Earlier Stories of the launch of AKU’s Faculty of Health Sciences in Nairobi Kenya
WALTER WAFULA
KAMPALA
STUDENTS pursuing health science degrees in East Africa will have an alternative of realising their academic dreams when the Aga Khan University sets up a new faculty of Health Sciences in Kenya.
Aga Khan University (AKU) which has a global presence, will expand its health education programmes in East Africa by setting up a faculty of health sciences at the institution’s campus in Nairobi.
The revelation was made by Dr David Taylor, the acting AKU provost, at this year’s graduation ceremony for the Advanced Nursing Studies Programme in Kampala yesterday.
The faculty estimated to cost $250 million (Shs437 billion) will be in place by 2010 and is expected to comprise a medical college, school of nursing and allied health programmes.
Dr Taylor said the faculty would offer bachelors, masters, postgraduate and doctorate courses in medicine, nursing and related health disciplines.
“The campus will be built to the highest international standards. The hospital will also promote relevant high impact research, particularly in the areas of health services and epidemiology that can positively influence national health policies,” he said.
Dr Taylor said work on the new heart and cancer centre at the university’s teaching hospital in Nairobi would begin soon.
“This $40 million [over Shs70 billion] initiative will replace and enhance existing facilities in the hospital’s surgery, obstetrics, critical care and imaging centres and provide facilities for tertiary treatment services in cardiology and cancer,” he said.
A total of 19 graduands were awarded Bachelors of Science degrees in nursing, while 33 students earned diplomas in general nursing. Ms Lucy Nsubuga, Ms Christine Nabalonde, Ms Juliet Nabbowa Businge and Joash Magambo Isabirye were recognised for outstanding performance.
The Minister of Health, Dr Stephen Mallinga, said the graduates would compliment government’s efforts to reinforce health personnel in the country and the need to have well trained medical workers.
Ismailimail 