Healthcare receives boost as more than 500 Amref Health Africa graduates join sector

31st graduation is the last for Amref International Training Centre as it marks its transition to Amref International University.

Kenya’s and Africa’s healthcare sector is today set to benefit from the fresh entry of 560 healthcare professionals with diplomas and certificates in community health, nursing, midwifery and other fields.

The professionals graduated from Amref International Training Centre in an elaborate graduation ceremony that drew the attendance of the Education, Science and Technology Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, who was the Guest of Honour at the event.

This was the institution’s 31st graduation ceremony and its last as Amref International Training Centre. It will now transition into Amref International University after receiving the letter of Interim Authority from the Ministry of Education on August 1st 2017 upon the recommendation of the Commission of University Education.

Dr. Matiang’i commended Amref Health Africa for this transition, noting that he was confident that Amref would continue transforming the training of health workers in Kenya and the African continent as a whole.

Dr Fred Matiang`i hands over the letter of Interim Authority to Dr Githinji Gitahi during the graduation ceremony today

The Education Cabinet Secretary also congratulated the 560 professionals who graduated.

“There is no doubt that these health professionals have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively play their role in the health sector of this country,” said Dr. Matiang’i.

Africa has a shortfall of more than 1.2 million health workers, underlining the need to expand training in the continent.  Amref Health Africa has been at the forefront in bridging the health worker gap through training, including mobile and e-Learning.

Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of Amref Health Africa, noted that the transition from a mid-level college to a university would play a crucial role in arming Africa’s healthcare workforce with additional skills and knowledge to help its people.

“Many of our diploma graduates will now be able to enroll at Amref International University to upgrade their qualification to degree and masters level. This will have a transformative impact on Kenya’s and Africa’s health system, which still grapples with workforce deficits,” noted Dr. Gitahi.