Prof Miriam Were nominated for 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

Moi University Chancellor Prof Miriam Were has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Prof Were who is known for her role in public health, name was forwarded by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), an organization that champions for peace and social justice and the Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW).

In a statement, AFSC commended her work promoting trust between governments and the private sector.

“The timing of this nomination is intended to draw attention to Dr Miriam Were’s tireless work since the 1970s in promoting trust between governments, health authorities, and the citizenry through culturally sensitive programs.”

The religious organization said some of her community initiatives in Western Kenya have played a role in improving the lives of residents.

“Dr Were has likened curative initiatives to mopping the floor under a leaking tap; consequently, her focus has been on community health approaches,” the group said.

“These efforts facilitate the uptake of health initiatives among the most vulnerable people, including today’s vaccination efforts against Covid-19.”

Acknowledging the nomination, Prof Were appealed for peace and health to be maintained in the world.

“Peace and health are the foundation for the well-being of humanity and the planet,” she said.

“I believe in the community approach as the modality for promoting both peace and health by empowering individuals and communities to lead in solving their problems including those articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Prof Were 81, started out as a High School biology and chemistry teacher in 1965 before enrolling for a medical degree in the University of Nairobi due to frustration from lack of health services for sick students and children and graduated in 1973 before proceeding to the John Hopkins University of United States for her master’s degrees.

She is currently the chairperson of Kenya National Aids Control Council.

Her nomination for the coveted global award comes just a day after the Ministry of Public Service and Special Programmes honoured her for her contribution in gender equality and women empowerment.