AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT

Co-located with:

The Africa Business Summit is the groundbreaking conference and exhibition that brings together the key decision makers to define the future of business innovation, strategic leadership and the transformation of Africa, as we approach 2030 and beyond.

The program at the 3-day Summit will comprise of high-level keynote speeches and panel discussions plus sponsored industry and country-focused sessions. It will also feature fireside chats with influential people and change makers who are making waves – and inspiring the next generation of leaders in Africa www.africabusinesssummit.biz

EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW: DR. JOAN RUGURU KIMANI

Medical Intern and winner of Top 35 Under 35 Youth of the Year Award in Health Services

COUNTRY FOCUS: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Middle Eastern country leverages a robust economy and reliable healthcare systems for a thriving medical tourism industry

NGO FOCUS : FIND 44

Taking the fight against cervical cancer to its doorstep

62 the rising burden of CKD in Africa

A HAPPY BREAK-UP!

3 dimensional dummy, 27-hour surgery, multidisciplinary medical team and an army of healthcare professionals!

Presenting from Cameroon when they were 9 months old, the conjoined twins, Elizabeth and Mary, were discharged after they got healthy again following 7-month treatment in Turkey!

Being born in July of last year in Cameroon, the Siamese twins Elizabeth and Mary were joined at the hip. They had shared numerous aspects of the body system along with physical body parts. Ranging from the spinal cord and a part of the spine to the urinary tract, digestive tract, urogenital systems and neurovascular structure… Following a tremendously comprehensive search, the conjoined twins were brought to Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital from Cameroon when they were 9 months old. Physicians of numerous departments, an army of healthcare professionals, and numerous diagnoses made in 7 months and finally the surgery and postoperative treatment; now, these cute twins are living as two physically independent babies. The separation surgery that lasted for 27 hours was successful. Now, they are 16 months old and they are happy to have their own bodies before they are discharged.

Caroline and Richard Akwe, a couple married for 3 years living in Cameroon, were unbelievably eager to hug their twins. Caroline Akwe, 26, had pregnancy supervision visits regularly and everything was seemingly alright. When the calendar hit July 6th, 2020, the twins were given birth with Caesarean section on term, but with a much unexpected surprise! Twins were joined at their hips... When the mother completely recovered from anesthesia, nurses were not pretty willing to meet the twins with their mother. They were experiencing hard times to answer the mother’s questions where words fail, only their eyes could not be hiding how confused they were. Feeling grateful that their babies were alive, the young parents were still standing sturdy.

I Had Difficulty In Breastfeeding As They Were Conjoined

28 years old father Richard Akwe says “Believing that they were getting hurt, as they could not be moving comfortable, we were terribly upset. Besides, we were feeling very sorry for their cry while my wife was trying to nurse them one by one when they were hungry, but they were our gifts and we, therefore, devoted ourselves for their best care”, while the mom Caroline Akwe adds “I nursed my conjoined babies for one year despite all challenges. We had never given up our hope that they would be separated in a healthy manner. And our dream has come true through extraordinary efforts and success of Turkish doctors”.

MOBILIZATION WAS ORDERED!

Physicians of numerous departments, ranging from urology and intensive care unit to radiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation and cardiovascular surgery, and an army of healthcare professionals have campaigned under supervision of Professor of Pediatric Surgery Burak Tander, Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery Memet Özek, Professor of Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Hakan Ağır, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Serpil Ustalar and Professor of Pediatric Intensive Care Agop Çıtak – all from Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital – to separate the conjoined twins. The multidisciplinary treatment has lasted for 7 months.

LEFT THE OPERATING THEATER WITH THEIR OWN BODIES FOLLOWING 27-HOUR SURGERY!

The twins had opened eyes to the morning of a very big and critical day, when the calendar hit August 12th, 2021. They were placed on the surgical table to separate their fused bodies. Starting at 08:00 a.m., the surgery has lasted for 27 hours. After such a critical surgery was successfully completed, Elizabeth and Mary were, for the first time in their life, lying on different beds at the intensive care unit on August 13th, 2021. They woke up into a totally new life! They had a conjoined 1st year birthday, but they were reborn when they were 13 months old! Since they were fused at their hips, they had never seen the face of each other. It was not a surprise to see them how confused with their separated bodies, but they gradually started enjoying the comfort of having an own body; their happiness was reflected by their shiny eyes and kittlish body language, as they need some time to express verbally what they actually feel.

THEY LOOKED FOR EACH OTHER AFTER BEING SEPARATED

Falling short of words to express the happiness they felt when they say their babies separated following a long and critical surgery and stating that they felt like at home in Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, where they found the remedy they were desperately seeking for, the Akwes say “Seeing them moving freely in their beds in their own rooms, we were sitting on the top of the world. Since Elizabeth and Mary had been conjoined for 13 months, they were constantly crying while looking for each other. Following their stay at the intensive care unit, Elizabeth has constantly kept her tiny hands on Mary till the morning of the evening that she has re-united Mary for the first time. We owe this unbelievable happiness to the confidence instilled by physicians, nurses, management and all other personnel, who were extremely proficient, and their warm behaviors that had also boosted our mood. Words actually fail to express our happiness. Many citizens are waiting impatiently to hear from and see us in our home country and it is exceptionally pleasing to fly back with a happy ending into a new and a healthy beginning.”

WHAT DID THEY DO? HOW DID THEY FEEL?

The road to this ‘most lovely separation’ was paved by rigorous and careful efforts of numerous physicians from many departments, ranging from pediatric neurosurgery to plastic surgery, pediatric surgery, radiology, urology, anesthesiology, cardiovascular surgery and intensive care team, and a gigantic army of healthcare professionals.

Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Memet Özek says “We, the neurosurgery team, started the separation surgery. Since they shared the spinal cord, myelomeningocele, spinal membranes and sacrococcygeal bone, we separated such structures and thus, completed the surgical procedures that are related to our specialty. Even positioning the patient on the surgical table is a detail. Here, we have two fused children and the ideal position of one child is the one that complicates surgery of the other one very substantially! Due to the fusion, we had performed the surgery in a very extraordinary position, may be for the first time in our life, because you cannot position the conjoined twins on the surgical table as you wish and even this fact makes the surgery very distinctive and complex.

We are so happy to perform this surgery successfully. But it is also important not to ignore efforts of pediatric physiotherapy team. The team visited them three times a day and thus, these children are recovered regarding movement and gait”, while Professor of Pediatric Surgery Burak Tander adds: “The spinal cord, urinary tracts, rectum and some blood vessels were shared. The rectum was opening to a joint anus. The muscle complex that was regulating the defecation was also conjoined and it was one of the most significant challenges. Colostomy was performed to divide it into two parts. One of the twins did not have a vagina, while other’s vagina was also problematic. A pouch was created during the surgery to construct a vagina in the future. None of them had any uterus or it was extremely underdeveloped. Their digestive and urinary systems, genital system and neurovascular systems were joined. All members of the team reviewed the three-dimensional dummy, which was ordered to perform a flawless separation surgery. Mary was the first to leave the operating theater followed by Elizabeth. It was an incredibly emotional moment for the team, when they saw each other for the first time.”

Professor of Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Hakan Ağır

“We carried out procedures to liberate skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscles before the separation surgery of the conjoined twins. We placed tissue expanders in the first phase of the separation surgery at body parts, where the conjoined twins would be separated. It was a preparatory process and the first phase. In the second phase, we had undertaken the role of closing the areas operated on by pediatric surgery and pediatric neurosurgery teams. We also acted as a team to overcome postoperative wound healing problems with general intensive care and infectious diseases teams and with a maximized the

nursing care”.

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology Serpil Ustalar

Özgen adds: “Our role, as the anesthesiology team, was to have these babies sleep safely throughout the surgery to help our surgeons work comfortable and to recover them again safely. We prepared all equipment in two colors to avoid confusion between two babies before we started the surgery; the team was divided into the ‘Elizabeth team’ and the ‘Mary team’. In fact, 27 hours have elapsed somewhat within an hour for us, because everybody has used all technological means, proceeded very professionally and strongly focused on its role. The babies are, now, very well and they are growing very quickly. I am so happy to be a member of the team that has successfully separated them; it is worthless to see the babies so healthy in their own bodies and singing songs and dancing on their own way.”

Professor of Pediatric Intensive Care Agop Çıtak summarized the intensive care period as follows: “The surgical separation of the twins is a long, complicated and challenging work. This aspect of the surgery dictated adaptation of postoperative care, monitoring and treatment of the babies at the pediatric intensive care unit accordingly. Potential problems were predicted in advance and all preparations were based on such estimations, including rooms, beds, the nurses who would take care of them, medications, blood products and devices. When they were postoperatively admitted to the intensive care unit, all vital signs of twins were closely monitored. A long surgery may pose a risk of infection and we, therefore, focused our attention very strictly on infection. We had maintained proper communication with the surgical team. They were recovered from sedation and weaned from the respiratory device, as there was no problem in their vital signs. After the twins were monitored at pediatric intensive care unit for further couple of days, they were discharged to their room at the inpatient clinic”

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HealthCare

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Year 2 | Issue3 | No.6

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Francis Juma

SENIOR EDITOR

Benjamin Opuko

EDITORS

Lorraine A. Wangui | Jackie Mbithe |

Peter Ngige

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Virginia Nyoro

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Elly Okutoyi

HEAD OF DESIGN

Clare Ngode

DESIGN

Yvonne Njambi

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Newton Lemein

ACCOUNTS

Jonah Sambai

PUBLISHED

BY:

FW Africa

P.O. Box 1874-00621, Nairobi Kenya

Tel: +254 20 8155022, +254725 343932

Email: info@fwafrica.net

Company Website: www.fwafrica.net

In the latest edition of Healthcare Middle East and Africa (HCMEA) magazine, we explore the remarkable advancements, challenges, and progress in the healthcare sector across Africa and the Middle East. From Kenya to the United Arab Emirates, from innovative hospitals to groundbreaking startups, this issue showcases the transformative power of a customer-centered approach, cuttingedge technologies, and collaborative efforts.

One of the highlights of this edition is AAR Hospital, which has revolutionized patient care in Kenya by prioritizing dignity, care, and holistic wellness. With a patient-centered philosophy and a commitment to innovation, AAR Hospital, under the leadership of CEO Dr. Ken Muma, has set new benchmarks for excellence in healthcare.

We also delve into the fight against cervical cancer with FIND, a global force dedicated to creating affordable and accessible diagnostic tools. Through collaborations and partnerships, FIND ensures the availability of diagnostic tests for poverty-related diseases, particularly focusing on high-performance HPV testing to combat cervical cancer.

In an exclusive interview, Samuel Okwuada, CEO of Remedial Health, shares his vision for digitizing the pharmaceutical supply chain in Africa. This YC-backed startup aims to bridge critical gaps in healthcare delivery using technology and evidence-based data, making a meaningful impact on communities.

Additionally, we focus on the United Arab Emirates, a country leveraging its robust GDP and thriving medical tourism to build reliable healthcare systems. The UAE has emerged as a dynamic federation, with a strong emphasis on collaboration among its seven emirates to create a prosperous nation.

Lastly, we shed light on the rising burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Africa, unmasking the silent pandemic. With a focus on prevention, improved kidney care, and policy recommendations, HCMEA highlights effective management strategies to alleviate the burden of this disease.

HealthCare Africa (ISSN 2307-3535) is published 6 times a year by FW Africa. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission from the editor is prohibited. All information is published in good faith. While care is taken to prevent inaccuracies, the publishers accept no liability for any errors or omissions or for the consequences of any action taken on the basis of information published.

The magazine features Dr. Joan Ruguru Kimani, a remarkable young medic intern at the Karen Hospital in Kenya, who has made headlines for her exceptional work in child health and parenting. Dr. Kimani's Exciting Parenting blog has had a significant impact on first-time parents, earning her recognition as one of Forbes Africa's top 30 under 30 individuals.

The HCMEA Issue 6 Magazine provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Africa and the Middle East, showcasing innovative approaches, challenges, and remarkable progress in the pursuit of better healthcare for all. Join us as we explore the inspiring stories, game-changing initiatives, and transformative visions that are shaping the future of healthcare in these regions.

Benjamin Opuko

Senior Editor - HCMEA, FW Africa

FDA approves world’s first RSV vaccine, starting next blockbuster vaccine race

USA — GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for adults aged 60 and older.

GSK is the first company to gain regulatory approval globally for an RSV vaccine, putting them ahead of Pfizer and Moderna in the race to develop a vaccine for the virus. The approval is a significant milestone for GSK in its efforts to reduce the burden of RSV.

The company plans to ensure quick access to the vaccine for eligible older adults in the U.S. and is working towards regulatory approval in other countries.

GSK's vaccine is also close to gaining approval in the European Union.

RSV can cause severe illness in older adults and young children, and GSK's vaccine has shown to be 94% effective in preventing severe disease in seniors. Other companies, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Bavarian Nordic, are also in the final stages of developing RSV vaccines for older adults. The approval of an RSV vaccine offers hope in the fight against the virus, which has had a significant impact on public health.

Oxford University researchers unveil revolutionary blood test with potential to detect over 50 types of cancer

UNITED KINGDOM — A groundbreaking study conducted by Oxford University researchers has unveiled the Galleri test, a promising blood test with the potential to detect over 50 types of cancer.

In a trial involving 5,000 individuals, the Galleri test demonstrated remarkable accuracy in identifying two-thirds of cancers and was able to pinpoint the location of origin in 85% of positive cases. This innovative diagnostic tool detects specific alterations in genetic material released by various types of cancer, offering the potential for early detection of treatable forms of the disease. While further development is needed, the Galleri test could revolutionize early detection efforts and alleviate the burden on patients by providing timely information.

The NHS in England has already started using the test in thousands of asymptomatic individuals, and initial results are anticipated next year. If successful, the NHS plans to expand implementation to an additional one million people. The Galleri test has the potential to detect elusive cancers and enable early intervention, ultimately saving lives and improving patient outcomes.

World Health Organization unveils global strategy on digital health to achieve ‘Triple Billion’ targets

SWITZERLAND — The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented its global strategy on digital health for the years 2020 to 2025, focusing on advancing universal health coverage, health emergency response, and healthier populations.

The strategy aims to accelerate the development and adoption of personcentric digital health solutions that are accessible, affordable, scalable, and sustainable. It emphasizes factors such as accessibility, efficiency, affordability, patient privacy, and data security.

The strategy calls for investment in governance, workforce training, planning, and management to bring about improvements in health outcomes. While there have been criticisms regarding the rollout of the strategy, many member states have recognized the importance of digital health and increased their investments in this area.

The WHO is working to empower member states with the necessary capacity, guidance, and tools for digital transformation. However, there is a collective call for stronger leadership, alignment of standards, and transparent reporting of progress to fully unlock the benefits of digital health. With concerted efforts and collaboration, digital health has the potential to transform healthcare delivery worldwide.

Sun Pharma to acquire controlling stake in Taro, appoints new Directors

INDIA — Indian pharmaceutical company Sun Pharma has announced its plan to acquire a controlling stake in Taro Pharmaceutical Industries, an Israeli research-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, in a buyout deal worth US$300 million.

Sun Pharma already owns a 78.5% stake in Taro and plans to buy out the remaining shares, adding an additional 21.5% to its ownership. The transaction is valued at US$38 per ordinary share and will make Taro a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sun Pharma, leading to its delisting from the New York Stock Exchange.

The acquisition will allow Sun Pharma to benefit from Taro's expertise in dermatology, pediatrics, specialty

Hospitals

and generic pharmaceuticals, and overthe-counter products. Sun Pharma will establish a wholly-owned subsidiary or special-purpose entity for the merger agreement with Taro.

The deal comes after Sun Pharma reported a 29.6% increase in fourthquarter profit, driven by strong growth in its specialty portfolio. Additionally, Sun Pharma has entered into a licensing agreement with Philogen to commercialize Nidlegy, an anti-cancer biopharmaceutical, across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. This partnership will further strengthen Sun Pharma's presence in the oncodermatology space and support its goal of providing solutions for a wide range of skin cancers.

President Buhari inaugurates US$45 million hospital to provide healthcare services for VIPs

NIGERIA — President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated the state-ofthe-art presidential wing of the State House Medical Center in Abuja, Nigeria. The US$45 million healthcare facility aims to reduce the need for state officials and VIPs to travel abroad for medical services. Located within the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Presidential Wing will operate alongside the existing State House Medical Centre in Asokoro, providing accessible and well-equipped healthcare services.

The facility includes a specialized Intensive Care Centre, a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab), and two operating rooms for regular and special procedures. The project was completed on schedule and within budget. Other completed legacy projects at the State House include a Special Care Centre, a Biosafety Level 2 Molecular Laboratory, and a dental wing extension building.

Nigerians have traditionally spent significant amounts on healthcare expenses abroad due to a lack of confidence in the quality of the healthcare system at home. The establishment of high-tech medical facilities like the Presidential Wing aims to address this issue and discourage Nigerian elites from seeking treatment abroad. Providing quality healthcare delivery and infrastructure in the country can restore citizens' confidence in the health sector and potentially attract highly skilled Nigerians living abroad to return home.

EGYPT —Egypt's largest chain of outpatient care, Dawi Clinics, has secured an investment of $8 million (250 Egyptian pounds) in a funding round led by Al Ahly Capital Holding (ACH).

The round also saw additional investments from the EgyptianAmerican Enterprise Fund (EAEF) and existing investors of Dawi. The funding will enable Dawi to accelerate the expansion of its chain of clinics in Egypt by opening 30 new branches. The company aims to improve healthcare in Egypt by providing coordinated family care services through highly-skilled doctors across multiple specialties. The investment comes as a testament to the value of the Egyptian market despite ongoing economic challenges. Dawi Clinics' unique operating model focuses on standardizing clinical guidelines and procedures, using computerized medical records, and employing full-time salaried doctors to ensure quality control. The company operates 20 branches across 10 governorates and served around 100,000 patients in 2022.

The funding will be used to further develop Dawi's medical technology platform, which includes a cloudbased electronic record system, remote communication with patients, loyalty programs, and integrated healthcare services. Al Ahly Capital Holding plans to enhance healthcare provision and standardize services across the country through its own healthcare platform.