At Coast General Hospital (CGH) in Mombasa, Kenya, EASI collaborates with local partners to address critical shortages and introduce advanced surgical techniques. Together, we are pioneering new approaches to healthcare in the region. Our Kenyan partners identify unique and challenging patients with complex surgical needs that are typically unavailable in Mombasa. In collaboration with visiting experts from EASI, surgeons at CGH are successfully performing these advanced surgeries, which results in improved patient care and the expansion of surgical skills and confidence among local surgeons. Milestones include the first subclavian vein to right atrial bypass and the first thoracoabdominal aortic surgery performed at Coast General Hospital. Through these complex surgeries, lives are saved, and sustainable improvements to cardiovascular care are being made.

Dr. John Kinyua’s transformation from general surgeon to CGH's first dedicated vascular surgeon exemplifies EASI’s commitment to specialized training and innovative surgical care. With financial assistance from EASI, Dr. Kinyua underwent specialty training in vascular surgery in Paris, France, in 2023. After completing his training, he returned to Mombasa as the region's only dedicated vascular surgeon. Dr. Faulds, a Vancouver-based vascular surgeon, continues to mentor Dr. Kinyua in the treatment of complex vascular surgery patients at Coast General Hospital.

EASI is actively addressing the growing need for cardiac surgery resources in East Africa. Cardiac surgery requires a specialized team, including surgeons, cardiac anesthesiologists, and perfusionists — clinicians who operate heart-lung machines during open-heart surgery. Since 2023, EASI has supported cardiac surgical cases at Coast General Hospital by sending small teams to supplement local staff and conduct open-heart surgery camps. Dr. Iqbal Jaffer, a cardiac surgeon based in Hamilton, and Aman Sidhu, a clinical perfusionist from Vancouver, have been training local staff during these camps through on-site education, hands-on training, and direct support for complex patient cases. EASI has identified the need to provide advanced training in Cardiac Anesthesia and Perfusion. In 2025, we aim to support the training of one cardiac anesthesiologist and one perfusionist to further strengthen the cardiac surgery program.

In the coming year, EASI will introduce cell salvage technology at Coast General Hospital, a significant advancement in reducing the need for blood transfusions during surgeries. This technology will improve patient care and help address critical blood supply challenges in the region.

EASI is working to establish a Cardiovascular Center of Excellence at Coast General Hospital, which will bridge critical healthcare gaps and improve treatment outcomes for cardiovascular patients. The center will serve as a hub for cutting-edge care and specialized services, positioning CGH as a leader in cardiovascular health for East Africa.