Uasin Gishu joins AMPATH’s Growing POCUS Network
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is changing what is possible at the first point of care in clinics throughout western Kenya. Instead of relying solely on referrals to facilities with conventional imaging services, a trained healthcare worker can use a portable ultrasound device at the bedside to gather additional information, support clinical assessment and make more informed decisions about a patient’s care.
AMPATH has been at the forefront of implementing this approach in Kenya, building one of the country’s largest multi-use POCUS programmes and taking the technology into lower-level health facilities. The programme has been implemented across counties in Western Kenya, including Bungoma, Busia and Elgeyo Marakwet, with more than 240 POCUS devices deployed to health facilities, including Level 2 and Level 3 facilities that previously had limited or no access to ultrasound services. The programme combines equipment with health worker training, mentorship, clinical protocols and referral systems to support the integration of POCUS into routine care.
Now, this innovation is being extended to Uasin Gishu County. Last month, the County Government of Uasin Gishu officially launched the AMPATH POCUS initiative at Huruma Level 4 Facility, with Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim and Moi University Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Khaemba Ongeti officiating the launch. Professor Sylvester Kimaiyo, AMPATH Executive Director for Care, also attended. The expansion will see about 600 healthcare workers trained and Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 health facilities equipped with ultrasound probes. The aim is to bring diagnostic capacity closer to communities and strengthen the ability of frontline healthcare workers to identify possible complications earlier, make timely clinical decisions and determine when patients need further investigation or referral.
Support for this initiative is being provided through Panorama Global, a U.S. charitable foundation, with funding from Gates Foundation, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Company, and MSD through its MSD for Mothers initiative*.
Through the collaboration between the County Government of Uasin Gishu, and AMPATH partners including Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), the focus is not simply on putting ultrasound devices in health facilities. It is on creating the skills, systems and support required for healthcare workers to use the technology safely and effectively.
For H.E Governor Chelilim, that includes continued investment beyond the launch itself.
“I encourage our healthcare workers to use this technology responsibly and make it part of quality patient care. As a county government, we will continue working to strengthen training, mentorship, referral systems and supportive supervision so that this investment benefits our people.”
The emphasis on training and mentorship reflects an important part of AMPATH’s POCUS implementation model across the region. Technology is most useful when it is integrated into the health system and supported by healthcare workers who are trained and mentored to use it appropriately.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Ongeti confirmed that community is at the heart of the partnership between the institutions. “We believe the true value of research and innovation is responding to the needs of the community, and that is what the partnership between AMPATH partners including Moi University and MTRH is committed to do through POCUS, by bringing technology to promote the health of our people.”
The combination of the POCUS device and a trained healthcare worker means a pregnant woman can be assessed closer to home. A patient presenting with breathing difficulties can receive a more detailed assessment. A healthcare worker can identify findings that may require further investigation or urgent referral, helping inform the next step in a patient's care. POCUS does not replace conventional ultrasound, specialist care or formal diagnostic imaging. Instead, it gives frontline providers another tool to support clinical decision-making and help determine the next step in a patient's care.
From county implementation to a continental conversation
As Uasin Gishu becomes part of the growing POCUS network, the lessons emerging from Kenya are also feeding into a broader conversation about how point-of-care ultrasound can strengthen health systems across Africa. That conversation will come to Eldoret in January 2027, when AMPATH hosts The Africa Region Point-of-Care Ultrasound Summit (TARPS).
The summit, taking place from 21–23 January 2027, with a pre-summit on 20 January, will bring together clinicians, educators, researchers, policymakers, health system leaders and partners under the theme: “Promoting Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Collaboration to Improve Patient Outcomes.”
The summit will provide a platform to share implementation experiences, research, innovations and lessons from the growing use of POCUS across the region.
Register for the Summit. Early Bird rates end November 2.
*MSD for Mothers is an initiative of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, U.S.A.