President William Ruto on Monday, April 24, donated 30 acres of land to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the construction of a regional health emergency hub and training centre.
Speaking during the launch of a CyberKnife at the Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, the Head of State noted that the emergency hub is expected to be one of its kind on the continent.
“I am delighted by the decision to make available 30 acres of unutilised land to the World Health Organization for the development of a regional health emergency hub and training centre for Africa.
“I note that this provision leaves adequate land available for the future expansion of the university and this hospital,” Ruto announced.
He added that the government would reap a lot of benefits from its partnership with WHO including the creation of employment opportunities.
“The MOU signed today provides the framework under which Kenya and WHO will collaborate in health, training and rescue efforts during disasters and other emergencies
“Other benefits expected to accrue from this collaboration will include employment opportunities as well as capacity building and technology transfer,” added Ruto.
The president also promised to help Kenyatta University complete the stalled children's hospital and pediatric cancer wing.
Earlier in the day, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with WHO country representative Abdourahmane Diallo.
"The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, and the World Health Organization Country Rep Abdourahmane Diallo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a WHO Regional Emergency Hub for Eastern and Southern Africa in Nairobi," part of the statement from the ministry read.
According to the ministry, the hub will enhance emergency response not only in the country but also in the region.
"The hub will also enhance our ability to coordinate with other countries in the region, and through partnerships with regional bodies such as the African Union and the East African Community, we can improve our collective response to emergencies,” the statement continued.
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