The President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta has conferred state recognition to three faculty from Aga Khan University's Medical College, East Africa. Professor Lukoye Atwoli, Dr Jeilan Mohamed and Dr Bashir Admani have been awarded title of the 'Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear' – one of the highest national honours in Kenya.
In a gazette notice dated July 8, 2022, President Kenyatta said the listed individuals had been conferred the awards and honours in recognition of their distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
Prof Atwoli, Dean at the Medical College, East Africa, AKU was recognised for his exemplary contribution in mental health. He leads and participates in mental health research and is a member of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys Consortium, the leading collaborative project in psychiatric epidemiology globally.
“It is a great honour to receive this recognition from the Head of State for the work we are doing for the benefit of our country and humanity at large. At the Medical College, East Africa, we are committed to having a positive impact in our communities through the provision of quality services that are relevant and accessible to those in need. This award, for me and my colleagues, is evidence of this impact, and we are grateful to the President and colleagues at the Ministry of Health for recognizing our contribution," he said.
Serving as an Assistant Professor in Cardiology in the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Jeilan Mohamed has been instrumental in the development of interventional cardiology in Kenya with introduction of new techniques and treatment performed through minimally invasive procedures.
“Over the last 10 years, I have helped develop the skills of experienced cardiologists in newer techniques locally and across Africa and overseen the introduction of the first cardiac centers in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. My biggest passion is capacity building to improve access to heart attack management across the country," he said.
Dr Bashir Admani, Faculty, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health was recognised for his work in paediatrics in the country where he helped set up and run the paediatric nephrology programme under the auspices of the East African Kidney Institute, the only one in sub Saharan Africa.
“I have trained a lot of doctors and paediatricians in acute peritoneal dialysis for children with acute kidney failure to ensure that no life is lost due to this condition in most rural settings in the country. In addition, I represent Africa on the council of International Paediatric Nephrology Association, the first Kenyan to do so. I feel this award will motivate me into further service to the nation and improve the health of young ones in our community."
Other AKU recipients include Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director, Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health who was awarded in 2020 for her investment in health and education in Kenya.
The Order of the Burning Spear is conferred to distinguished members of government, academia and other professionals in recognition of the efforts they make to serve their country.
