(Nairobi, Kenya, 6, March 2026) - Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence can now access free, 24/7 confidential comprehensive medical services at the Kenyatta University, Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Tumaini Clinic in Nairobi. This follows a partnership between KUTRRH with the medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders.
“Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a medical emergency and requires early access to medical care within 72 hours, including mental health support. ” Says Dr. Zeinab Gura CEO, Kenyatta University, Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital. “This Tumaini clinic is designed to be a survivor-friendly space to ensure access to comprehensive care close to the communities for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence , reducing barriers preventing timely care.”.
Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is a medical emergency and requires early access to medical care within 72 hours, including mental health support.Dr. Zeinab Gura CEO, Kenyatta University, Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital
Early intervention can prevent sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, STIs, unintended pregnancy, and mental health support. However, due to high levels of shame and victimization, sexual violence often goes unspoken, and survivors rarely receive care. This increases the need to ensure barriers such as long waits and stigma at health facility level are removed to improve survivor experience and encourage health-seeking.
“For the past 18 years, MSF has been providing SGBV care in Eastlands area of Nairobi. Since then, the number of survivors remains high, with MSF treating a survivor every two hours,” Says Nangyally Akhtari, MSF Project Coordinator in Eastlands Nairobi. “However, we know this number does not reflect on the need, with survivors facing different barriers to care, including distance and stigma that the Tumaini clinics are addressing.”
For the past 18 years, MSF has been providing SGBV care in Eastlands area of Nairobi. Since then, the number of survivors remains high, with MSF treating a survivor every two hours.Nangyally Akhtari, MSF Project Coordinator in Eastlands Nairobi
The KUTRRH Tumaini clinic offers medical care including prevention of sexually transmitted infections such post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection, emergency contraception, wound care, vaccinations, and mental health support.
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