Projects

Projects

Projects, Activities

Sustainable Financing of Sexual and Reproductive Health Commodities(SRHC)

In 2021, a 2-year project was initiated with the aim of advancing sustainable financing for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Kisumu County. This project, which received funding from the Waterloo Foundation, was implemented in collaboration with Health Action International. The primary objective was to advocate for increased domestic resource mobilization, as well as increased investments and prioritization for SRHR services.

As a result of this project, a comprehensive advocacy roadmap was developed through a multi-stakeholder approach. This roadmap serves as a guide for county stakeholders in Kisumu, enabling them to work towards achieving optimal SRH, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH), and SRHR services across all sub-counties. By engaging various stakeholders and fostering collaboration, this initiative aims to improve access to essential SRHR services and contribute to the overall well-being of the community in Kisumu County.

The Snakebite Program

The burden of snakebite envenoming in Kenya has reached a critical point and demands immediate attention. In response to this pressing issue, we have launched a program in collaboration with Health Action International (HAI) that places a strong emphasis on the care, management, and treatment of snakebites in the country.

Our program takes a comprehensive approach by integrating advocacy efforts to ensure the availability of essential commodities for snakebite treatment. We also prioritize community sensitization and education to raise awareness about snakebites and their proper management. Additionally, we provide training to healthcare workers, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to effectively care for and treat snakebite cases across the counties we focus on.

Since 2020, the Access to Medicines Platform has been working in partnership with Health Action International to implement the Snakebite Project. Together, we are committed to addressing the challenges posed by snakebite envenoming and improving the overall response to snakebite cases in Kenya.

Mental Health

We recognize the importance of supporting local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in their efforts to advocate for improvements in mental health policy formulation and implementation. Through evidence-based advocacy, we aim to enhance budget allocations for mental health, increase access to high-quality care and treatment for individuals with mental health conditions, and promote a rights-based approach to mental health service provision.

By collaborating with local CSOs, we can leverage their expertise and community knowledge to drive meaningful change in mental health policies and practices. Together, we can work towards ensuring that mental health receives the attention and resources it deserves, ultimately improving the lives of individuals affected by mental health conditions.

Through campaigns and advocacy initiatives, we will strive to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and advocate for the rights of individuals seeking mental health services. By promoting evidence-based approaches and collaborating with local CSOs, we can foster an environment that supports the well-being and inclusion of individuals with mental health conditions.

Availability of SRH Instruments

The survey conducted on the availability of essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) devices and instruments revealed some interesting findings. In the public sector, the highest availability was observed for the speculum, with 86% of facilities having it. The foetal scope also had a high availability of 82%. On the other hand, the lowest availability was found for vasectomy kits, with only 19% of facilities having them. Tubal ligation kits and infant-size training mannequins also had low availability, with 23% and 20% respectively.

Similar trends were observed in the private and mission sectors, where the speculum and foetal scope had the highest availability. Conversely, vasectomy kits, tubal ligation kits, and infant-size training mannequins had the lowest availability in these sectors as well.

These findings highlight the gaps in the availability of essential SRH devices and instruments across sectors. Addressing these gaps is crucial to ensure that healthcare facilities have the necessary tools to provide comprehensive SRH services. Efforts should be made to improve the availability of these devices, especially those with the lowest availability, to enhance the quality and accessibility of SRH care.

Health Systems Advocacy Partnership(HSAP)

The Health Systems Advocacy Partnership (HSAP) was a five-year program that concluded its implementation in 2020. The program aimed to support and strengthen health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on promoting the highest attainable Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for individuals in the region.

Launched in 2016, the HSAP focused on two key areas: strengthening human resources for health and improving access to essential SRHR commodities. Additionally, the program advocated for good governance and equitable health financing to ensure sustainable and effective health systems.

Through the HSAP, significant outcomes were achieved, leading to improved access to SRHR services, information, and commodities. The program played a vital role in enhancing the capacity of health workers, ensuring the availability of essential SRHR commodities, and advocating for policies that promote equitable health financing and governance.

By addressing these critical areas, the HSAP made significant contributions to advancing SRHR and empowering individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa to exercise their rights to the highest attainable level of SRHR services and information.