Children’s Neurodevelopment Centre at MTRH Slated to Provide Care and Education
Today, AMPATH Kenya partners and local parents celebrate the groundbreaking of the MTRH Wezesha Watoto Children’s Neurodevelopment Centre—a first-of-its-kind center designed to provide comprehensive care, education and support for children with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families.
Located within the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) campus, the centre will serve as a one-stop centre for children with autism, cerebral palsy, attention and learning challenges and other neurodevelopmental concerns. Services will include early screening and diagnosis, speech and occupational therapy, behavioral and educational support, caregiver and teacher training and family counseling.
“We are excited to open a centre that truly responds to the needs of our children and families,” said Professor Eren Oyungu, paediatrician at MTRH and senior lecturer at Moi University and co-director of the Wezesha Watoto Centre. “For too long, children with developmental challenges have been overlooked. This centre is a major step toward ensuring that every child has access to specialized care and support to help them reach their full potential.”
The Wezesha Watoto (“Empowering Children”) Centre is the result of more than a decade of partnership between Kenyan and U.S. pediatric specialists through the AMPATH Kenya partnership. In Kenya, about 1 in 5 children have a disability. Conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy remain poorly understood which fuels stigma and harmful misconceptions. Barriers such as limited transportation, cultural beliefs and lack of awareness about available care options prevent children from receiving the support they need and leaves parents to struggle alone.
“The MTRH Wezesha Watoto Centre will provide compassionate, evidence-based care right here in Eldoret,” said Dr. Megan S. McHenry, associate professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine and lead on the project for the AMPATH Consortium of academic medical centers around the world. “Our teams walk alongside families to ensure they have access to care, services and hope.” Well-child clinics for children without neurodevelopmental challenges will also be located within the Wezesha Watoto Centre to reduce stigma and increase awareness.
The centre builds on years of research and innovation through AMPATH’s neurodevelopmental program, which has introduced successful initiatives such as Pepea Pamoja, a peer-led caregiver support group that teaches practical strategies to support children at home; Tumaini, a toilet training program co-developed with Kenyan families; and Takia, a new digital education platform that empowers peer mentors to support caregivers and help community leaders reduce stigma around autism and disability.
“The establishment of this centre shows our commitment to providing inclusive and high-quality care for Kenyan children,” said Dr. Philip Kirwa, MTRH CEO. “Families will no longer struggle in silence to find the help they need.” Support from MTRH and AMPATH donors have made the centre possible.
The centre will also be a hub for education, training and research. Clinicians, educators and community health workers will receive training on early childhood development, autism diagnosis and inclusive education. An ongoing project is Wezesha Walimu, a teacher training initiative that empowers educators to better support students with autism.
“It is a joy to see this dream become a reality for Kenyan families,” said Tonia Hassinger, a social worker and AMPATH supporter who has championed expanded services for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. “These parents and caregivers want the same thing as any parent--a healthy, happy and productive future for their children.”
“As a parent of a child living with autism, I have waited many years for a place like this,” said parent, Lindah Madegwa, team lead of the parent-run organization, Rays of Hope. “This journey has often felt lonely, searching for answers, facing stigma, and struggling to access therapy and support. Knowing that the Wezesha Watoto Children’s Neurodevelopmental Centre will bring together specialists who understand our challenges fills me with hope and excitement. I believe this centre will not only guide our children toward their full potential, but also give families like mine the confidence and support we have long prayed for.”
The groundbreaking ceremony featured leaders from MTRH, Moi University, and Indiana University, along with local families and partners who have contributed to the vision of empowering every child to thrive.
Media Contact: Allylah Msenya
AMPATH Communications
Email: pmsenya@ampath.or.ke
Website: www.ampathkenya/neuroclinic
Care Contact: MTRH Referral Coordinator
Email: nursecovering@mtrh.go.ke
Mobile No: +254-701790434
Customer Service: +254-706390391/ +254732018387
Email: cco@mtrh.go.ke