CES Kenya Alumni on the front lines of the fight against COVID

CES patron and co-founder Malik Khaemba (left) meets with CES graduate Dr. Busuku Musili in the clinic he founded, the Ikhavi Medical Centre. This clinic has been on the front lines in helping Kenyans manage the impacts of COVID-19.

During the period January-April, 2022 there will be a strong focus to encourage Kenyan youth to receive a vaccination for Covid19. Vaccines are available throughout Kenya; however, there still remains a hesitancy for many youth to receive their ‘jab’.  

In a communiqué to the CES Alumni, chairperson Edwin Nyongesa Juma wrote:

“We do not wish to see any in the CES family or any of their families suffer needlessly. During the upcoming months you will hear more from us about the need to accept protocols and to vaccinate for Covid19. To that end, the Alumni Executive have constituted a committee to engage everyone in the fight against the pandemic. 

“Thanks to the following CES Alumni: Dr Collins Nyongesa - coordinator and members Mr Dennis Were, Ms Mwanarabu Otswang, Dr Aziza Wafula, Ms Metrine Mayende (KRCHN), Mr Allan Utumbi, and Dr Musli Wetende, –– we will move forward - together - healthier.”

In a recent post, Dr Collins Nyongesa said, “I would like to remind you that I have had a first hand experience that COVID19 is a dangerous disease. Kindly get vaccinated as soon as possible and follow the MOH directives. I got infected while on job last year and then unknowingly, infected my young family. What we passed through wasn't easy. I have just been praying that none of us get close to it. I went through a passage of hell. So KINDLY GET VACCINATED.”

The following response was posted in an online chat forum. 

QUESTION - CAN BREAST FEEDING AND PREGNANT WOMEN GET VACCINATED?

People who are pregnant or recently pregnant are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with people who are not pregnant. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. Vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. People who are pregnant may receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot.

Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. The data suggests that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy. There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.

CES Canada/Kenya is supporting these dedicated youth in helping to promote a positive view of vaccination during this critical time.