In a significant step towards advancing healthcare in Mombasa County and the coastal region, internationally renowned Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Public Health expert, Prof Marleen Temmerman, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH).
As the second largest public hospital in Kenya, with a capacity of 700 beds, CGTRH serves as the primary government health facility for the coastal region, forming the backbone of healthcare services in the area. The hospital aims to provide quality affordable healthcare and outreach services, training and research. The appointment of Prof Marleen is a crucial leap towards achieving these goals.
This decision highlights the county's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through able and inclusive leadership at the region’s most vital health institution. "We envision a Mombasa where the leadership takes a front role in ensuring that whoever we appoint has the capacity and ensuring that we have all-inclusivity. The new members were handpicked because of their capacity and level of diversity in religion, tribe, gender, and age to ensure that our workforce is at the top level," said His Excellency Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, Mombasa County Governor.
Prof Marleen brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated her career to improving women, adolescent and child healthcare, advancing health rights and equity, and strengthening healthcare systems in Africa and globally. She has been recognised for her extensive work in healthcare, and her appointment is expected to bring transformative leadership to CGTRH.
Belgian Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Peter Maddens, in an expression of appreciation for the governor’s decision, said: “I express my gratitude to the Mombasa governor for recognising the exceptional personality that Prof Marleen is, and the exceptional qualities that she will bring to the county of Mombasa and its administration.”
Prof Marleen is the Director of Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa, and the AKU-UNESCO Chair on Youth Leadership in Science, Health, Gender and Education. Mombasa County and Aga Khan University have a long-standing relationship that has benefited the community across various sectors, such as youth, gender, health, education, research, and training. This appointment opens new avenues for collaboration and future initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and increasing access to affordable services.
