Kenya’s healthcare system is set for enhancement as 66 dedicated individuals have graduated from the Gertrude’s Institute of Health and Child Research with diplomas in paediatric nursing and critical care nursing.
The new graduates, from the Gertrudes Institute are part of a larger cohort of 130 individuals who have completed programs in four different specialisations, including emergency medical technicians and healthcare assistants.
They are now ready for deployment to bring significant improvements to healthcare services across Kenya’s 47 counties.
This achievement is a significant milestone demonstrating Gertrude institute’s commitment to closing the nursing gap in Kenya and ensuring a healthier future for the country’s children.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Perez Obonyo, Gertrude institute principal, lauded the partnership with the government in the program, noting it has significantly boosted ongoing efforts to bridge the nursing gap in Kenya.
The country currently has an estimated 42 nurses for 100,000 people, against the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 240 nurses for 100,000 people.
“We have been collaborating with the government on a program to train nurses from county institutions in paediatric care. I want to express our profound gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their unwavering support in paediatric training, including sending many nurses to our courses and aiding in numerous other ways. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth of this partnership, which will contribute to our shared goal of reducing infant mortality and nurturing a healthier new generation,“
she said.
On his part, the Kenyatta University Referral and Research Training Hospital CEO, Ahmed Dagane, emphasised the vital role of public-private sector collaboration in advancing healthcare provision in Kenya.
“I applaud the emerging public-private partnership that’s defining the success of this program. Indeed, private investment and donor support for government-proposed trainees across 47 counties will ensure the availability of critical healthcare services downstream. I can assure you that the professionals graduating here today will impact the lives of thousands of children across Kenya,”
he said.
The Gertrudes Institute graduating class of 2023 represents the 17th cohort to complete their training at the Gertrude’s Institute since its licensing in 2004. The institution has successfully trained 953 professionals, with over two-thirds of them coming from the public sector.
