AKU Medical College, East Africa

18/07/2025

Every child deserves safe care — from day one. Join us for the World Patient Safety Day Symposium 2025 on September 9–10 at Aga Khan University Centre, Nairobi. The Symposium will feature expert talks, panels, case-based learning, and parent-led discussions. Register here: https://forms.gle/ZNQfmLdkQcru37fG9

17/07/2025

Prof Sayed Karar, Department of Medicine, shares lessons from ACGME-I accreditation process. In 2020, AKU Medical College, East Africa became Africa’s first ACGME-I accredited institution.

The article shares the key challenges encountered and the strategies implemented during the accreditation process, offering practical insights for institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) pursuing similar goals.

This Viewpoint discusses implementing accreditation standards in low- and middle-income countries, specifically the first institution in Africa accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–International (ACGME-I).

16/07/2025

Where do you gain the strength to rebuild after losing a loved one? We dealt with the profound pain of losing a loved one and the journey through grief that follows. Through honest, deeply moving conversations, individuals shared how they navigated the emptiness, the memories, and the unanswered questions left behind after losing a loved one.

Whether it's through small daily rituals or the simple act of talking about their loved ones, these stories remind us that healing is not linear, and that even in the depths of loss, hope can slowly take root.

12/07/2025

Today, we hosted the Clinical Investigators Training Program (CITP) to nurture a new generation of skilled clinical researchers across East Africa. CITP is designed for clinicians, pharmacists, nurses, and research staff seeking practical, hands-on training aligned with global Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.

10/07/2025

Surviving severe pneumonia shouldn’t mean facing hunger. A new study by Prof Robert Opoka, our Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education, and his fellow authors highlights how gaps in nutrition support put children at risk of malnutrition after pneumonia and what health workers & caregivers can do to break this cycle.

Why does severe pneumonia lead to malnutrition?

✅Reduced appetite
✅Breathing difficulties
✅Persistent vomiting
✅Higher metabolic demands

Health workers combat malnutrition by:

✅Educating caregivers
✅Tailoring pneumonia management
✅Collaborating with nutritionists

But without clear guidelines, efforts are inconsistent. More structured strategies and support could improve outcomes.

The study concludes that more specific guidelines could further reinforce the beneficial practices of health workers managing children with severe pneumonia who are not severely malnourished and improve treatment outcomes. Read more here ➡️ https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-025-13014-y

10/07/2025

Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, Dean of the AKU Medical College, East Africa, met with Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Ministry of Health, this morning to discuss key issues surrounding mental health at the Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital. Collaborative efforts like these bring hope for better mental health outcomes for all.

09/07/2025

Disruption as a Way of Life: A diagnosis of cancer or kidney disease shatters routines & dreams in an instant — yet from fear & suffering emerge unexpected strength & resilience. Powerful personal stories remind us how the human spirit endures.

08/07/2025

All the best to Dr Angela Migowa and Dr Angela Koech as they defend their PhD theses in Health Sciences.

🧒🏿 Dr Migowa’s work focuses on improving early diagnosis and care for children with rheumatic diseases, aiming to strengthen paediatric rheumatology services in Kenya.

🤰🏿 Dr Koech’s research explores innovative ways to enhance maternal and newborn health, particularly in rural settings, through better access to diagnostic tools.

We celebrate their commitment to advancing healthcare systems and outcomes in Kenya and beyond.

03/07/2025

📢 We’re excited to announce Dr Anthony Ngugi’s confirmation as Associate Dean, Research at AKU Medical College, East Africa, effective July 1, 2025. As the Chair, Department of Population Health, Dr Ngugi brings a wealth of experience in advancing health research and research capacity building across the region. Congratulations Dr Ngugi.

02/07/2025

In this edition of Rebuilding After Loss, participants shared stories of drug addiction, relapse, job loss & identity crisis. Behind the struggles lie lessons on finding strength in vulnerability & hope in support.

30/06/2025

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to break the silence, challenge the “man up” stereotype, and encourage men to speak openly about mental health. Let’s end the stigma and support one another.

19/06/2025

Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy often face high healthcare costs, limited access to surgery and a shortage of trained professionals. This study by Prof Pauline Samia, Chair, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at AKU Medical College, East Africa and a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi explores an integrated approach to managing drug-resistant epilepsy in low-and middle income countries.

Key interventions for drug-resistant epilepsy includes:

✅ The use of rational polypharmacy with cost-effective anti-seizure medications.
✅Implementation of dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet.
✅Cost-effective pre-surgical evaluations.
✅Establishing standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols.
✅Expanding training programs for healthcare providers.

The study concludes that addressing these gaps is key to improving outcomes for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy and narrowing the epilepsy-care gap in patients and healthcare systems in low-and middle-income countries. Read more: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15357597251318562