Ever wondered what transformative change feels like up close? At FAH, we don’t just talk the talk; we dive deep, immersing ourselves in the field and witnessing firsthand the changes we aim to bring. This principle forms the backbone of our experiential philanthropy model. Recently, we had the privilege of sharing this immersive experience with Graham Snead of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). Set against the backdrop of the scenic Nyeri sub-national government in Kenya, this visit encompassed the essence of our work and the tangible impact on the ground.
FAH’s work is spread across 6 sub-national governments in Kenya, namely Nyeri, Nairobi, Nakuru, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, and Makueni. Our primary mission? Providing pivotal technical assistance in health financing. As a trusted strategic and technical advisor, FAH acts as a bridge between the worlds of health and finance through long-term partnering with the Ministries of Health (MoH) and Ministries of Finance (MoF) teams to develop different and changing financing solutions.
Graham Snead of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation stands fourth from the right, pictured alongside Nyeri County officials and FAH Staff. Together, they conducted a home visit with Community Health promoters.
Our visit to Nyeri County was an eye-opener. Guided by Dr. Joseph Kiragu, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health, we explored the myriad facets of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the region. The returns on the investments made in Community Health Programs are evident: from the surge in productivity and efficient health crisis management to the creation of new job opportunities, laying the groundwork for a more robust healthcare future for the people of Nyeri County.
The highlight of our trip was a heartwarming experience where we visited three households within the Kiamariga Community Unit, accompanying the Community Health Promoters during their household visits. Observing the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm displayed by the Community Health Promoters was genuinely inspirational.
“Getting the opportunity to see the CHPs in action in the field, and how they plug back into the formal PHC system, is something I’m so thankful for. It provided me with an excellent context of the conditions in which CHPs and CHWs work, who they are, and how they fit into the communities with which they work. This will be important for us from the foundation side to keep this context in mind as we begin our work together”. -Graham Snead, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read more on from the Nyeri County Weekly Newsletter
Article by Wendy Wakhusama – Financing Alliance for Health