Lishimpi said program is aligned with government's endeavors to implement a National Paediatric Surgical and Anaesthesia Plan.
Research by the Lancet Commission shows that approximately 143 million surgical procedures are needed yearly in the world which shows a significant burden facing the Paediatric population.
In addition, approximately 85 per cent of children may require some form of surgery before their 15th birthday.
In Kenya, a recent study titled Paediatric Perioperative Mortality in Kenya revealed that the mortality rate of Paediatric procedures is 100 times higher than in high-income countries.
Melissa Morrison, Director of Health Programs at ELMA Philanthropies said the PATA initiative is key towards the realization of a well-trained workforce which is essential to ensuring that children across Africa have access to safe surgery and anesthesia care.
She said the inequities in surgical access and poor outcomes for children in Africa compared to high-income countries is unacceptable, and the PATA graduates represent hope and a future for thousands of children.
Other institutions collaborating on the implementation of the PATA program include African Mission Healthcare-Kenya, Boston Children's Hospital, Kids Operating Room, University of Nairobi, Global Institute of Children's Surgery, African Paediatric Fellowship in Africa, University of Cape Town, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, and Association of Anesthesiologists of Uganda (AAU).