Global Health Partnerships

The CHW training was expanded in 2011, when a newborn infant home visitation project was started to address the high mortality rate of infants during the first week of life. This foundational year established the principles and partnerships that would guide GHP's work for decades to come.

This program addressed the critical intersection of nutrition and education, recognizing that hungry children cannot learn effectively. The initiative provided both immediate relief and long-term hope for vulnerable families in the community.

In the 18 years since inception, GHP has continued to fill important gaps in the medical care provided by the Kisesini clinic and to address the changing health care needs of the community. Poverty and the accompanying malnutrition, poor sanitation, lack of clean drinking water, and some traditional practices contributed to high infant mortality. The maternity center became a beacon of hope for expecting mothers.

At the outset many seriously ill patients arrived on foot or by bicycle taxi and there was no means to transfer patients to the nearest hospital. This vehicle which is still in operation has been an essential life-saving addition to patient care, dramatically reducing emergency response times and saving countless lives.

Instead of having home deliveries with the traditional attendants (TBA), GHP paid the TBA's to bring the women to a health facility where there was a skilled nurse and emergency transportation if complications arise. The number of facility-based safe childbirth deliveries has risen substantially and in Kisesini and other nearby facilities since this project started.

This life-saving program addresses the critical reality that mothers often cannot recognize problems in time to prevent infant mortality. We trained Community Health Workers to identify key danger signs in newborns such as rapid breathing, poor feeding, or the presence of rash and pustules. Upon detecting these symptoms, CHWs immediately arrange transportation or urge families to seek clinic care.

The impact has been remarkable: CHWs have conducted over 1,000 newborn visits annually, dramatically improving early detection and treatment outcomes. This program has become a cornerstone of our preventive care approach, ensuring the most vulnerable patients receive timely, life-saving interventions.

Ministry of Health facilities often lack adequate medicine and supplies, creating critical gaps in patient care. Since the inauguration of the Kisesini clinic, GHP has strategically purchased essential medications and medical supplies at reduced cost through partnerships with Kenyan organizations.

Our commitment to reliable medication supply and high-quality healthcare has attracted increasing numbers of patients. The Ministry of Health recognized this growth and expanded staffing to include four nurses and a laboratory technician. However, with limited training in chronic illness management and no doctors available, ongoing education remains crucial.

GHP healthcare professionals visit twice annually to provide training for nurses and CHWs, assess ongoing projects, and review medical records to continuously improve patient care quality. This sustainable model ensures long-term healthcare excellence while building local capacity for lasting impact.