Location: Nyanza Province
Web site: www.ografoundation.org
The OGRA Foundation is a community-based, nongovernmental organization founded in 2000 by Dr. Hezron Mc’Obewa. The foundation’s goal is to promote and improve health by combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other preventable diseases among residents of eight districts of Nyanza Province: Kisumu, Nyando, Rachuonyo, Kuria, Rongo, Homa-bay, Gucha and Nyamira.
In partnership with Direct Relief; the Kenyan Ministry of Health; and AIDS, Population and Health Integrated Assistance ii (APHIA ii), OGRA Foundation provides:
- Operation and support of rural clinics and hospitals
- Training and support for home-based care workers
- Operation of the International School of Medicine and Applied Technology
- Provision of educational, vocational, and food support for orphans
- Assistance with construction and infrastructure development for primary schools
Direct Relief has been providing support to OGRA Foundation since 2006, including more than $17.5 million (wholesale) of pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and medical equipment. Direct Relief has also provided $185,000 in cash grants for assistance during the post-election violence, support for HIV/AIDS programs, and emergency flood relief.
Direct Relief also supports OGRA’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs through the supply of Abbott Determine test kits for testing pregnant women, their children, and their partners for HIV. Currently 20 percent of those tested have tested positive.
Direct Relief’s HIV/AIDS treatment support to OGRA enabled it to launch an HIV/AIDS program in 2007 that started by supporting HIV care and treatment programs at OGRA’s medical Center and Kibigori Dispensary. These facilities are now providing HIV care and treatment to over 1,000 people. As a result of OGRA’s effective management they have been selected by the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs to coordinate and support all facilities in the Greater Nyando District. The 30 facilities provide HIV care and treatment to over 37,000 people.
Dr. Mc’Obewa administers medical clinics in the districts of Kisumu and Nyandoc. Educated in England, Dr. Mc’Obewa helped start OGRA Foundation as a community-based organization to provide healthcare and promote socioeconomic and cultural development. As a result of OGRA’s strong community reputation, Dr. Mc’Obewa serves as the head of medical outreach for the Kisumu area’s ad-hoc humanitarian aid committee, coordinating between aid agencies, governments, and international bodies. Read a story about Dr. Mc'Obewa
In late December 2007, Kenya, once viewed as one of the most stable countries in East Africa, experienced an outbreak of violence following a disputed election. Exact numbers were hard to calculate, but the Kenyan Red Cross estimated that more than 1,000 people were killed, and United Nations officials estimated that 500,000 people were displaced throughout the country. Despite being engulfed in the eye of the violence and having his personal office burned to the ground, Dr. Mc’Obewa pressed on to aid people from all tribal groups who were caught in the crossfire.