Health Justice Programme

Article 43(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of healthcare including reproductive health. In 2017, the President signed into law The Health Act No. 21 of 2017 which provides an overarching legal framework for health in the country. Further, The Health Policy 2014 – 2030 provides for inclusive and non-discriminatory services to health for all Kenyans. Despite these guarantees, not all citizens have full access to health services or enjoy the right to health. It is for this reason that the Health Justice Programme will “contribute to a society where health is accessible to all” using a human rights based approach. The programme is dedicated to promoting and safeguarding the Right to Health for all individuals. Our program recognizes health as a fundamental human right and strives to address disparities, enhance healthcare accessibility, and advocate for policies that contribute to the overall well-being of communities.

1. Advocacy for Health Policies: We actively engage with policymakers to advocate for the development and implementation of health policies that prioritize the well-being of the population. This includes advocating for increased healthcare funding, the establishment of healthcare facilities, and the enhancement of public health programs.
2. Healthcare Accessibility: We work tirelessly to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to every individual, regardless of socio-economic status, geographical location, or any other potential barrier. Our initiatives focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and reducing disparities in access.
3. Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups: We pay special attention to the health needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups. This includes women, children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those living in remote areas. Our goal is to address specific health challenges faced by these groups and ensure they have equal access to healthcare services.
4.  Disease Prevention and Awareness: Prevention is a key aspect of healthcare. Through our program, we implement awareness campaigns, community education, and initiatives that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health, reducing the prevalence of diseases.

Key Focus Areas

1. Maternal and Child Health: Ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children is a priority. Our programs address issues such as maternal mortality, infant health, and access to essential healthcare services for mothers and children.
2. Infectious Disease Prevention: We implement initiatives to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, with a focus on diseases that disproportionately affect the region. This includes awareness campaigns, vaccination programs, and community-based interventions.
3. Mental Health: Recognizing the importance of mental health, we advocate for destigmatizing mental health issues, improving access to mental health services, and integrating mental health into overall healthcare strategies.
4. Community Health Education: Knowledge is key to making informed health decisions. Our program includes community health education initiatives that empower individuals with the knowledge needed to maintain good health and prevent diseases.
5. Community Engagement and Partnerships: Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We actively engage with local communities, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and governmental bodies to create a collective impact. By fostering partnerships, we amplify the reach and effectiveness of our initiatives, ensuring that the right to health becomes a reality for everyone.

To this end, the programme shall focus on the following sub thematic area namely:

1. Management, governance and financing of the public healthcare system
2. Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Under management, governance and financing of health, the programme shall implement projects that seek to promote greater accountability of duty bearers in the provision of public healthcare services. The programme shall strengthen the capacity of Kenyan civil society including women and youth as independent watch dogs in health governance and financing. It shall ensure that their voice is not only heard but also considered through treaty reporting, budget tracking and effective participation at international, national and county-level forums.

While seeking to promote reproductive health, the programme shall implement projects that will seek to strengthen the capacities of communities including the most vulnerable sections of the population such as children, women, youth, indigenous groups and people living with disabilities around sexual and reproductive health. This will enhance the participation of stakeholder and their engagement in the realization of SRHR. In addition, the programme shall seek to strengthen community advocacy against harmful cultural practices. This shall be achieved by supporting sensitization of communities, engaging State agencies in the formulation and amendment of relevant legislation and policy, and gender transformative programming targeting the custodians of retrogressive practices.