Pediatricians in Kenya

PEDIATRICIANS IN KENYA

Pediatrics is a medical specialty that focuses on the healthcare of infants, children, and adolescents. In Kenya, pediatricians play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of the country’s youngest citizens. They are responsible for diagnosing and treating a wide range of health issues, from common childhood illnesses to chronic conditions.

The Importance of Pediatrics in Kenya

In Kenya, pediatric healthcare is essential, as children make up a significant portion of the population. The country is home to over 47 million people, with approximately 47% of them being under the age of 18. As children are at a higher risk of developing illnesses and health problems, it is crucial that they receive the proper medical care to ensure their growth and development.

The role of pediatricians in Kenya is to provide comprehensive care for children. This includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and treating illnesses and injuries. Pediatricians also provide education and advice to parents on topics such as nutrition, safety, and behavior. In addition, they work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and therapists, to provide a well-rounded approach to pediatric care.

Who is Pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical practitioner specializing in children and their diseases. Below is a list of Paediatricians in Kenya

LIST OF PEDIATRICIANS IN KENYA

Dr. Thomas Ngwiri
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Head Clinician at Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital
34 Muthaiga RD, Nairobi
Tel: 020 720 6000 | 0730645000
Email: info@gerties.org

Dr. Moses Lango
Paediatrician / Neonatologist
The Nairobi Hospital Doctors Plaza
3rd Floor, Suite 307
Tel: 0708-236967, 0706-612699
Email: drmoseslango@gmail.com

Dr. John Kalama Fondo
Nyali Childrens Hospital
P.O.Box 10203-80101 Mombasa

Dr Lawrence Owino okong’o
Paediatric Rheumatologist
Lecturer, Dept of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi.
P.O. Box 154-00202, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel. 0711130227/ 0724872591
Email: owino-okongo@uonbi.ac.ke

Dr. Isaac Tsikhutsu
Pediatric Critical Care Specialist,
Kericho Country Referral Hospital
Tel: 052-54026/54260, 31117

Dr. David Githanga
Pediatrician/cardiologist
Doctors’ Plaza, Nairobi Hospital, Room 302.
P.o. Box 19601-00202.
Tel: 020-2846328, 020-2711469
Tel: 0722-524359
Email: Davidgithanga@gmail.com

Dr. Rosemarie Lopokoyit
currently serves as the National Secretary to the Kenya Paediatric Association

Dr. C. A. Yuko Jowi
Paediatrician Cardiologist.
Hurlingham Heart Clinic.
5th Avenue House, 2nd Floor, Suite No. 4, 5th Avenue Road Off Ngong Rd. P.o. Box 19624-00202 Tel: 020-2710062/2726506 Cell: 0722200512, 0733417917

Dr. Naomi Gachara
Paediatrician/cardiologist
2nd Floor, Doc Plaza,
Argwings Kodhek Rd, Nairobi
P.o. Box 52244-00200 Nairobi.
Cell: 0732593078

Dr. John Wachira Mwangi
P.O.Box 7700-00100 Nairobi
Email: jwachiram@yahoo.com

Dr. Gacheri Nelly Mutua
Paediatrician/neonatologist.
Nairobi Hospital, Doctors’ Plaza,
Argwings Kodhek Rd., 3rd Floor, Room 303.
P.o. Box 15001-00100 Nairobi. Tel: 020-3513184
Cell: 0722787186, 0734571430

Dr. Charles R. Opondo
Corner House, Mezz 3, Kimathi Street.
P.o. Box 57097-00200 Nairobi.
Tel: 020-2224225

Prof Were Fredrick
Upper Hill Medical Centre, Floor 1, Ralph Bunche Road
PO Box 20956, 00202, Nairobi
Telephone; 254202714877/2712748Cell;254722718770 or 254733708770
Emails; frednwere@gmail.com

Dr. Arianna Shirk
Pediatric Emergency Medicine,
AIC Kijabe Hospital, Kenya
P.O. Box 20, Kijabe 00220, Kenya
Tel: 0709-728-200

Dr. Mary Slessor Limbe
Aga Khan University Hospital,
Doctors Plaza, 3rd Floor, Suite 326-327.
P.o. Box 19410-00202 Nairobi.
Tel: 020-3662701

Dr. Charles M. Wanyoike
Consultant Paediatrician. Studio House, Hurlingham.
P.o. Box 58418-00200 Nairobi.
Tel: 020-2726632.
Cell: 0722522758.

Dr. Beth Maina
Head of Paediatrics at the Pumwani Hospital

Dr. Christine Muasya
Menelik Medical Centre, Menelik Rd., Off Ngong Rd.
Cell: 0722527864 Office No.’s: 020-3872502, 0724053362
P.o. Box 19342-00202 Knh, Nairobi.

Prof Grace W. Irimu
Associate Professor University of Nairobi
P.O. BOX 41220-00100 Nairobi,Kenya
Mobile:+254 722 564600
E-mail:grace.irimu@uonbi.ac.ke
Girimu2014@gmail.com

 


Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. A medical doctor who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician or pediatrician.

Education requirements

Aspiring medical students will need 4 years of undergraduate courses at a college or university, which will get them a BS, BA, MBBS, or other bachelor’s degree. After completing college future pediatricians will need to attend 4 years of medical school and later do 3 more years of residency training, the first year of which is called “internship.” After completing the 3 years of residency, physicians are eligible to become certified in pediatrics by passing a rigorous test that deals with medical conditions related to young children.

What conditions do pediatricians treat?
They treat babies, children, and teenagers with:

  • cancer
  • genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome
  • disabilities such as cerebral palsy
  • developmental delays
  • chronic diseases such as diabetes
  • infectious diseases such as meningitis
  • asthma and allergies
  • autism spectrum disorders

The Challenges Facing Pediatrics in Kenya

Despite the importance of pediatric care in Kenya, the field faces numerous challenges. One of the biggest challenges is access to healthcare. Many families in Kenya struggle to access medical services due to the high cost of healthcare, which is often unaffordable. This can result in children not receiving the medical attention they need, leading to the progression of illnesses and health problems.

Another challenge facing pediatric care in Kenya is a shortage of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians. This shortage can result in long wait times for appointments and a lack of access to specialized care. In addition, many pediatricians in Kenya work in urban areas, leaving rural communities with limited access to pediatric care.

To address these challenges, the government and private sector are working to improve access to pediatric healthcare in Kenya. For example, many hospitals and clinics now offer affordable health insurance, which makes medical services more accessible to families. In addition, telemedicine is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya, allowing families in remote areas to receive medical consultations from healthcare professionals.

The Benefits of Pediatrics in Kenya

Pediatrics in Kenya provides numerous benefits for children and families. One of the most significant benefits is the early detection and treatment of illnesses and health problems. By receiving regular check-ups and treatments, children can receive the care they need to stay healthy and develop properly.

Pediatrics also provides education and advice to families on important topics such as nutrition, safety, and behavior. This information can help families make informed decisions about their children’s health and well-being, leading to better outcomes.

In addition, pediatric care in Kenya provides a comprehensive approach to healthcare. Pediatricians work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and therapists, to provide a well-rounded approach to pediatric care. This ensures that children receive the best possible care, with all aspects of their health and development are taken into consideration.

Conclusion

Pediatricians play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of children in Kenya. By providing comprehensive care, education, and advice, pediatricians are making a positive impact on the lives of children and families. Despite the challenges facing the field, the government and private sector are working to improve access to pediatric care, making it more accessible and affordable for families in Kenya.


References
  • Dallas, John. “Classics of Child Care”. Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.