Amref Health Africa launched its strategic plan 2023-2030 that sets out to transform the health of communities through Primary Health Care mainly focusing on women and Youth.
The non-profit organization founded in 1957 has a footprint in all 47 counties in Kenya, through shared value, and partnership with civil society organizations, development agencies, and national and county governments the 2018-2022 strategic plan has impacted the lives of more than 30 million people across multiple areas on the country.
The ambitious plan will be built from the successes and lessons from the previous strategic plan, shaping the future of health care in Kenya. The new plan provides a new perspective on people-centered health systems and social determinants of health including the effects of the climate crisis on population health, and stronger partnerships and alignment with others in the healthcare space.
Present at the event were Principal Secretary Health Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Council of Governors Health committee vice chair Gladys Wanga, Board Chair Amref Health Africa in Kenya, Mette Kinoti.
Presenting the CS Health speech, Ms. Muthoni recognized Amref’s dedication on improving health outcomes across Kenya and Africa at large.
“Since its founding in 1957, Amref has been at the forefront of quality health care services for all Kenyans. This new strategic plan will reflect your continued passion and determination to make a lasting impact,” Nakhumicha said.
The CS said the transformative plan through primary health care will contribute to propelling the country’s social and economic Vision 2030.
Nakhumicha expressed her delight in seeing how Amref aligns its effort with the government manifesto on universal healthcare coverage.
“As I have gone through the strategy, it is clear that your organization is fully supportive of the government of the Kenya Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) that will give full attention to integrated preventive and promotive health that begins at the household,” Nakhumicha said.
She added that the government has prioritized four pillars which include: commodity security that ensures the availability of quality health products and technologies at all levels of the health system, human resources which seeks to leverage 100,000 health promoters to drive a preventive and promotive health care agenda, integrated Health Information Technology aims to develop electronic community health information system to achieve patient’s data portability, and health financing as the final pillar that aims to implement social health insurance for all Kenyans.
The CS added that the Ministry will soon sign a cooperation agreement with Amref that defines key areas and desired results for technical assistance. Nakhumicha emphasized that there could never be an efficient and effective healthcare delivery system without the participation of people themselves.
Governor Wanga was impressed by the summary of the strategic plan noting that it is a people-centered health system, about the people, for the people, by the people.
“The strategic plan we are unveiling today will be a convergence of dedication, innovation, and vision to create a healthier more equitable future for all Kenyans. Amref Kenya has been an essential partner in our quest to enhance healthcare outcomes,” Wanga said.
She commended Amref’s commitment to improving health systems. She further stated that the strategic plan underscores the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration among state holders, leveraging technology, and adapting to change and realities. A health Ecosystem that is responsive, inclusive, and comprehensive and reaffirms health equity, and gender equality aligning perfectly with our national priorities.
Wanga said that Amref lays a focus on primary healthcare noting that our success in healthcare relies on collaboration.
Ms. Kinoti emphasized that through partnerships with various agencies and Governments, Kenya’s health system has been strengthened.
While welcoming health development partners Ms. Kinoti expressed how proud she was of the strategic plan and invited everyone to join in transforming the health of communities across Africa.
By Stephannie Ndunge and Samson
