Doctors performing a surgery during the camp at KNH. Photo/KNH.
Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
and its partners have successfully concluded specialised plastic and reconstructive
surgical camp.
The camp that started from August
20–26, was organised by KNH in collaboration with Ohana One
International Surgical Aid & Education, the University of Nairobi, and the
Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.
The mission brought together experts, including Dr David Kulber, President of Ohana One International Surgical Aid & Education
and a world-renowned plastic and hand surgeon; Prof Ferdinard Nang’ole,
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at KNH/UoN and a member of the
Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery; and Dr Kennedy
Ondede, Director, Surgical Services, KNH.
Others are Dr. Benjamin Wabwire, Head of
Specialised Surgery, KNH; Dr Pedro Santos, Plastic Surgeon from Mozambique; Dr
Peter Capetula from USA; Salim Hashim of Cedars-Sinai Hospital; and Cecilia
Ronoh and Peter Ronoh, Africa Field Coordinators with Ohana One, among others.
It focused on complex surgeries, including lymphedema and
lipedema reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repairs, correction of congenital
limb deformities, soft tissue tumour excision and reconstruction, brachial
plexus reconstruction, and post-burn scar release.
In total, 15 surgeries were performed, restoring both
function and dignity to patients with some of the most challenging conditions.
Speaking after the conclusion of the camp, Dr Joel Lessan, Senior Director, Clinical Services at KNH, said: “We have successfully
performed 15 surgeries, including lymphedema treatment, upper limb
reconstruction, and neurofibromatosis surgery. With support from Ohana One, who
also donated specialised surgical equipment, this initiative demonstrates the
power of collaboration while strengthening KNH’s capacity as the national
referral hospital and reaffirming our commitment to world-class healthcare.”
Beyond patient care, the camp emphasised knowledge
transfer, mentorship and hands-on training for local surgeons—ensuring
sustainability and long-term capacity building in reconstructive surgery.
The collaboration underscored the collective commitment to
scaling up access to specialised, high-quality surgical care in Kenya while
reaffirming KNH’s role as a leader in healthcare delivery, innovation and
training.