Inauguration of the Interventional Pulmonology Institute (IPI) in Nairobi, Kenya

Ali Musani, MD
IPI Chair

I am thrilled to share a milestone in our journey— the inauguration of the Interventional Pulmonology Institute (IPI) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Last week, during my visit to Nairobi, we formalized this vision by signing a memorandum of understanding between the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP) and the Avenue Healthcare System, Kenya. I had the honor of joining CEO Mr. Eric Ochieng, CMO Dr. Mohammed Said, and Site Director Dr. Naveed Merali for this momentous occasion. This marks the establishment of the second IPI in the world—and the very first in Africa.
The signing ceremony was followed by an inspiring African IP Conference, bringing together physicians, surgeons, and endoscopy and operating room teams from across the continent. The energy, collaboration, and shared commitment to advancing care were truly remarkable.

The launch of IPI Nairobi is a powerful validation of a vision that began just three years ago with the creation of the first IPI in Istanbul, Turkey. That program has already trained dozens of interventional pulmonologists who have returned to their home countries to build impactful clinical and training programs. Now, we are extending that success to Africa.
IPI Nairobi will be led by Dr. Naveed Merali, a distinguished IPI Istanbul graduate, alongside his senior colleague Dr. Peter Munyu. The team will soon be strengthened by two exceptional IPI Istanbul graduates—Dr. Jacqueline Kagima and Dr. Diana Marangu of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Through strong collaboration between KNH, Avenue Healthcare, and multiple public and private institutions, IPI Nairobi will offer a dynamic, high-volume training environment with diverse clinical exposure. Dr. Marangu’s expertise in pediatric interventional pulmonology will further expand training into this vital and underserved area.
We are excited to announce that IPI Nairobi will begin training fellows in January 2027. Applications for both IPI Istanbul and IPI Nairobi will open jointly in the coming weeks.

This achievement would not have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our international faculty, the unwavering support of our Turkish colleagues who built IPI Istanbul into a model of excellence, and our committed core IPI teams. I am deeply grateful to WABIP leadership for their trust in my vision and their ongoing support in letting me build these institutions and bring this shared vision to life.

This is more than an institutional milestone—it is a step toward transforming global health. Together, we are advancing a shared mission: to democratize medical education, expand access to specialized training, and deliver cutting-edge care to underserved regions around the world.

From left, Dr. Merali, Dr. Said, me, and Mr. Eric Ochieng signing the MOU between IPI-WABIP and Avenue Healthcare