MTRH Hosts National World Transplant Day 2024
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) on June 6th, 2024 hosted this year’s World Transplant Day in an event that saw organ recipients and donors share their life experiences upon kidney transplantation.
The celebration graced by the Ministry of Health (MoH) was hosted jointly by MTRH, Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Service (KBTTS) alongside other partners.
More than 30 organ recipients from various parts of the country gave their testimonies and sensitized the public during a walk through the streets of Eldoret town.
Some of the organs the public was sensitized to donate include the kidney, cornea, and Bone Marrow.
Representative of the Principal Secretary, Medical Services, Dr. Rebecca Kiptui in her remarks said significant progress has been made by the Ministry to develop a comprehensive policy on organ transplantation, which will address issues of patient waiting lists, cell, tissue, and organ distribution. The policy will also address the establishment and regulation of organ tissue transplant services.
MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa in his remarks said the event demonstrates monumental role played by health institutions in enhancing quality of life through transplantation.
He observed that hundreds of people have received the gift of life through transplant affirming the need to grow the capacity of Human Resources for Health (HRH) so they can handle patients suffering in the communities with treatable ailments.
Speaking at the event, KBTTS CEO Dr. Maurice Wakwabubi stated that Kenya remains a beacon of hope for many people in the country. He lauded organ donors who are the true heroes for their selfless acts that give others a second chance at life
The event at MTRH’s Memorial Grounds was also attended by Prof. Tenge Kuremu, Principal, Moi University (M.U) College of Medicine (M.U V.C Representative); Dr. Kibet Shikuku, CEO- National Spinal Injury and Referral Hospital; Dr. Evelyn Chege, Head Technical Service (Transplant); Florence Omollo, Deputy County Commissioner- Uasin Gishu; Titus Terigin, Patient Rep, Kidney Transplant; Kennedy Githinji, Patient Rep, Corneal Transplant; Peter Mwathi, Patient Rep, Bone Marrow Transplant.
Kericho, Kisumu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Trans Nzoia Counties, Mt. Kenya University, Oak Tree, Tophill, and Nairobi West Hospitals also attended the day-long event.
