There is a special Kenyan woman to honor on International Women's Day. She is Professor Miriam Were, who has been on the frontline of the health of her vulnerable fellow citizens for years.
Miriam has been nominated in recent days for the Nobel Peace Prize 2022. Two international associations, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW), recommended the Kenyan woman to the Swedish foundation, citing her tireless work since the 1970s in bringing together governments, health authorities and the private sector to fund culturally sensitive and sustainable programs.
Born and raised in Kenya, west of the country, Professor Were who is now 81 years old, received her medical degree from the University of Nairobi in 1973 before heading to the United States for her masters. Her career in public health has spanned more than 50 years.
Previously, she worked as head of health and nutrition with Unicef Ethiopia, as well as a representative of the World Health Organization. She is the chair of the Kenya National Aids Control Council and still serves on the Lancet Covid-19 Commission. She has also coordinated community health care in western Kenya, as well as being rector of Moi University.
"A living legend who at more than 80 years old continues to serve her country and her people," national television station KBC, which dedicated a special to her recently, said of her.
"Dealing with healthcare in Africa is like sweeping the floor under a leaky faucet - is one of her most significant phrases - I deal with the resistance of the floor, that is, the health of the most affected communities."
His efforts lately include efforts to convince his people to vaccinate.
"Peace and health are the foundation for the well-being of humanity and the planet," said Miriam Were commenting on the Nobel nomination, "I believe in the community approach as a way to promote both peace and health, empowering individuals and communities to lead the solution to their problems, including those articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals.