Amref Graduates over 6,000 Health Professionals in Africa trained on Leadership Management and Governance for Health Systems Strengthening

NAIROBI, 20 August, 2021: Amref Health Africa has today held its graduation ceremony for the first cohort of middle level managers and senior policy makers from across 32 countries in Africa who completed their programmes in Leadership Management and Governance for Health System Strengthening (LMG-HSS).

The capacity building programme dubbed Partnership for Health Systems Strengthening in Africa (PHSSA), which is implemented by Amref’s Institute of Capacity Development (ICD) was launched in 2010 as a tripartite joint capacity building with the Kenyan Ministry of Health and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The programme is designed to strengthen and harmonise regional capacity building efforts for sustainable health system strengthening. It recognises the importance of developing Leadership, Management and Governance (LMG) competencies of senior and middle-level health managers across the public and private sectors.

“The course offers a transformational learning experience that prepares the graduands to assume responsibilities at the highest level as they lead their institutions to achieve sustainable competitive edge.  The training integrates key management concepts and best practices to equip health managers with skills in strategic thinking and leadership,” said Dr George Kimathi, Director, ICD, Amref Health Africa.

He commended the initiatives of governments as well development partners for making deliberate efforts and commitments to provide relevant and timely support for capacity building programmes which is a key pillar of the health system and the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“The African Union, through the health ministers, had initially adopted a strategic plan for strengthening health systems and it is in this context that JICA made a resolve to provide support specifically on strengthening health systems. Through, the Africa Health Leadership Management Network, JICA has been able to work under the leadership of Amref Health Africa to develop and offer the LMG programme for health system strengthening,” said Dr Naftali Agata, Health Sector Consultant at JICA Kenya.

Dr Jennifer Mamwa Programme Manager, PHSSA Programme, underlined how the programme is a powerful step towards realising Universal Health Coverage in Africa. “Leadership Management and Governance capacity building for health professionals is a key enabler for the health sectors towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Let us advocate for its recognition and resource allocation by all the relevant stakeholders,” she said.

The Certified Healthcare leaders received their three months training through e-learning, which was offered in English, French and Portuguese. The programme has also leveraged on Information Communications Technology (ICT) to implement the course on an e-learning platform with the objective of reaching a critical mass of health professionals.

About Amref Health Africa

Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) and is headquartered in Kenya. With a focus on increasing sustainable health access, Amref manages programmes in over 35 countries in Africa, with lessons learnt over 60 years of engagement with governments, communities and partners. Amref also engages in programme development, fundraising, partnership, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation. Amref has offices in Europe and North America and operates its subsidiaries: Amref Flying Doctors, Amref Health Enterprises, and the Amref International University.

About Amref Health Africa’s Institute of Capacity Development (ICD)

ICD seeks to address human resources for health (HRH) challenges in Africa including shortages, capacity, and retention of health workers. The Institute operates a unique model that leverages on strong partnerships with our communities, the public, private and development partners, world-leading innovative and creative solutions, extensive HRH experience and deep contextual knowledge to deliver outstanding sustainable interventions in HRH towards the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in the region.

About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is a governmental agency that delivers the bulk of Official Development Assistance for the government of Japan. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries, and the promotion of international cooperation. It provides technical cooperation and other forms of aid promoting economic and social development in developing countries.

Press Contacts

Elizabeth (Lizz) Ntonjira
Global Communication Director
Amref Health Africa
Email: Elizabeth.Ntonjira@amref.org

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