Tanaiste funding HIV Services Kenya
31/7/12The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, today announced €50,000 in funding for the Mater Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The hospital, which was opened by Irish Sisters of Mercy, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The funding will support the hospital’s programme to provide cardiac operations for disadvantaged children in Kenya and its HIV outreach programme in the slums of Nairobi.
Unveiling a plaque at the hospital to mark the anniversary the Tánaiste said:
“The Mater Hospital, which was opened by the Sisters of Mercy of Ireland 50 years ago, provides free quality healthcare to the poorest people in Kenya. This includes, heart surgery for children who otherwise would have little hope of living a full life and HIV services to people living in nearby slums.
Today I met the children who have benefited from these life-saving heart operations. I saw the work of Sr. Dr. Marian Dolan, who has worked tirelessly for many years so that disadvantaged children can receive this critical care. I am very pleased to announce funding of €25,000 which will fund cardiac operations for Kenyan children whose families cannot afford them.
The Mater Comprehensive Care Clinic provides HIV healthcare to over 3,000 patients in the Makuru slums of Nairobi. I had the humbling experience of visiting some of her patients in their homes and seeing how this programme assists them to live with dignity. Irish Aid has provided almost €53,000 to this programme over the past two years. I am pleased today to announce a further €25,000 for this programme.”