In 2021 吃瓜头条 (KU) in partnership with Abt Associates responded to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Health Sector Financing put out by USAID.聽 This partnership successfully secured funding to implement the USAID Health Equity and Resource Optimisation (HERO) project supporting 10 counties and the national government.
USAID is focusing on strengthening localization by working with Kenyan institutions to deliver development programmes that aligns with Kenya鈥檚 priorities. This allows us to strengthen our systems and be the 鈥榞o to鈥� think tank not only in Kenya, but in the region enabling us to implement many more USAID and other donor funded projects.
This project affirms the university鈥檚 status as a trailblazer among academia around areas of research which influence decision making and support both levels of government to deliver the health for all agenda. KU will continue to harness partnerships with an aim to strengthen our research, innovation and outreach.
鈥淎s a teaching and research institution, we need to position ourselves and our beneficiaries especially our students so that more research grants can come our way. This will offer our students placement opportunities and access to updated information for their research work.鈥�
Highlights Professor Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor- Research, Innovation and Outreach.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Wainaina outlined how USAID HERO and other projects implemented in KU present tremendous opportunities to the faculty.
鈥淎t this moment, the faculty is exposed to new research opportunities and areas of collaboration and partnerships as we implement the various development programmes. The strengthened systems will also allow us to attract more research grants-benefiting the institution.鈥�
Says Professor Wainaina, Vice Chancellor during a meeting between University Management and USAID HERO staff.
The USAID HERO project works to improve evidence generation, health financing and social protection systems for better health outcomes in Kenya both at the National and County levels. 聽At the National level the project is working with the Council of Governors (COG), MOH -Planning and Financing Directorates, Social Protection Secretariat, Government think tanks, Directorate of Children Services and Social Health Insurance Agency (SHIA) that is replacing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
At the county level, the project is working with 10 counties: Kwale, Kilifi, Taita-Taveta, Kajiado, Meru, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo. 聽To ensure sustainability of gains made by the project, USAID HERO project is working with national advocacy structures for health such as the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV in Kenya (NEPHAK) and will onboard 10-14 local Civil Society organization (CSOs) to enhance public participation and prioritization of the health and social protection in Kenya.
