World Bank and Ministry of Health Officials visit MTRH Projects
The Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Wilson K. Aruasa, hosted a joint delegation from the Ministry of Health and the World Bank who were at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to inspect the progress of World Bank supported East Africa Public Health Laboratory Network (EAPHLNP) Project. This support was provided through the Ministry of Health in March 2016.
The EAPHLN Project is a Regional project funded by the International Development Agency (IDA)/World Bank with the goal of supporting the establishment of a network of efficient public health laboratories in the five Partner States of East Africa (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda).
MTRH Laboratory was identified and supported in the last phase of the World Bank funded projects for the construction of Public Health Biosafety Level II Laboratory (BSL II), an Isolation Ward and an Incinerator Plant costing a total of Kshs.300m. The project is also expected to fully equip the BSLII Lab and the Isolation Ward with the Lab fitted with Teleconferencing facilities and a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
The Isolation wing will help the Hospital manage cases of hemorrhagic fevers and other highly infectious diseases such as Multiple Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
While making his remarks, Dr. Aruasa said the Hospital continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health, the World Bank and the Project Consultants to ensure the three physical projects of BSL II Laboratories, Isolation Unit and the Incinerator Plant are fully delivered by October 30, 2019. Dr. Aruasa also said the PIC 4/ Non- Communicable Diseases (NDCs) Management Project funded by the World Bank and being implemented by MTRH/AMPATH in Busia and Trans Nzoia Counties would successfully be delivered as per the contract schedule.
During the site visits led by the CEO, it was noted that the Incinerator Plant is 20% complete, the Isolation Unit 35% complete while the BSL II Laboratories is 30% complete. The Ministry of Health, MTRH, World Bank, Project Consultants were all happy but implored the Contractors to expedite the 3 pieces of works.
Other programs that they have supported include: enrolment of the Laboratory to various External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs, training of staff on: Quality Management Systems (ISO 15189:2012), Biosafety and Biosecurity, Strengthening Laboratory Management towards accreditation, method validation, determining uncertainty of Measurement, internal quality audits and mentorship programs.
The delegation included: Annie Lang and Diana J. Sirma from World Bank, Benedict Mushi, Martin Matu, Thomas Gachoki, Bernard M. and Francis C. from the Ministry of Health.
MTRH Team present were: Eng. Odhiambo Atogo, Hospital Engineer; Florence Tum, HoD Laboratories;
Mr. Andrew Bowen, HoD, Public Health; Jackline Opondo, In-Charge Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) and the entire Contract Implementation Team (CIT) for the 3 physical projects. From the PIC 4/ NCD Management Project were the lead PI Dr. Jemimah Kamano and Robert Rono, Head of MTRH Research & Sponsored Projects Office (RSPO).