Amref Health Africa has over 54 years’ experience in health development. In 1957, three surgeons founded the Flying Doctors Service of East Africa, laying the foundation for what is now one of the continent’s leading health development and research organisations. Today, Amref Health Africa implements its projects through country programmes in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Senegal, South Sudan and South Africa. Training and consulting support are provided to an additional 30 African countries.

Amref Health Africa believes that by focusing on the health of women and children, the health of the whole community can be improved. They are concerned with skilled care of mothers before, during and after childbirth; prevention and treatment of cervical cancer, and proper management of childhood illnesses. Their main areas of intervention are maternal and child health; HIV and Tuberculosis; safe water and sanitation; malaria; and essential clinical care.

Amref Health Africa shares knowledge gained from their grassroots programmes with others, and uses it as evidence to advocate appropriate change in health policy and practice. In all their programmes, Amref Health Africa partners with communities, civil society organisations, health practitioners, and the private and public sectors to establish a participatory health care system.

Based on Amref Health Africa’s Business Plan 2011-2014, the building blocks of their approach are in three key areas:

Human Resources for Health – this includes training and re-skilling of community and other cadres of health workers

Health Management Information Systems – they believe in the use of health information for planning and programming

Community Systems Strengthening – this includes giving communities knowledge and skills to promote good health, engaging with grassroots structures, and strengthening linkages between communities and health facilities