Thematic Areas > Community Systems Strengthening
A large proportion of Kenyans bear one of the highest preventable burdens of ill health in the world. The community health approach is an effective means for improving health and contributing to general socio economic development. The determinants of health are best addressed through integrated responses and achieved through people’s active participation, especially at the community level. Facilitating people’s participation is a key element of community health strategy (CHS) implementation in Kenya.The Kenya community health strategy 2014-19 envisages building the capacity of households to not only demand services from all providers, but also to know and progressively realize their rights to equitable, good quality health care as provided for in the constitution.
Uzazi Salama project plans to establish 13 community units in a bid to strengthen the health system in Samburu. Up to now over, 8 community units comprising over 300 CHVs have been setup and continue to provide community services to over 5020 beneficiaries. Entry meetings with the community gate keepers/leaders have been very helpful in realizing this initiative which has also led to a buy in. The Community health Volunteers have been trained on Water and sanitation, hygiene, health promotion, family planning among other topics