Celebrating decades of world-class health, education and research ties with Kenya

Azim Lakhani, Diplomatic representative of AKDN in Kenya, writes that the Aga Khan University (AKU) is the only private international institution in Kenya that trains doctors and nurses in post-graduate specialties. Late last year, AKU established a Clinical Research Unit, under its Cancer Centre, to conduct clinical trials specifically for African populations, and to enhance Africa’s involvement in cancer research. This means locally relevant treatments will be available for cancer patients. AKU’s Brain and Mind Institute, which is being pioneered in Kenya, is another initiative that has been created in response to the urgent need to address mental health and wellbeing issues. It is aimed at building capacity in the domains of mental health and neurosciences and will be a hub for scholarship, exchange and action in these issues, and will also introduce educational, clinical and community-based programmes.