The High Court of Kenya ruled that the hospital, headquartered in Nairobi, gravely violated the rights of a woman by performing an unauthorized and irreversible surgery that left her with permanent physical and emotional trauma.

The High Court Judge, Justice Alexander Muteti described the actions of the attending gynecologist as “grossly negligent” after he removed the patient’s cervix without her consent during a routine surgical procedure in 2006.

 As a consequence of the illegal surgery, the patient suffered life-altering injuries, leading to the loss of her employment and earning capacity.

The court ruling also noted that the unwarranted removal of the patient’s s cervix was a direct violation of her fundamental rights. The court also noted that the woman sustained life-altering injuries that led to the loss of her employment.

Notably, the patient and her spouse testified to have experienced a profound loss of amenities and consortium, a term referring to the rights arising from the marriage relationship, which significantly diminished their overall quality of life.

The patient specifically highlighted the loss of her cervix led to her loss of sexual enjoyment and inability to sexually satisfy her husband.

While the court exonerated a second medical practitioner involved in the case, the court firmly held Aga Khan University Hospital accountable for  breaching its duty of care.

It was revealed that the hospital had allowed the negligent gynaecologist to practice despite being aware of his prior disbarment from medical practice in Uganda.

This alarming oversight, coupled with the hospital’s failure to provide essential diagnostic equipment like a flexible cystoscope, delayed the detection of severe complications that later required specialized, costly treatment in South Africa.

The court acknowledged the plaintiffs’ detailed claims, including specific special damages incurred, and ultimately ruled that they are entitled to recover both special and general damages, totaling to Ksh.157 million (approximately USD $1.2 million). The former patient informed the court that the nature of her injuries necessitates sustained and continuous medical treatment, for which the compensation also includes future medical costs.

Aga Khan University Hospital has yet to issue an official response.

The new system, developed by Roche Diagnostics, represents a major breakthrough in laboratory medicine. It replaces the fragmented, manual steps of traditional lab testing with a streamlined, automated workflow, from loading and sorting patient samples to analysis, archiving, and reporting. This means not only shorter turnaround times, but also reduced human error, more consistent results, and 24/7 operation.

“We’re proud to support Aga Khan University Hospital in strengthening diagnostic services across East Africa,” said Taofik Oloruko-Oba, Roche’s Country Manager for Kenya and Head of the East Africa Network.“Reliable test results are the foundation of effective healthcare, and this technology makes that possible at scale.”

For patients, this innovation translates directly into better care. Timely and precise diagnoses are critical for treating life-threatening illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and infectious outbreaks and TLA ensures that doctors have the information they need, when they need it. Whether during a routine check-up or a public health emergency, clinicians can act faster and with greater confidence.

“The full automation of our lab process will significantly improve care delivery and diagnostic accuracy,” said Prof. Shahin Sayed, Chair of the Pathology Department at AKUH. “With fewer manual errors, faster results, and continuous operations, we are building trust with our patients and enabling clinicians to deliver timely, effective treatment.”

The Roche TLA system directly responds to global challenges in laboratory medicine including growing test volumes, limited staffing, and the ever-present risk of delay or error. By connecting multiple analyzers onto a single track and automating repetitive tasks, the system boosts both efficiency and scalability, allowing laboratories to better respond to surges in demand such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, the system includes Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), a molecular technology that uses real-time PCR to detect infectious agents like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C at their earliest stages. Integrating NAT within the automated lab process not only ensures greater patient safety, but also boosts throughout, enabling faster and more reliable screening of blood donors and patients alike.

Although most patients will never see the advanced machinery behind their blood tests, the benefits are deeply felt. Faster lab results can mean earlier cancer detection, quicker treatment for sepsis or cardiac events, and better management of chronic diseases like diabetes. As a result, patients experience fewer delays, fewer repeat tests, and better long-term outcomes.

This installation also marks a broader commitment from Roche to expand access to high-quality diagnostics across the African continent. As part of its 10-Year Diagnostics Strategy for Africa, Roche aims to increase access to in-vitro diagnostics tenfold, particularly in underserved regions. The collaboration with AKUH is a cornerstone of this vision pairing cutting-edge technology with ongoing staff training, preventive maintenance, and a robust supply and logistics framework.

As East Africa continues to invest in modern healthcare infrastructure, innovations like Roche’s Total Lab Automation offer a glimpse into a future where high-quality care is accessible, efficient, and resilient not just in elite urban hospitals, but across the region. This milestone at Aga Khan University Hospital is not just a technological upgrade, it’s a paradigm shift for diagnostics, with implications that could ripple across health systems in Africa and beyond.

Africa.”

The session attracted an influential mix of stakeholders, government officials, leaders in the vaccine manufacturing industry, global health experts and advocates, civil society organizations, and journalists. 

Speaking during the event, Dr. Stephen Njuguna, Director of Health Products and Technologies at the Ministry of Health in Kenya, said, “Our country imports more than 80% of health products and technologies.” This reveals the overreliance of the health sector on foreign production and supply. Dr. Njuguna further noted that “Kenya’s local production is limited to dermatologicals and painkillers.”

He also warned that dependence on international suppliers leaves the country vulnerable to global supply shocks, which could trigger a crisis if medicine shortages ensue.

” We cannot afford to wait,” lauded Dr. Njuguna, ” We must recalibrate policy to give our manufacturers room to breathe and expand.” His view comes at a time when American politics is altering tax exemptions.

With the same tone,  Dr. Rabera Kenyanya, the Head of Operations at the Kenya Biovax Institute, lauded the need to further stimulate local production.

Dr. Kenyanya said, “Kenya has a timeline of 5–10 years to reach full operational capacity.” She, however, cautioned that without quality control, “Kenya risks harming a whole generation.”

Mutana Wanjira Gakuru, a Representative of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization CSO Constituency, underscored the need of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to align procurement and create regional demand. Whether Kenya will heed this recommendation or not will be pegged on time.

As the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD) continues to lead critical conversations on strengthening local vaccine production, Kenyans and indeed all Africans must ask a deeper question: How long can we afford to rely on global systems that have repeatedly failed us in times of crisis? The true measure of health sovereignty lies not in access alone, but in the power to produce, protect, and provide for our own.

Adding to this uncertainty, President Trump will invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 to announce an additional  10% tariff. This move, set to take effect immediately, is expected to disrupt global economic relations further and exacerbate funding shortages for key sectors like health research and development.

Speaking during the annual general meeting of the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD) meeting, Stephen Kibindio, a health rights and advocacy officer at YSW, raised the alarm over the public’s lack of awareness regarding the critical role of research and development in Kenya’s health sector.

“Communities are far behind in recognizing just how vital research and development are in shaping a robust healthcare system,”  warned Kibindio, “ We cannot afford to do business as usual because the future may be at risk.”

With the changing dynamics of US funding priorities, Kibindio emphasized that Kenyan decision-makers must step up and drive positive change to sustain advancements in healthcare.  The shift in global funding trends calls for a radical rethinking of how Kenya funds and prioritizes health research and innovation.

Accordingly, Maureen Awuor, Programme Manager at the Africa Health Research Innovation and Development (AHRIDA) said, “Africa must take stock of the importance of SMART advocacy and work toward maintaining the well-being of the health sector.”

Awuor called for urgent action or research and development and also underscored the need for continued advocacy.

Similarly, Christina Makumi from the International Community of Women Living with HIV Kenya Chapter (ICWK) said, “SMART advocacy focuses on opportunities that have the highest potential for impact, which not only means being strategic but also targeting the right people in the right spaces.”

She also said, “Data-driven advocacy is a powerful tool that articulates real issues on the ground and generates targeted solutions that will work. This also creates a platform for evidence based decision making by policy makers.”

With the same breadth, Samuel Kibonge from Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) said, “Without a dedicated investment in research and development (R&D), Kenya’s health system may face severe setbacks that could take years to recover from.”

Kibonge believes that the CHReaD Coalition may help health practitioners across the country co-create and collaborate better in research and development.

Geoffrey Odhiambo, a SMART advocacy champion, seems to be in agreement because he claims that “The diversity of the CHReaD Coalition will enable the health sector to thrive amid challenges,” he stated.

Organizations within the CHReaD Coalition stand firm in their belief that strategic partnerships are the key to safeguarding Kenya’s health future. Yet, the real battle is just beginning within Kenya’s fragile health sector to survive the brutal blow of Trump-era funding cuts? With billions lost and critical research programs on the brink of collapse, the nation faces an urgent reckoning.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto appointed  Hon. Aden Duale to lead the Ministry of Health at a time when the sector seems to be gasping for air. Duale’s tenure began on 1^st April 2025, and he has praised the Social Health Authority (SHA) for its digitalization efforts but the question remains: does he have the silver bullet to rescue Kenya’s health system, or will his tenure mark yet another chapter of unfulfilled promises? The clock is ticking, and Kenya can no longer afford to gamble with its people’s health.

This week, 25 leading experts from civil society, research institutions, academia, and the private sector convened in Nakuru for a high-stakes SMART Advocacy Training led by the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD).

Samuel Makau, the CHReaDCoalition coordinator, said, ” The time for smart advocacy for Africa is now given the changing times.” Makau asserted, that civil society organizations should continue advocacy so long as they work together and co-create projects that are inclusive.

Additionally, Imali Ngusale, the Lead strategist from the African Center for Health, Climate and Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA) echoed the same sentiments, citing that Health non-profit organizations need to re-think out of the box and implement projects that focus on increasing domestic funding for research and development.

It is estimated that the United States of America has cut funding of approximately $60 billion in overall foreign aid, and a significant portion of this is from health programs in Africa. It is, therefore, likely that projects tackling diseases like malaria and AIDS and potentially disrupting HIV treatment and prevention programs. 

It is perhaps for this reason why Shirley Sabrina from WEMA Africa believes that SMART advocacy is a necessary tool for achieving health change objectives.” In her view, decision-makers must prioritize health and fund sustainable solutions for future generations.

While many health practitioners may not yet be fully acquainted with the principles of SMART Advocacy, Gloria Gatuuru of WACI Health believes it holds immense potential. She insists that there is a high possibility that health advocates and workers will benefit from it,  because it enables a deeper introspection on Africa’s health future.

Accordingly, Mwanaisha Aura from the Access to Medicines Platform (META Health) said,” Smart advocacy is about strategy, evidence, and targeted engagement with relevant stakeholders.” Aura believes that advocacy must be intentional, guided by data-driven strategies and engagement with key decision-makers to drive meaningful change.

As Africa faces shrinking health budgets, the path forward remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable, health advocacy is evolving, and those who embrace SMART strategies will captain the future of healthcare on the continent.

Speaking during the 3rd Annual Tobacco Taxation Conference in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the Tobacco Control Board, Naomi Shaban, said that there is renewed commitment to implement the Tobacco Control Act 2007.

“We are working closely with the civil society to ensure that we meet the goals of the Tobacco Control Act,” said Shaban. “We are going to regulate both traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products to protect our public health.”

She also stated that the Ministry of Health plans to raise taxes on tobacco products to curb consumption. Shaban also noted that higher prices would make tobacco products less accessible, thereby discouraging use.

However, it is not clear whether tobacco users will still, access the products

“We are collaborating with NACADA, the Tobacco Control Board, and the Ministry of Health to ensure all market products are registered and eliminate illicit ones,” said Naomi.

Dr. Andrew Toro, head of the Drug and Substance Abuse Control Division at the Ministry of Health, also highlighted the need to amend the Tobacco Control Act to address new products and enhance public awareness campaigns.

He stressed the ministry’s goal is to protect public health and ensure that no Kenyan suffers from tobacco-related diseases.

Kenya is ranked 7th in Africa among tobacco users. Notably tobacco farming is documented in 13 of the 47 counties of Kenya, with approximately 3.1 million consumers. Worse still,  2.5% of youth are directly targeted by the industry.

Celine Awour, the Chief Executive Officer of the International Institute of Legislative Affairs, also noted that low and unadjusted taxes make cigarettes affordable, particularly for children.

She called for stronger taxation on all tobacco products, including new ones like nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes, to curb usage among youth.

During the workshop, Samuel Makau, Coordinator of the Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD), emphasized the critical need for health experts in Kenya to understand the national budgeting process better to advocate more effectively for Research and Development (R&D).

“Health experts must learn about the budgeting process in Kenya to better advocate for research and development,” Makau stated, stressing the importance of aligning expertise with fiscal strategy.

Echoing this sentiment, Catriona Mumuli, the Advocacy, Policy, and Communications Associate, from the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) said, “This workshop is so timely because it will help research experts appreciate the advocacy process in Kenya.”

Mumuli also pointed out the shifting landscape in the country, adding, “It’s critical for Kenya to increase its budget for research and development as times are changing.”

Retrospectively, Maureen Awuor from AMREF underscored the need for a deeper understanding of how R&D budgets are structured, stressing that Kenya should aim to meet the goals outlined in the Abuja Declaration.

“Understanding the budget for research and development remains essential,” Awuor said, referring to the 2001 commitment by African nations to allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.

Despite optimism in Research and Development, Imali Ngusale, the Technical Lead from the African Center For Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA)  flagged concerns that highlighted potential risks that could impede health milestones if research is not considered as a priority. 

Ngusale said,” CHREAD’s focus on healthcare advocacy should prioritize budget allocations for the upcoming FY2025/26.”

Accordingly, Abraham Otieno from Bajetu Hub said that the budget process in Kenya is a cyclic process and the coalition’s inclusive approach needs to be intentional to shape the budget allocation process. 

The CHREAD coalition continues to fuel her new appetite for budget advocacy. The increase in Research and Development investments in Kenya will likely be because of the collective efforts and promises that will enhance accountability, ensure public participation, and create fiscal policies that truly serve the people.

In a recent discussion in Nairobi, experts drawn from a range of fields including Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Ministry of Health, World Health Organization officials, Civil Society Organizations representatives emphasized on the need for more resources on research.

Dr Emmanuel Tanui Deputy Director of Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry of Health and the National AMR Focal Point, says that the fight against this challenge has worsened due to limited diagnostic capacity in public hospitals in Kenya.

“Majority of our laboratories lack capacity to diagnose AMR, less than 20% of our labs have the capacity, so let’s strengthen the capacity of our labs and leverage on Information Technology like TikTok, Instagram, so that we can reach more people to advocate on AMR and leverage on existing structures,” said Dr Tanui.

AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to the medications typically used to treat infections. This resistance can lead to prolonged illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality.

“We must reduce the need for antibiotics, improve diagnostic tools, and enhance monitoring and evaluation frameworks,” he said.

The Economic Impact of AMR

The economic toll is severe with an advocacy call to leaders to recognize it as it may be one of the leading causes of death globally if nothing is not done.

“Dr. John Kariuki, an AMR survivor, shared his personal experience, revealing that he never imagined the impact AMR would have on his life. ‘I spent four months in the hospital, with my medical bill rising to Sh 4.5 million ($35,000),’ said Kariuki.

Kariuki advocates for One Health Approach that is basically integrating human, animal and environmental health in addressing AMR.

One Health approach is a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and the environment. It aims to improve health outcomes and prevent risks that arise at the intersection of these three domains

“AMR is invisible and humans are visible, advocacy does not know AMR, nobody is invisible as far as AMR is concerned, AMR does not discriminate, minor infections can lead to deaths, lets join hands in prevention,” added Dr Kariuki.

Both Dr Tanui and Dr Kariuki advocates for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices and enhanced surveillance systems and promotion of education on the dangers of antibiotic misuse.

“We need to strengthen diagnostic capacity and raise awareness among all stakeholders,” said Dr Tanui. “Infection Prevention Control (IPC) measures must be embraced, and the use of antibiotics in animals should be discouraged.”

The discussion convened partners from across the region to deliberate on matters AMR and endorse its regional and national position statements for the UN High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) on Antimicrobial Resistance AMR.

Imali Ngusale, Technical Lead at the African Centre for Health, Climate, and Gender Justice Alliance, addressed the link between climate change, AMR, and the poultry industry during the recent discussion. She pointed out that the recent floods had washed away essential products used to feed chickens, forcing farmers to explore alternative feeding options.

“We lack sufficient data to correlate with antibiotic use in poultry farming. This data is critical to determining whether antibiotics are necessary and understanding the potential consequences of their use,” Ngusale reiterated

She advocated for regenerative agriculture as a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic misuse in livestock farming. “Regenerative farming aims to ensure that beef and poultry farmers refrain from using antibiotics unless necessary and to fully understand the repercussions of such use,” she said.

In the discussion, experts urged the government to prioritize AMR in its health budget to address the lack of data and diagnostic capacity, which is hampering efforts to curb its spread.

What Are the Solutions?

Despite the challenges, some progress is being made. The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has allocated more funding to research on AMR, with increased support for grants and research initiatives. However, experts say more must be done to address the lack of diagnostic infrastructure and training in many laboratories across the country.

Dr Robert Onsare senior research scientist at KEMRI said that they have build a case to be able to increase funding that comes to KEMRI. “Research has increased for Research and Development, we have grants and various groups are applying for the funds to be able to do more research,” said Onsare.

Evaline Kibuchi emphasized that leveraging on existing structures since they are already established and the challenges cut across various diseases, she said that they will also help in minimizing the available resources.

“The use of the existing structures is a solution to minimize the resources needed for new interventions,” said Kibuchi.

Stakeholders also suggested using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to raise awareness among younger populations.

Why is This Urgent?

AMR has been a growing concern globally, and the issue will be highlighted at the United Nations General Assembly’s High-Level Meeting on September 26, 2024. The meeting will focus on the theme, “Investing in the present and securing our future together: Accelerating multi-sectoral global, regional, and national actions to address Antimicrobial Resistance.” Kenyan stakeholders including Imali Ngusale from the  African Center For Health, Climate & Gender Justice Alliance (ACHCGA), are ramping up local discussions ahead of this meeting to align with global efforts.

How Can Kenya Move Forward?

To tackle AMR effectively, stakeholders are calling for better data collection and sharing, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where accurate information is scarce. “In the Global North, data collection is more advanced. Kenya must adopt similar practices to better understand the economic and health impacts of AMR,” said Dr Tanui.

While civil society support and political commitment remain low, experts stress that political will is crucial for progress. “For any real change to happen, it must start with political willingness,” added Kibuchi.

As Kenya prepares for the UN General Assembly meeting, stakeholders hope that these discussions will lead to concrete actions to combat the growing threat of AMR.

“The research findings are compelling,” said Chiagozie Udeh, a representative from UNFPA Geneva, during the training. “They demonstrate a clear link between SRHR and climate change, with the specific intersectionality varying significantly across different countries. Climate change and SRHR are undeniably intertwined, with the specific challenges women face varying greatly depending on where they live.”

This “intersectionality,” as Udeh termed it, was further emphasized by Emmanuel Lekishon, one of the Directors of the Centre for Climate Action, who pointed to the plight of young girls and women in Narok County, Kenya.

“Girls and young women, particularly those from Narok County face unique challenges due to the interplay of climate change and gender inequality,” noted Lekishon while presenting the disproportionality of climate shocks.

Additionally, Dr. Samwel Wakibi a public health researcher and regional expert from the University of Nairobi highlighted that the recent climate shocks in Kenya have made it challenging for women to access reproductive health services.
Dr. Wakibi said that pre-existing gender norms coupled with unfavorable climate change further tilted the  socio-economic marginalization imbalances  while exacerbating gender inequalities.

Speaking on the same issue, Angela Baschiera said, “Women are disproportionately impacted by climate change. There is a rich body of resources that women have poorer access to resources that could help with the adaptation such as land title, irrigation, and financial assets.”

Currently, only 37% of 160 countries recognize that women and men have equal rights to own and control land. The most impacted population should be the cost involved in creating solutions.

The training further underscored the critical role of gender equality in achieving the vision of human-centered sustainable development outlined by the International Conference on Population and Development Programme of Action (ICPD PoA).

The training also identified specific “hotspots” within Kenya, areas most vulnerable to the combined threats of climate change and gender inequality. Armed with this knowledge, future efforts to adapt could be designed to ensure no woman or girl is left behind in the fight for a brighter tomorrow.