Renowned Professor Miriam Were has been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize by two organisations based in the United States of America (USA).
In a press statement released by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) it was revealed that Were's nomination was based on her work in Kenya's healthcare sector from the 1970s.
AFSC stated that it was time for the Kenyan scholar's efforts to be recognised globally adding that many Kenyans had benefitted through her innovative programmes.
"The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) have nominated Dr. Miriam Were of Kenya for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.
"The timing of this nomination is intended to draw attention to Dr. Miriam Were’s tireless work since the 1970s in promoting trust between governments, health authorities, and the citizenry through culturally sensitive programs,” read the statement in part.
On her part, Were thanked the organisations for nominating her noting that community-based initiatives in healthcare were prudent given the prevailing challenges facing the world.
"I am deeply grateful that the American Friends Service Committee and Quaker Peace & Social Witness (QPSW) has nominated me for the Nobel Peace Prize.
"I believe in the community approach as the modality for promoting both peace and health by empowering individuals and communities to lead in solving their problems including those articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals," she stated.
The prestigious Nobel Prize was won by environmental activist the late Prof Wangari Maathai in 2004.
Were's nomination barely comes a day after the government honored the professor for her work in various government institutions driven towards the empowerment of women in the country.
Led by Ministry of Gender Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Jebii Kilimo, the team of government officials recognised Were for spearheading government efforts in combating HIV/AIDS.
“The journey you started is on the course, feel sincerely thanked by the government for navigating the National HIV/AIDS response in Kenya,” the CAS stated.
Were is the former chairperson of the National Aids Control Council (NACC) and the founder of the Uzima foundation.
