Direct Relief's Activities in Kenya

Kenya is located in East Africa between Somalia and Tanzania, bordering the Indian Ocean. The average life expectancy is low at 52 years. Its semi-tropical and desert climates contribute to a number of serious problems with infectious diseases. ¹ Kenya’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is extremely high by world standards at 6.1 percent; 14.6 percent of children under 5 die from HIV/AIDS. ²  

Direct Relief has provided over $4.1 million (wholesale) in medical material assistance to Kenya since 2000, focusing on HIV/AIDS and maternal child health.

Direct Relief’s partners in Kenya include the OGRA Foundation, the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF), and Crescent Medical Aid. Since 2006, Direct Relief has supported OGRA Foundation, created in 2000 by Dr. Herzon Mc’Obewa, who is now a regional medical adviser to Direct Relief. OGRA Foundation works to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other preventable infections and diseases among residents in eight districts of Nyanza Province. OGRA Foundation responded immediately to help those affected by civil strife following elections in December 2007.

AMREF is the largest health-related NGO in Africa. It operates several clinics in Kenya including the Entasopia Health Program that provides primary care to the Maasai, a group of nomadic pastoralists who tend animals in the plains, as well as to an increasing migrant population that cultivates the country's fertile Rift Valley. Crescent Medical Aid operates primarily in the Kibera slums around Nairobi, offering children’s healthcare, orphan feeding for children who have lost one or both parents to HIV, as well as an HIV/AIDS treatment program.

Featured Work

A Doctor's Resolve Amid Political Turmoil
The widespread civil strife that broke out in the aftermath of Kenya’s December 27, 2007 presidential election was unexpected and violent.  More »

Direct Relief's Partners in Kenya