Amref Health Africa

East African Flying Doctor Service Cessna 402B at its Nairobi (Wilson) Airport base in 1973

Amref Health Africa, formerly known as the African Medical and Research Foundation, is a non-governmental organization headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. It is the largest health development non-governmental international organization based in Africa. Working across the continent, Amref Health Africa's mission is to improve health and healthcare in Africa, with a focus on primary healthcare, maternal and child health, water and sanitation, disease control, and health systems strengthening.

History

Amref Health Africa was founded in 1957 by three surgeons, Michael Wood, Archibald McIndoe, and Tom Rees, after they witnessed the critical health needs of communities in remote areas of East Africa. The organization initially started as the Flying Doctors Service of East Africa, providing emergency medical and surgical services. Over the years, it has evolved into a leading health development organization, expanding its services beyond emergency response to include disease prevention, training, and health education.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Amref Health Africa is to increase sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, health services delivery, and investments in health. Their vision is for lasting health change in Africa, where all African communities can achieve universal health coverage.

Programs and Initiatives

Amref Health Africa implements various programs and initiatives across the African continent, focusing on:

• Primary Healthcare: Strengthening primary healthcare systems to ensure communities have access to essential services.
• Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health: Improving the health and survival of mothers and children through access to reproductive health services and nutrition.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Promoting access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent waterborne diseases.
• Disease Control and Prevention: Focusing on the prevention and control of diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
• Health Systems Strengthening: Working to improve healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, and enhancing health information systems.

Training and Education

A key component of Amref Health Africa's approach is the training and education of health workers. Through its innovative e-learning and mHealth programs, Amref Health Africa reaches thousands of health workers across the continent, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to provide quality care in their communities.

Partnerships

Amref Health Africa collaborates with various partners, including African governments, international donors, private sector companies, and local communities, to achieve its mission. These partnerships are crucial for scaling up effective health interventions and ensuring sustainable health improvements.

Impact

Over the years, Amref Health Africa has made significant contributions to improving health outcomes in Africa. Its work has led to increased access to healthcare services, reduced mortality rates, and strengthened health systems across the continent.

Challenges

Despite its successes, Amref Health Africa faces several challenges, including limited resources, health workforce shortages, and the high burden of diseases. Additionally, emerging health threats and changing health landscapes require continuous adaptation and innovation.

Future Directions

Amref Health Africa continues to adapt its strategies to meet the evolving health needs of the African continent. It is committed to leveraging technology, fostering partnerships, and advocating for policies that promote universal health coverage and sustainable health development.