Kobusheshe, the Director Environment, Health, Safety and Security Management at PAU said a lot of attention has been given to the development and application of environmental and health management systems as an integral parts of the oil and gas business frameworks.

Dr. Elly Muhumuza, the Chairperson LCV Sembabule district; expressed happiness that the health facilities will be upgraded to international standards, which will be a direct benefit to the local communities.

Prof. Faustin Kamuzora, The Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) has appointed for intensive efforts to ensure that no woman or girl dies from cervical cancer.

He emphasized the importance of screening for early detection of cervical cancer which can be treated and urged parents and guardians not to miss out on the great opportunity of having their children immunized.

He reassured the public that the vaccine was safe and approved by the government and WHO and would be provided free of charge at all health facilities.

Prof Kamuzora, however, noted that to date, the regional vaccination average against cervical cancer was far below the national average set at 80% with the regional average ranging between 53 -64%.

Five screening centers were set up in Bukoba Municipal Council- Buhembe, Kashai, Rwamishenye, Bukoba Referral Regional hospital, and Zamzam.

At the regional level, 64 centers would provide the service. Tanzania achieved a historical milestone to roll out a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine against cancer of the cervix.

A safe and effective Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine when provided to young girls between 9 and 14 years old, protects them against HPV and cervical cancer.

The Vice-President, Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, launched the programme last year and emphasized the importance of screening for early detection of cervical cancer which can be treated.

“The first beneficiaries of this vaccine would be girls aged 14 as we prepare to extend the vaccination to the rest of the girls. In order to get the girls to return for their second dose requires new routine delivery services and a good social deployment strategy,” she said.

The government’s assurance to reach the vaccination target of 616,734 girls, she acknowledged.

She commended the government’s decision to introduce the HPV vaccine in the country aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity caused by cervical cancer.

She congratulated the government for making a high-level decision and commitment towards the reduction of preventable childhood illnesses and deaths.

“This is an important milestone in the history of Tanzania, to join the fight along with other countries in the world to prevent mortality and morbidity due to cervical cancer. To achieve the full benefit of the HPV vaccine, it must be given to all targeted children regardless of where they live or how hard they are to reach.

The 3rd edition of Ethiopia International Trade Exhibition is back at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, the one place to source new products, services and technology from around the world. The 3 day multi country international trade event brings to Ethiopia exhibitors from 30 countries. The main attractions this time around are the European and Asian Pavilions showcasing the latest products and innovations which are now being made available to the Ethiopian industries.

Ethiopia in 2020 and beyond – Ethiopia is one of the world’s largest untapped markets and is the fastest growing economy in Africa today. With a population of over 100 million and an annual economic growth rate of 10% over the past 15 years, it presents a unique opportunity. In addition to its strategic positioning as a long-haul transfer hub, Ethiopia is increasingly becoming an important destination for manufacturing. With the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) also in force, companies are looking at another opportunity at increasing exports to Africa.

Highlighting key sectors to promote and introduce new products equipment and services to the upcoming Ethiopian market is the primary goal for the trade exhibition. Held concurrently with the Ethiopia International Trade Exhibition, sectors include building and construction, lighting, heavy equipment, tools and hardware, woodworking and sawmill machinery, large automotive and spare parts, power and energy, consumer products, food and agriculture, materials printing, packaging and more. The event promises to introduce the Ethiopian market to world class industry leading products and services under one roof.

The much awaited 2020 edition will be open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM for the public till 26th of February 2020. Ambassadors, trade delegations and representatives from various countries and ministries are confirmed to be present to meet and support the companies representing their countries at the event.

The 2020 edition is expected to see special pavilion participation by companies from China, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Italy, India, Qatar, Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Companies from the African continent especially from Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia are also participating among the worlds’ leading global brands.

“Ethiopia is no longer a country that can be ignored. The interest shown by the business community towards the event shows that the industry leaders fully understand the importance and opportunities that are presented by the fair as well as the long term business relations it will create.” said Emily Parkson, Event Director from the organizers, Expogroup.

As the biggest business and trade event in Ethiopia, this event presents and opportunity for all industry leaders, innovators, business owners, importers, entrepreneurs and upcoming traders from various industries and backgrounds to source their needs and interact with international brands under one roof.

for more details please click on https://www.expogr.com/eite/

Ethiopia has only one radiotherapy machine, but the country’s new government commenced office 16 months ago and has determined plans to change that with the support of the IAEA and other development partners.

The government is acquiring new equipment, constructing a new, 8-floor oncology center in the capital Addis Ababa, and is assigning doctors trained through IAEA fellowships to regional hospitals, where some of the radiotherapy machines will go.

“Excessively time had been spent with little progress and we are working to change that,” said Wendmagegn Gezahegn, Head of the St Paul’s Hospital in Addis Ababa, which looks as much as a construction site in a boomtown as a functioning hospital. Founded by Emperor Haile Selassie in the 1960s to cater to the poor, it is the country’s second-largest hospital and once the current expansion project is completed in the coming years, it will be the largest, with close to 5000 beds, fit to treat half a million patients per year.

The new wing will include an oncology center with 350 beds and 5 linear accelerators (Linac) machines and brachytherapy units for cancer treatment, as well as a new cyclotron facility to produce radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The construction of the bunkers that will house the radiotherapy machines for the safe operation will begin in the coming months, while the room to hold the cyclotron is already being built.

Wendmagegn Gezahegn, Head of the St Paul’s Hospital in Addis Abeba, and his colleagues reviewing the plans for a new cyclotron facility to be installed in a hospital wing currently under construction.

“The key to planning is to make sure that every machine has a maintenance plan, we need to budget more than just the purchase cost,” Gezahegn said. And indeed, one of the country’s two Cobalt-60 radiotherapy machines has been out of service since 2015 in Addis Abeba’s Black Lion Hospital due to lack of funding to repair it.

In parallel with the construction and procurement of the machines, the country also needs well-trained oncologists, medical physicists and radiology technicians and has turned to the IAEA for support.

Radiotherapy machines in two of these centers, Jimma and Harar, have been purchased and are being set up, while another three centers are under preparation.

The Government of Ethiopia plans to decrease waiting times for radiotherapy treatment by acquiring more equipment and train its staff with IAEA support.

Oncologists and public health officials are well aware that Ethiopia has a lot of catching up to do: the IAEA recommends four radiotherapy machines per one million people, a ratio that will take many expansion projects and several decades to reach. As of now, authorities hope the country will soon have nine functioning machines.

Gezahegn said that “Ethiopia is evolving rapidly and it is important that the economic growth means an improved standard of living nationwide.” “Providing access to cancer services, including radiotherapy, is a key component of that.”

A challenge that remains is the training of radiotherapy technicians. A curriculum for local training has been under approval for years, so in the meantime, technicians need to be sent abroad to be trained to operate radiotherapy machines, said Wolemariam.

“Development of local training schemes is key to the implementation of the services,” explained Kirsten Hopkins, Radiation Oncologist at the IAEA. “It is not feasible to provide expatriate training for the numbers of staff required for all the planned facilities.”

The IAEA has provided Ethiopia with training and expert advice on the new course curriculum and will continue to provide support through its technical co-operation program, she added.

The country’s radiation protection authorities are gearing up for the licensing of the new equipment, said Solomon Mekonnen, Director General of the Ethiopian Radiation Protection Authority. “We have been involved since the early stages of the radiotherapy expansion process and will do our best to authorize the equipment quickly, assuming all safety conditions are met,” he said.

Almost all of the Authority’s 40 technical staff, including those in the licensing department, have received training via IAEA fellowships and courses, Mekonnen said.

Having all stakeholders, ministries, authorities, health experts work together is key to making a difference, said Sandokan Debebe, Director General of the Technology and Innovation Institute of Ethiopia, which coordinates the IAEA’s projects in the country. “We have a holistic view to make sure that all angles are covered, and no future machine will sit idle due to lack of funds for repair or expertise to operate or license them,” he said.

The price of TB antibiotic medicine – rifapentine, was cut down by 66% by its manufacturer Sanofi. When combined with another antibiotic (isoniazid), rifapentine can prevent tuberculosis (TB) disease. This good news was broadcast at the Union World Conference on Lung Health.

Talks to lower the price from US$45 to US$15 for a three-month course took more than a year to complete and involved Sanofi, Unitaid and the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, in collaboration with the Stop TB Partnership’s Global Drug Facility and the United States PEPFAR initiative.

Advocates have been insisting on price lower the price of rifapentine medicine since the scientific effect of this medicine was proven in peer-reviewed journals. Three months of treatment with rifapentine plus isoniazid was shown to be just as effective as and less toxic than one year of therapy with isoniazid alone (the previous standard). The reduction in treatment time alone provides an obvious improvement.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reviewed its guidelines for preventing TB disease. The guidelines now include three months of rifapentine and isoniazid taken weekly for people living in countries with a high TB burden. This routine is known as 3HP.

The WHO recommends that anyone living with HIV and those living in the same household as a person with TB disease should receive TB preventive therapy. The theme of 2019’s World AIDS Day was “Ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic: Communities make the difference”. Reaching this goal requires that preventive treatment programs engage with communities to develop, refine and bring to scale interventions designed to meet the needs of people with and vulnerable to HIV and TB.

Importantly, the 3HP regimen can be administered along with dolutegravir, a better antiretroviral drug that is now being provided in South Africa and globally. A combination is an effective tool for keeping vulnerable people as healthy as possible.

All prevention programmes must begin by finding people who need TB preventive therapy. People living with HIV can be identified through HIV clinics. Contacts of people with TB disease can be identified by investigating affected households. People must always be screened for TB before starting TB preventive therapy.

In 2018, the member states of the United Nations committed to expanding the number of people receiving preventive treatment to at least 30 million by 2022. But the world is nowhere close to meeting that goal. It will take a lot of work to achieve these targets.

As the price of Sanofi’s rifapentine product Priftin cut down, now it can be more accessible to the public. If Priftin has not been approved for use in a country that needs this treatment, national TB programmes can work with the WHO and local regulatory authorities to process waivers.

Treatment for latent TB infection has been available since the 1950s, yet very few people who could benefit from TB preventive therapy are taking it. This price break making a shorter and equally effective treatment more affordable and perfect opportunity to make a dent in these numbers.

First Lady Margret Kenyatta led the nation in marking the 31st World Aids Day in a colorful function at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County.

Speaking during the event the First Lady said the community and families need to sacrifice in the fight against the global menace noting that everybody needs to contribute towards the country’s challenge of achieving an HIV/AIDS-free nation by 2030.

She said efforts to eliminate HIV are central to the government’s health promise for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthening health systems and increasing access is essential to the government’s program.

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Cecily Kariuki said that they recognize how the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenyan counties has been managed with great milestones recorded by the government.

Kisii Governor James Ongwae said the county has given 50% towards the health sector in the county adding that the county is working hard to ensure there is quality health service delivery to Kisii residents.

He noted with the Sh2.5 billion funds they are soon launching the construction of a cancer center facility to help residents cut on travel expenses to Kenyatta National Hospital or the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, the Chief Executive Officer, National Aids Control Council (NACC) said that Kenya had taken bold steps towards tackling HIV/AIDS.

Newly installed cancer treatment equipment at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) has for the past one year facilitated the treatment of over 200 patients whose conditions were supposed to get the service abroad.

If referred to hospitals abroad, particularly India, it could have cost the government between 50m/- and 70m/- for each patient, which implies that a considerable amount of money ranging from 10bn/- to 14bn/ was rescued.

The Executive Director of the ORCI, Dr. Julius Mwaiselage, said the facility installed the new radiation therapy machines called medical linear accelerators (LINAC), worth 9.5bn/-, which started functioning from September last year.

He was briefing the media on the achievements that the ORCI made during the four years of President John Magufuli’s regime.

With 80 percent of cancer patients in the country needing radiotherapy, the government took a bold move to strengthen the availability of the services domestically.

The capacity of the hospital has increased from serving 180 patients to 300 patients per day, he revealed, noting that the government has been increasing the allocation of the budget for purchasing medicines.

The budget for anticancer drugs shot up from 790m/- in 2015 to 10bn/- this financial year, which increased the availability of drugs by 95 percent from only 4 percent.

“This is a never-ending achievement and the institute has been an exemplar in the East and Central zone of the region,” he said.

ORCI’s financial measures have helped a steady rise in revenues collections from 569m/- in the 2014/15 fiscal year to 14.7bn/- during the 2018/19 financial year.

Such measures include new sources of revenues such as pharmacy and enhanced service delivery.

On the institute’s future plans, Dr. Mwaiselage said processes are underway to purchase a new Positron Emission Tomography – Computed Tomography (PET-CT), disclosing that the government had already disbursed 14.5bn/- for that purpose.

The PET-CT scan is a diagnostic examination that involves getting images of the body based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons.

It gives detailed information, including the exact representation of certain types of cancer and their metastasis. Hence, it is possible to display not only the cancer itself but also its activity.

The method fits very well by checking the effects and success of the therapy used. Through consultation, PET-CT can determine the exact position, size, activity, and development of cancer in the entire body.

The tender process to purchase the PET-CT has started and expected to complete in April next year.

Health Ministers and senior immigration officials of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the nine neighboring countries to DRC have resolved and committed their governments to establish the African Ebola Coordination Task Force (AfECT) to undertake cooperation and collaboration for Ebola preparedness and response.

During a ministerial meeting on cross boarder collaboration to prepare for and respond to the Ebola Virus disease in DRC, different health officials resolved that there is a need for the force to support cross boarder joint planning and implementation of Ebola preparedness and response activities.

Dr. Ruth Jane Aceng the Health Minister said this task force will bring on board coordinated support to countries suffering outbreaks. She also said: “We embrace this aspect of avenue in African Ebola coordination task force so that all partners that are supporting the country that has an outbreak are well-coordinated and it will help us avoid waste of resources.”

Establish the AfECT hosted at the African Union Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the leadership of the nine-member states with support from Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), WHO and other relevant partners to support the cooperation and collaboration.

Another resolution is to establish the AfECT. Now this task force will have political oversight over outbreaks like Ebola while WHO maintains technical capacity and advice that it gives to the countries.

Health officials who gathered in Goma DRC Congo to discuss the threat of Ebola have resolved to step up measures to minimize the spread of deadly disease. Ugandan officials subsequently discharged and repatriated the other recovering patients back to Congo.

Some of the other issues the health ministers resolved and committed their governments to do include cross boarder Ebola case and laboratory surveillance, cross border tracing and monitoring contacts among others. Some of the nine countries neighboring DRC include Angola, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, among others.

Finance and Planning Minister Dr Philip Mpango (pictured) led government delegation to the conference met prospective investors, included OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Korean Kolon Corporation for detailed deliberations in the first day of the forum.

Finance and Planning Minister Dr Philip Mpango (pictured) led government delegation to the conference met prospective investors, included OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and Korean Kolon Corporation for detailed deliberations in the first day of the forum.

According to the project description, the government wants to establish the general pharmaceutical plant under a Public Private Partnership under Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement.

The plant will be constructed in Kibaha, Coast region under the Medical Stores Department to produce drugs and other medical equipment for domestic as well as East African Community and SADC markets.

Dr Mpango said, “the project was good and it aligned with sustainable development goals on health. They said they could see the good prospects of the project.”

The government had lined eleven projects to be presented to prospective investors in the three-day Africa Investment Forum organised by the African Development Bank and partners Sandton Convention Centre to advance projects, raise capital and close financial deals.

Dr Mpango said the pharmaceutical plant would also create more jobs and trade opportunities and solve the problem of counterfeit medicines as it would be easier to monitor the quality standard.