Project Report
| Nov 1, 2021
Tipping Point Leans Our Way
By Ken Cornetta | Project Leader
![Hussein, Lindsay, Juli and Ken]()
Hussein, Lindsay, Juli and Ken
Jambo Everyone !
I wanted to share some exciting news. Our efforts in Kenya have been recognized by The John A. Hartford Foundation. The Foundation sought to hear about projects that are seeking to improve Palliative Care. They call it the Tiipping Point Challenge. We responded to their call for efforts aimed at reaching patients in need. They informed us earlier this Fall that we were one of the finalists - but we just learned that we are a Winner!
If you want to learn more about our efforts, and see a short video of the team members check out the link below.
While the recognition is great, we still have lots of work to do. I'm in Kenya now and will be here for the next few months. I'll have lots to tell you about in our next Quarterly report - but did not want to wait to provide the news from the Tipping Point Challenge.
It is through your generosity that we can work to improve access to Palliative Care. You too are part of the team and we want to share this recognition with all of our team members - so congratulations to you all !
Asane sana / Thank you so much
Ken
Links:
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Oct 4, 2021
Back in Kenya !!
By Ken Cornetta | Project Leader
![Roadside flower]()
Roadside flower
Jambo !
Writing to you from Eldoret. I’ve been here 2 weeks and it has been a very busy time. We are preparing for our first class of clinical officers who will partake in an 18 month palliative care training. The course will result in a Higher Diploma in Palliative Care and graduates will be recognized as specialists. It is the first of its kind in Kenya and we are excited to welcome the students. Individuals are still enrolling and we can’t wait to meet them all. It could not have been possible without the determination and hard work of Dr. Hussein Elias, Adjunct Assistant Lecturer at the Moi University School of Medicine.
The tuition for students is approximately $2,000 for the 18 month course. This can present a hardship to many who want to attend. We do have some funds to help with scholarships, but the number of students who have applied has been even more than we hoped. Any financial support you can provide would help us in our efforts to educate palliative care specialist in Western Kenya.
We have a number of other irons in the fire and look forward to updating you in the near future! Please stay tuned, stay safe and as always, thank you so much for your support.
Ken
PS – it’s the end of the rainy season here and the flowers are incredible.
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Jun 7, 2021
The Challenges of COVID19
By Ken Cornetta | Project Leader
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Palliative Care at AMPATH continues to play a critical role in alleviating pain and suffering in Western Kenya. Our Kenyan colleagues have been challenged even more by the presence of COVID. While those of us in North American were experiencing the virus surges in 2020, Africa was less affected. Unfortunately, the tables have turned in 2021. While many of us in the West are enjoying the warmer weather and see life starting to return to normal, much of Africa is being hit hard with COVID. Vaccine availability is very limited.
Support for our program has allowed our team in Kenya to train over 100 community health workers on palliative care and COVID19. This efort is led by Dr. Hussein Elias. Over 1000 home visits have resulted from this training, reaching those in rural Kenya who have little access to health care.
Other educational efforts are taking off as well. The national accrediation board for clinical officers has approved our program and student enrollment is open. We hope to obtain similar recognition for our nursing program this fall.
The need for palliative care is greater than ever, and any help is greatly appreciated and will further improve the lives of those in need.
Please stay safe and I again thank everyone for their support during this worldwide crisis.
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