Kenya’s Dr. Miriam Were Nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Quaker Peace and Social Witness (QPSW) have nominated Kenya’s Dr. Miriam Were for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.

AFSC in a statement said this was in recognition of Were’s tireless work in promoting trust between governments, health authorities, and the citizens through culturally sensitive programs since the 1970s.

They argue that Were’s focus on community health approaches has facilitated the uptake of health initiatives among vulnerable people, including the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination campaign.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to nominate Dr. Miriam Were for the Nobel Peace Prize,” said Joyce Ajlouny, General Secretary of AFSC.

She added: “Over the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of public health policy and global health equity. Dr. Were’s work on community-based health initiatives around the world is powerful and essential for building a just and peaceful future.”

On its part, the Quaker group praised Dr. Were’s commitment to peace, saying it was in line with their goal of achieving peace.

“Dr. Were has embodied this dream over the years. During her long career, she has faced threats of violence and professional retaliation because of her refusal to bow to corrupt practices,” the group said. “Dr. Were has demonstrated the Quaker testimony of integrity to the highest degree even when her personal safety was jeopardized.”

While expressing her gratitude for the nomination, Dr. Were termed peace as the foundation for humanity’s and the planet’s well-being.

“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,” Dr. Were said. 

Were holds a medical degree from the University of Nairobi, and masters and doctorate degrees in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She has served in the health sector for close to 50 years.