No Man Left Behind, Amref’s Bold Shift in Primary Health Care

In Kenya, evidence suggests that men are far less likely than women to seek preventive health care. Only about a third are screened for hypertension compared to more than half of women, and many delay treatments for conditions like STIs, diabetes, or mental health concerns until it is too late. The cost is high for families, communities, and the health system.

In Nakuru County, this gap has been especially stark. Cultural stigma, limited outreach, and a lack of male-friendly services have kept men away from clinics. The consequences are devastating: undiagnosed non-communicable diseases, low HIV testing and treatment uptake, and preventable deaths. In 2024 alone, Nakuru reported 7,149 new HIV infections, yet men accounted for only 28% of tests, and their treatment initiation rates remain critically low.

The Breakthrough: Men’s Wellness Clinics

To address this gap, Amref Health Africa in Kenya launched Project THRIVE, a three-year initiative reimagining Primary Health Care (PHC) in Nakuru and Nyeri counties. A central innovation is the Men’s Wellness Clinic—safe, welcoming spaces designed specifically for men.

Community Health Promoters (CHPs) play a key role by mobilising men, breaking down stigma, and ensuring follow-up. Strong linkages with county facilities and support groups mean men who need specialised treatment are referred seamlessly, while those managing chronic conditions receive continuity of care and adherence support.

The Transformation: Njenga’s Story

At 36, John Njenga, a boda boda rider from Njoro, rarely visited health facilities. “I only went to the clinic when I couldn’t move from bed,” he recalls. Like many men in his community, he saw health as a burden to be faced only when unavoidable.

That changed when he heard from Ng’ang’a, a Community Health Promoter, about a new Men’s Wellness Clinic at his local dispensary. Curious but hesitant, he decided to try it. Instead of long queues and judgment, he found a space designed for men—welcoming, respectful, and stigma-free.

In one visit, Njenga was screened for multiple conditions. To his shock, his blood pressure was dangerously high. “I thought I was just tired from work,” he admitted quietly. He was immediately referred for treatment, counselled on lifestyle changes, and left with medication—and a new sense of hope.
“This clinic may have saved my life,” Njenga said, tucking the medicine into his jacket.

Njenga’s story reflects a broader shift. Already, more than 500 men in Nakuru’s Molo and Gilgil sub-counties have accessed services through Men’s Wellness Clinics. County leaders and health officials have hailed the model as a game-changer.

“The male-only outreach is helping us reach a population that has traditionally been underserved,” says Ms Ritah Ochola, Nakuru County Community Health Strategy Focal Person. “We appreciate Project THRIVE’s support in ensuring that men are not left behind in our health agenda.”

By integrating men’s wellness clinics into the broader healthcare system, Project THRIVE is enhancing public health security, improving resilience, and advancing health equity. “Integrated health services are not just a strategy—they are a necessity,” emphasises Solomon Mwaniki, Project Manager for THRIVE.

As Njenga rode home that afternoon, medication tucked safely in his pocket, he felt something he hadn’t felt in years:
“I feel seen. I feel cared for. And for the first time in years, I feel hopeful.”

About Project THRIVE

Project THRIVE is a transformative three-year (2024– 2026) initiative reimagining PHC in Kenya, with active implementation in Nakuru and Nyeri counties. By investing in health workers, empowering communities, and harnessing data systems such as KHIS and SPICE, the project is building resilient, gender-responsive PHC models that deliver real impact in partnership with Moderna Charitable Foundation

By Billian Sawenja – Project Officer
Communications framing by Edna Mosiara – Ag. Communications Manager