The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama hands over personal protective kits to the School of Dental Sciences Dean Dr. Regina Mutave. Looking on are CHS Principal, Prof. James Machoki(L), Dr. Walter Odhiambo and Dr. Tom Dienya.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) School of Dental Sciences (SDS) received a donation of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic containment items on 23rd June, 2020.
The University Health Services (UHS) also benefited from the donation as it continues to offer services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation items were procured through a grant by the College of Health Sciences (CHS) Principal Prof. James Machoki. The grant is funded by the United States of America (USA) Government donor funds.
UoN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama also donated 1500 face masks to protect frontline health workers as they battle COVID-19, while Prof. Pankaj Jani gave face shields courtesy of Operating Theatre Practitioners Association of Kenya (OTPAK).
The donation included 4,200 disposable face masks, 250 KN95 masks, 2 infrared thermometers, 100 pairs of sterile gloves, 5,500 pairs of Latex Examination Gloves, 40 pieces of complete PPE,139 pieces of UNISAN Gel Hand Sanitizer (500Mls), 50 pieces of UNISURF Surface Cleaner (1 litre), 30 pieces of UNISURF Surface Cleaner (5 litres) and 195 face shields.
The Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy were funded through the USA Government donor funds to prepare gel hand sanitizer and surface cleaner. Dr. Shital Maru, who is the Chair of that department has already applied for Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) certification and registration to enable CHS to commercialize the products. Currently the Department is the only manufacturer of gel hand sanitizer and surface cleaner, which are the latest inclusion in the kit for COVID-19pandemic transmission containment.
The donation was a major boost to the school as it continues to come up with measures to gradual opening since it was closed following the outbreak of COVID-19.
The handover ceremony was graced by UoN Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama.
In his address, Prof. Machoki noted that CHS staff and students have been leading in the fight against COVID-19 since the first case was reported in Kenya and urged them keep on with the fight until when the disease will be defeated.
“I am happy to see we are pulling together as a college and working as a team during this time of the pandemic,” Prof. Machoki said.
He lauded the efforts by Dr. Shital Maru in manufacturing the hand sanitizers and surface cleaners saying it was a right step in the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
On his part, the VC lauded CHS staff for their tireless efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic saying that people expect solutions from the University of Nairobi.
“This college has been involved in treating and providing hope during this hard time. Being good means caring for one another, that is students, staff and the community. Remain as a community as we go through the COVID-19 pandemic. We will succeed all of us together,” Prof. Kiama said.
Present during the event were Deputy Principal CHS, Prof. Evelyn Wagaiyu, Deans and Directors of the schools and institutes at CHS, and the Chairs of Departments.
SDS received 60% of the supplies, UHS got 30%, other academic and administrative units in CHS received 10% while Central Administration got some masks, hand sanitizers and surface cleaners.
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