Kenyan Doctor Wins International Award for Efforts in Advancing Global Health

A Kenyan doctor has received international recognition for her efforts in advancing global health.

Dr. Jemimah Kariuki, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Kenyatta National Hospital, is among the three recipients of the World Health Organization (WHO) Director General’s Award for Global Health 2021.

She was honored alongside former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and Catalin Denciu, a Romania medic. They were honored during the 75th assembly of the World Health Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland.

Reacting to the recognition, Dr. Jemimah said: “Thank you so much WHO and most especially the Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom for awarding the effort and all my colleagues and partners for making it possible. For the young in society, this shows that you can make it! And to all pregnant women, the world cares about your life.”

Jemimah hit global headlines last year due to her efforts in caring for pregnant mothers during the COVID-19 lockdown and curfew. She started Wheels for Life, a free ambulance service for mothers in labor after dark. The program received more than 5,000 calls and delivered over 600 babies.