​In June, Dr. Catherine Njeru, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT Clinical Fellow at BC Children's Hospital, and Dr. Mark Ansermino, the Co-Executive Medical Director of the Institute for Global Health, delivered donations of zoledronic acid and other medical supplies to Machakos Orthopaedic Clinic in Kenya. These donations, arranged by Dr. JP Chanoine and sourced from Health Partners International Canada (HPIC), are a lifeline for the community at Machakos Orthopaedics. They have a profound impact on children with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a genetic condition that causes brittle bones and frequent fractures.

Dr. Specky Mbula Nguku, an Anaesthesiologist and Pain Specialist at Machakos Orthopaedics, has found zoledronic acid to be particularly crucial in reducing the frequency of fractures for these young patients. The medication cannot reverse severe disabilities or entirely remove the need for corrective surgeries, however, it significantly improves the quality of life for these children by reducing deformities and the associated stigma.

The inconsistent availability of these medications in Kenya remains a major challenge. The clinic currently relies on donations. In 2018, a donation was received for two patients, but the supply ran out in 2019. By 2020, private hospital purchases and imports from the UK became financially unsustainable during the COVID pandemic. Dr. Nguku is actively working with suppliers to stock these essential drugs, but the low profit margins creates significant barriers.

Machakos Orthopaedics regularly treats 49 patients with OI, with many returning frequently for these treatments. A notable success story is Innocent, a 17-year-old who started receiving zoledronic acid two years ago. With fewer fractures, he has been able to engage in competitive sports like wheelchair tennis and basketball, with hopes of representing Kenya in future competitions.