UoN, HSFC KE sign pact to enhance training, clinical care and research in human reproduction

From left: HSFC KE Director, Ms Sweata Shah, CHS Principal, Prof. James Machoki, HSFC Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist Dr. Alfred Murage, Prof. Omondi Ogutu, Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Mr. Joseph Waigwi, Registrar CHS pose for a photo with the signed collaborative agreement.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) College of Health Sciences (CHS) has signed a collaborative training and research agreement with Harley Street Fertility Centre Kenya Limited (HSFC KE).

The agreement will see the two organizations carry out training, clinical care, and research in human reproduction with emphasis on advanced assisted reproductive techniques at CHS, HSFC KE and affiliated fertility and andrology clinics.

The two institutions will also establish short certificate courses in applicable advanced assisted reproductive technologies to UoN faculty and students.

While signing the agreement, CHS Principal, Prof. James Machoki said the College of Health Sciences has faculty with necessary knowledge and skills in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques and that it is within its mandate to train students, conduct research and contribute towards policy frameworks in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques.

He hailed the collaboration saying it will enhance professional competencies of UoN staff, encourage and stimulate professional interaction and enrich professionalism by exchange of experiences, knowledge and information.

“This is a historic collaboration and I am happy to be part of it. This will put smiles on the faces of many couples that have not been able to have children,” Prof. Machoki noted.

On her part, HSFC KE Director, Ms Sweata Shah said she was looking forward to working with UoN team especially in the training of IVF specialists.

Dr. Alfred Murage, the Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist at HSFC KE said his team is endowed with resources and personnel with vast and most current knowledge and skills in IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques that will be of great benefit in the training of UoN faculty and students.

According to the signed agreement, the two institutions will initiate a series of mutually beneficial activities that may include but not limited to; Training activities in the form of demonstrations, coaching and lectures, attachment for UoN postgraduate students at HSFC KE and other affiliated Fertility centres, collaborative research in various aspects of Assisted Reproductive Techniques, and participation of HSFC KE consultants in mutually agreed upon mentorship and teaching activities at CHS.

HSFC KE is a private centre of excellence whose aim is to provide the latest technological advances in diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infertility.

Also present during the signing of the agreement were Prof. Omondi Ogutu, Chairman Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Mr. Joseph Waigwi, Registrar CHS.