MESSAGE FROM THE LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIR
On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee hosted at the University of Nairobi (UoN), I am very delighted to witness this crucial gathering of Health Cadres from all over the world take place here in Nairobi, Kenya, and welcome all delegates with open arms. In the year 2016, I played a similar role albeit, at a MEPI conference hosted by my institution at Nairobi CBD- Laico Regency Hotel. At the end of that annual symposium, AFREhealth came into being, bringing on board previous NEPI schools. I have witnessed monumental growth of that initial initiative to the current mammoth AFREhealth status in all aspects.
This year’s Conference theme “Progress towards SDGs in Africa - Celebrating Milestones and Overcoming Challenges” and Sub-themes:
- Harnessing digital technology and innovation for health professions education towards the attainment of SDGs.
- Research towards the attainment of SDG's.
- Efforts to bridge gaps: Achieving Universal Health Coverage.
- Leadership and advocacy towards sustaining the momentum of SDGs.
is very resonant with the prevailing situation of just about half a decade from the target year of 2030.
Nairobi hosts a National Park just adjacent to the City, which provides an opportunity to see the big 5 including lions not in a zoo but their natural habitat. Masaai Mara where currently there is a great migration of Wildebeests and Zebras to Mara was declared “Seven Wonders of the World” and is only two and half hours’ drive from Nairobi including other National Parks.
The Great Rift Valley is only an hour's drive from Nairobi with a spectacular view from various viewpoints as one drives towards Nakuru city. Mount Kenya which is snow-peaked and reputed to be the most difficult Mountain in the continent to scale, is one and half-hour's drive from Nairobi. Those from landlocked countries would have the fun of sandy beaches at the coastal cities of Mombasa, Malindi or Lamu accessed by Air (one-hour flight) or Rail mode to Mombasa which is 4 hours with good views along the way of Tsavo National Park flora and Fauna plus Peak of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Welcome to Kenya ! Merci, Asante, Siyabonga.
Dr Onesmus Gachuno, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UoN